Skip to main content

Mazda and Fiat announce cooperation programme

Mazda Motors and Fiat have signed MoU for manufacturing of a new roadster for Mazda and Alfa Romeo.

Mazda Motor Corporation and Fiat Group Automobiles have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and manufacturing of a new roadster for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo marques based on Mazda s next-generation MX-5 rear-wheel-drive architecture.



The study calls for both Mazda and Fiat to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight, roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand.



The project assumption is that both vehicles will be manufactured at Mazda s Hiroshima, Japan, plant with production for Alfa Romeo envisaged starting in 2015.



"Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as AlfaRomeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognized as the best-selling roadster of all time." said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda s Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.



"This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognized leader in compact rear-drive vehiclearchitectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship," said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.



The Final Agreement is expected to be signed in the second-half of 2012.



Mazda and Fiat have also agreed to discuss further opportunities for co-operation in Europe.


 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Toshiba Canada enters all-in-one PC market

Toshiba of Canada has thrown its hat into the all-in-one personal computer (PC) ring with the launch this week of the Toshiba DX730, a 23” all-in-one machine designed for users who want a large display and multimedia features in an environment where space is at a premium. It's Toshiba's first foray into this form factor, said Mini Saluja, national training manager with Toshiba of Canada, building on its experience in the laptop market. The DX730 has a 23” full HD multitouch display with a glossy black finish on an aluminum stand. It comes with a matching Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and boasts Onkyo stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio sound processing. Two models of the DX730 will initially be available. The $899 model features a second-generation Intel Core i3 processor with 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 1TB 7200 RPM hard drive, a DVD SuperMulti Drive and HDMI in. For $1,049, you can move up to a model with an NVIDIA Geforce GT 540M processor and Intel Core i5, as we...

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra review

  Introduction Now that the Pro moniker has gone mainstream, it's Ultra that has come to represent the cream of the crop, and the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra can wear that badge proudly. Limited to its home market last year, the ultimate Mi has gone global this time around, and we're happy to have it for review today. We're torn whether it's the camera system's physical appearance that is more striking or the hardware inside. A simply massive raised area on the back looks bolted on, almost after the fact, it's hard to miss, and it's a great conversation starter even if it's not everyone's cup of tea. But its size is warranted - the main camera packs the largest sensor used on a modern-day smartphone, and next to it - two more modules unmatched in their own fields, in one way or another. Oh, and yes, there's also a display here - because why not, but also because it can be useful. There's a lot more than 1.1 inches of ...

Tropical storm Beryl makes landfall on US coast

The weather system was expected to continue dumping rain over parts of Florida and Georgia. Tropical Storm Beryl made landfall early Monday in northeast Florida, bringing drenching rains and driving winds to the southeastern U.S. coast, forecasters said. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Beryl made landfall over Duval and northern St. John s counties, with near-hurricane-strength winds of 70 mph (113 kph). "There are strong rain bands that are rotating around the center of the storm..." forecaster Al Sandrik said in an audio statement on the NHC website. The weather system was expected to continue dumping rain over parts of Florida and Georgia on Monday. It was expected to weaken as it moves inland and become a tropical depression by Monday night. Tropical storm warnings were in effect for the entire Georgia coastline, as well as parts of Florida and South Carolina. Florida Gov. Rick Scott urged Florida residents in the affected areas to "stay alert ...