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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| China's Great Wall eyes Fiat Chrysler bid | China's Great Wall eyes Fiat Chrysler bid |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor is sizing up Fiat Chrysler, producer of Jeep, the classic American off-roader. | Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor is sizing up Fiat Chrysler, producer of Jeep, the classic American off-roader. |
| A Great Wall official told Reuters it had "an intention to acquire" the Italian-American group - the world's seventh-largest car maker. | A Great Wall official told Reuters it had "an intention to acquire" the Italian-American group - the world's seventh-largest car maker. |
| It is not yet entirely clear whether it is interested in the whole company or just the Jeep brand. | |
| Earlier reports said Great Wall had asked to meet Fiat executives to discuss buying the off-road make. | |
| Jeep, which celebrated its 75th birthday last year, is considered FCA's most marketable brand. | Jeep, which celebrated its 75th birthday last year, is considered FCA's most marketable brand. |
| Its reputation goes back to World War Two, when Jeeps were used extensively by the US military. | |
| Global ambitions | Global ambitions |
| Shares in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles jumped 3.5% in Milan on Monday following the news. | Shares in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles jumped 3.5% in Milan on Monday following the news. |
| Yale Zhang, head of Shanghai-based consultancy Automotive Foresight, said: "Jeep is the most logical choice, since [Great Wall] wants to be the largest SUV maker in the world. | Yale Zhang, head of Shanghai-based consultancy Automotive Foresight, said: "Jeep is the most logical choice, since [Great Wall] wants to be the largest SUV maker in the world. |
| "The Jeep brand is recognised globally. I think Great Wall Motor is eyeing a global strategy, not just the United States." | "The Jeep brand is recognised globally. I think Great Wall Motor is eyeing a global strategy, not just the United States." |
| Set up in 1984, it is China's largest SUV and pick-up truck producer. | Set up in 1984, it is China's largest SUV and pick-up truck producer. |
| If the bid is successful, it could accelerate Great Wall's push into the US market. | If the bid is successful, it could accelerate Great Wall's push into the US market. |
| Earlier this year, it officially launched a new premium SUV brand called Wei, which potentially could tap into the US market. | Earlier this year, it officially launched a new premium SUV brand called Wei, which potentially could tap into the US market. |
| FCA has not commented so far, but chief executive Sergio Marchionne is seeking a partner or buyer to help it manage rising costs, emissions regulations and the development of electric and self-driving cars. | FCA has not commented so far, but chief executive Sergio Marchionne is seeking a partner or buyer to help it manage rising costs, emissions regulations and the development of electric and self-driving cars. |
| Fiat Chrysler also owns Alfa Romeo, Maserati and RAM trucks. | Fiat Chrysler also owns Alfa Romeo, Maserati and RAM trucks. |