Two years after it bought Vauxhall and Opel from General Motors, PSA Group has confirmed it is exploring a merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
The French company, which owns the Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall and DS brands, could create one of the world's largest carmakers if a merger was agreed to add Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Jeep brands under shared strategic leadership.
Reports suggest said the discussions are at an early stage.
Fiat Chrysler had explored a merger with Renault ealier this year but those talks ended.
Requirements for costly investment in new vehicle technology to meet emissions standards and safety demands, plus changes to how consumers are shopping for their cars, are driving some car manufacturers to seek partnerships and acquisitions that create greater scale operations and that will bring manufacturing synergies.
PSA Group has previously stated it plans to take the Peugeot brand to the US market, where FCA's Jeep and Chrysler brands are already strong.
Fiat Chrysler already has a commercial vehicle partnership with Peugeot.
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
hetty - 30/10/2019 09:31
Will spell a massive cull of dealerships throughout Europe and the closure of a large amount of plants . Political dynamite !! Would put I would say abut 300 dealers at risk in the UK alone !! Strange as was only 7 years ago that PSA was bailed out by the French state and the Chinese !!!