Fiat Claims No Plans of Mazda Purchase

When MazdaMazdaJapan, 1920 > present80 models
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announced its partnership with Alfa RomeoAlfa RomeoItaly, 1910 > present108 models
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for the next generation MiataMazda MX-5Japan, 1989 > present4 series
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, the immediate speculation was that this is the first step toward a future Fiat/Mazda tie-up, but FiatFiatItaly, 1899 > present159 models
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says no. 

Since being sold by Ford, Mazda needs a larger partner, and Fiat is lacking a Pacific partner. It seems like a perfect relationship. However, Fiat is saying that it has not plans to purchase any part of Mazda, and it will increase its stake in Chrysler to 60% in July, a 2.5% increase.

"We have no plan to buy a stake in Mazda," said Fiat Chairman John Elkann.

Eventually, Fiat plans to buy a 100% stake in Chrysler.

Fiat might not have plans to buy any part of Mazda now, but that could change in the future. Fiat can build high performance cars. After all they won FerrariFerrariItaly, 1947 > present233 models
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and MaseratiMaseratiItaly, 1914 > present62 models
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. They would not go seeking a partner unless they wanted to. Also, Mazda needing help is an open secret in the automotive industry. It seems odd that Fiat would partner with a company that is looking for partners if the thought was not in mind. 

Let Fiat and Mazda work together for a few years to build the Miata and its Alfa Romeo variant. If the relationship goes well and the two teams work well together, then we will see if Fiat has any interest.