Chrysler LLC’s chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli said last night that he’s open to more partnerships like one announced this week expanding the automaker’s car- and truck-building alliance with Nissan Motor.
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He said such deals are key in Chrysler’s plans to sell vehicles in growing markets worldwide, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
“We’re always looking for opportunities,” Robert Nardelli told the news agency following a speech to about 1,300 people at the Society of Automotive Engineers banquet. He added: “Our ability to meet the emerging market demands as quickly as we can would suggest we should look at partnerships and alliances, and that’s what we did.”
The agreement with Nissan is part of a tightening relationship as the two automakers attempt to adapt to a US market buffeted by the economic slowdown and rising petrol prices, AP said. Such partnerships, Nardelli told the news agency, will allow Chrysler to meet demand in the compact car segment, where it has a void in its lineup.
“Expanding our global business also makes us stronger in our home market, because it helps balance out the ups and downs in the North American economy,” Nardelli said in his speech. “Alliances and partnerships play a big part in this international expansion.”
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By GlobalDataNardelli reportedly said Chrysler remains on track through the first quarter in meeting its performance targets for this year set by new owners Cerberus Capital Management.
“We are very pleased, in spite of some of the economic winds that are hitting us,” Nardelli told AP after the speech. But he reiterated that Chrysler doesn’t expect to be profitable on an operational basis by the end of the year.
In his speech, Nardelli also highlighted plans to establish global centres to strengthen planned long-term international growth, supporting design, engineering, manufacturing and distribution.
“Working with strategic partners, we are expanding our presence in China, India, Mexico and Russia,” Nardelli said.
Nardelli also denied reports earlier this week that Chrysler is talking to Fiat about providing Fiat with capacity in the US to assemble Alfa Romeo cars. “There are no talks,” Nardelli reportedly told AFP.
“I don’t know where that came from,” he added.
