Mazda and Fiat come together to make new roadsters

May 24 2012

A major Japanese car manufacturer is teaming up with a popular Italian one to develop and make brand new roadsters.

Mazda and Fiat are joining forces to produce two-seater convertibles but they will both come up with different models which have a very different style and contain their own engines.

The Mazda will focus on the "next-generation MX-5 rear-wheel-drive architecture" and the company's president Takashi Yamanouchi believes that the partnership is positive news and will be vital for the firm's future.

"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," he said.

The Hiroshima-based business has posted losses for four consecutive years after having fewer ties with Ford and it was expected that they would need a new partnership to compete.

Sergio Marchionne, chief executive of Fiat, insists that the deal is necessary for his company to become "a truly global brand" and hopes it will produce "an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition".

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