Fiat and Mazda to co-develop a new roadster
Fiat and Mazda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and manufacture of a new roadster for both the marquees. The roadster will be based on Mazda's MX-5 rear wheel drive platform. Mazda and Fiat will be developing two different styled roadsters with the Mazda platform and they will be powered by engines unique to each brand. The final agreement of the MoU will be signed by the second-half of 2012. The project assumption is that both vehicles will be manufactured at Mazda's Hiroshima, Japan, plant with production for Alfa Romeo cars expected to start in 2015.
Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's representative director and chairman of the board, president and CEO said, "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 Alfa Romeo 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."
Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said, "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 vehicle architectures 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."