Fiat Chrysler and Renault are considering an exchange of shareholdings or investment in each other as part of wide-ranging tie-up talks that could extend to a full merger, according to people close to both carmakers.
Renault has agreed to delay any plans to merge with Japan’s Nissan in the short term if an agreement is reached with FCA, a condition stipulated by the Italian-American carmaker for its co-operation, according to two of the people.
Discussions between the two sides about joining forces were first reported by the Financial Times over the weekend. A deal would help the companies pool resources as they battle to survive in an industry beset by falling sales and technological disruption.