A confluence of two giant automakers Fiat and Chrysler could end up enriching shop windows of Tata Motors. The Italian giant plans to pick up 35% stake in the struggling Detroit firm and this may result in Tata retailing Chrysler brands like the Jeep Cherokee. Besides this it would pitch in its expertise on small cars. 

 

Fiat’s global spokesman denied confirmation of the news and said it was too early to discuss this. The partnership between Fiat and Chrysler is focused on small and affordable products. If the deal falls through then Fiat will give Chrysler which earlier focused on SUVs, an access to mini, lower and upper medium product platforms. It can assist Chrysler in gaining access to more fuel-efficient and smaller engines and transmissions.

 

Fiat is already in discussions with Tata Motors to sell the Rs 1-lakh car Tata Nano in select export markets. Although M&M was keen on Chrysler’s Jeep brand, the American company’s liabilities made it an unattractive buy.