Marchionne Names Ford, Toyota or VW as Possible FCA Merger Partners

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s best merger partner would be Ford, Toyota or Volkswagen, says CEO Sergio Marchionne.

Ford immediately reiterated its lack of interest in any such partnership. Last year Marchionne was similarly rebuffed twice by General Motors Co., which he had proclaimed as FCA’s best merger candidate. Like GM, Ford says it intends to pursue its own corporate strategy.

Marchionne tells reporters that a FCA merger with Hyundai Motor Co. also could result in attractive synergies. But he concedes “the Koreans don’t get married.”

Marchionne contends that the global auto industry must consolidate to survive the costs of meeting future emission and fuel economy standards. Many analysts agree. But they say finding good a good fit between would-be partners and implementing a successful merger are extremely difficult tasks.