Report: FCA May Partner with BAIC in China

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is in early talks to launch a second carmaking joint venture in China, this one with BAIC Group, according to Sina.com.

FCA launched its first such venture in 2010 with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. The partners currently assemble Fiat cars and Jeep SUVs in China.

Bloomberg News, whose sources also confirm the reported talks, notes that a second venture would help FCA expand its array of locally produced vehicles to include its Chrysler, Dodge and Lancia brands. FCA acknowledges its interest in expanding its business in China, but the company and BAIC decline to comment about a possible joint venture.