Marchionne Denies Suzuki's Involvement in Fiat-Opel Alliance

A new day, a new rumor regarding Fiat's alliance with Opel. This time we're talking about Suzuki, the Japanese manufacturer which, according to some Italian newspapers, might also join the Fiat-Opel partnership. Details are still sketchy at this time but, given the fact that those involved in the negotiations have always denied the reports - which by the way proved to be true after a while - this might be the first sign that there's something true behind these words.

But Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group, denied rumors, according to Autonews. "It is nonsense," he told reporters at an event in Turin.

And even so, there are some signs that might give us a hint the Suzuki - Fiat - Opel strategic alliance might exist after all. For instance, the Japanese company is already working with both Opel and Fiat as it produces the Agila and the Sedici at its Hungarian plant in Esztergom.

However, Fiat is still far away from purchasing the German unit - currently belonging to GM Europe - but a decision is expected to be announced by the end of the month, according to officials close to the negotiations.

“We are speaking with multiple bidders. We would like to have at least some understanding of what the agreement might look like no later than the end of this month, slightly before the end of this month,” Fritz Henderson, the newly-appointed General Motors CEO, was quoted as saying by Autonews.

“We are going to make sure any partner we pick is going to be suitable for them (the German government). We need their support," he said. “We have indicated a willingness to move into a minority position. But we need to negotiate something before we say what it is.”