In recent weeks, the auto maker has had discussions with Tata Motors about having the company sell and possibly assemble Jeeps in India, these people said.
Separately, Chrysler has had talks about leasing one of its U.S. plants to produce cars for Italy's Fiat SpA, they said. Chrysler has been exploring alliances since it was acquired a year ago by Cerberus Capital Management LP, and has mapped out a deal to make trucks for Nissan Motor Co. Both sets of talks are preliminary and may not lead to deals, these people said.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121746811764099417.html?mod=googlenews_w...
Also of note is the Reuters comprehensive article:
Chrysler currently has a small joint venture in Cairo that has begun producing an armor-ready variant of the Wrangler called the J8, intended for use by troops.
Former auto execs speculate Jeep could be sold to a foreign company to raise capital:
An overseas partner for Chrysler "could end up with one of the great American automotive brands in Jeep," Meyers said.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUKN3015520080730
India's Mahindra Classic shows that the Indian automaker is no stranger to the Jeep brand. Mahindra and Chrysler were previously partners in India.
J8 Sarge: Oh man, where to start? This ULTRA-COOL non-combat military support vehicle has a 116-inch sheelbase; Dana 60 rear axle set on leaf springs; a 2.8L turbodiesel engine; hood-mounted air intake snorkel; and much more. It's made in Cairo, Egypt.
Jeep Wrangler
MUMBAI, India — Mahindra & Mahindra, India's leading manufacturer of sport-utility vehicles and pickups, reportedly is discussing the possible acquisition of the Jeep brand from Chrysler, even as it prepares to launch its vehicles in North America in mid-2009.
Read full story here
- Just the KAT, thinking out loud again.
economically - without the unions !