DETROIT (Reuters) - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCAU.N) Chief Executive has a message for Renault SA and other would-be partners: We are happy to talk, but we can go it alone.
“Strategically, we have a solid future and clear plans that are being invested in and are underway now,” Mike Manley said during a session with reporters the day after the company released better than expected second-quarter results.
“That isn’t to say if there is a better future through an alliance or partnership or merger we wouldn’t be open and interested to it.”
Fiat Chrysler is open to re-starting merger negotiations with French automaker Renault, Manley said, but added the French car maker is not the only potential partner to gain scale or plug gaps in Fiat Chrysler’s technology or vehicle lineup.
“To say are they the only opportunity, the answer to that question would be a definitive ‘No,’” Manley said.
Fiat Chrysler in June withdrew a $35 billion merger proposal with Renault after French government officials intervened in the talks and sought to delay a decision on the deal.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Renault and Nissan are trying again to reshape their alliance and resolve disagreements that helped to derail the merger talks with Fiat Chrysler.
Fiat Chrysler has a commercial vehicle partnership with French rival Peugeot SA, and the two companies discussed a broader combination before Fiat Chrysler made its offer to Renault, people familiar with the situation have said.
Manley said automakers are not the only potential partners.
“There are cooperations that can help in specific technologies.
