Mazda and Fiat to develop new roadsters

Fiat and Mazda have announced plans to jointly develop two new 2-seater roadster sports cars; one for Mazda and one Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand. Both cars will be powered by engines from their respective brands.

Mazda President Takashi Yamanouch said of the plans, "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”.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”.

Both models will be built at Mazda's plant in Hiroshima. Production of the Alfa Romeo model is planned to commence in 2015, and the new Maxda is due to arrive in 2014.

Posted by on 29 May 2012