FCA reportedly to buy EV Technology from Tesla

KUALA LUMPUR: After Thursday’s ( October 31st) big announcement on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group’s 50:50 merger deal, Mike Manley, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles further disclosed that it might purchase electric vehicle technology and platforms from the American brand Tesla, rather than build them.

On October 31st, FCA and PSA Group has announced an agreement on 50:50 deal, which might create the fourth-largest automaker of the world. In a joint statement, both of the companies declared that the final discussions would come into light in the coming weeks. While giving answers to some analysists’ questions at the event, Mike Manley has indicated about the plans.

To mention, Tesla has already served as a supplier to FCA in the past and it has a deal with the American brand, so the electric carmaker’s cars are counted in its fleet in order to meet regulatory compliance reasons and avoid fines in Europe. However, Manley did not provide any additional info on this. Furthermore, he has mentioned “Our relationship with Tesla goes back a long way. It really has helped us. But FCA is absolutely committed to reducing CO2 emissions around the world.”

Manley has also mentioned that if the merger deal goes further, electrification would be done on a “grand scale” and “the customer will be agnostic” for certain parts including batteries and drivetrain. He has also stated FCA might buy a “skateboard” platform from Tesla and would incorporate other systems like suspension, handling and more to ensemble various brands.

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