A new rear-wheel drive spider for the brands Mazda and Alfa Romeo. It will be this the result of the new alliance signed between Fiat and Mazda Motor, but other joint projects are not excluded for the future. This was announced in a press release from Lingotto. Just over an hour after the opening, Fiat's stock is in the red by more than two points.
“Fiat Group Automobiles SpA and Mazda Motor Corporation have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding”, reads the text. The new product will be “based on the next generation MX-5 architecture”.
According to CEO Sergio Marchionne, “this agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and our determination to make it a global brand. We value the cooperation with Mazda and are confident it will lead to a fruitful and long-lasting relationship".
The two manufacturers will develop two light and distinctly designed cars. Each of the variants will be equipped with brand-specific engines. Both vehicles are expected to be produced at Mazda's Hiroshima plant in Japan starting in 2015. The final agreement is expected to be signed in the second half of 2012. the Ingot.
“The creation of alliances for the development of new technologies and products is one of the objectives of the Mazda group and this project with Fiat represents an important step forward in this direction – said Takashi Yamanouchi, president and chief executive officer of Mazda -. It is very exciting to be able to collaborate with a prestigious brand like Alfa Romeo on a new spider based on the architecture of the new generation MX-5, which represents an icon for Mazda and one of the best-selling roadster models of all time”.
