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China's Great Wall Confirms Interest in Fiat Chrysler

by Reuters

   China's Great Wall Motor Co Ltd is interested in bidding for Fiat
   Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), a company official said on Monday,
   confirming earlier reports that it is pursuing all or part of the owner
   of brands including Jeep and truckmaker Ram.

   There has been speculation over Chinese interest in FCA since
   Automotive News reported last week that an unidentified "well-known
   Chinese automaker" made an offer earlier this month, triggering a jump
   in FCA's Milan-listed shares.

   "With respect to this case, we currently have an intention to acquire.
   We are interested in (FCA)," an official at Great Wall Motor's press
   relations department, who declined to give his name, told Reuters by
   telephone. He gave no further details.

   FCA Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne is seeking a partner or buyer for
   the world's seventh-largest automaker to help it manage rising costs,
   comply with emissions regulations and develop technology for electric
   and self-driving cars.

   An acquisition by Great Wall Motor would be audacious, and one of
   China's highest profile manufacturing deals to date.

   Earlier on Monday, two people familiar with the matter said Great Wall
   Motor had asked for a meeting with FCA, with the aim of making an offer
   for all or part of the Italian-American auto group. Also on Monday,
   citing an email from Great Wall Motor President Wang Fengying,
   Automotive News reported that Great Wall Motor had contacted FCA to
   express interest specifically in the Jeep brand.

   The industry publication cited a Great Wall Motor spokesman confirming
   interest, but saying the Chinese automaker had not made a formal offer
   or met with FCA's board.

   "Our strategic goal is to become the world's largest SUV maker,"
   Automotive News quoted the spokesman as saying, referring to sport
   utility vehicles. "Acquiring Jeep, a global SUV brand, would enable us
   to achieve our goal sooner and better (than on our own)."

   FCA shares rose 3.9 percent to 11.12 euros in early Milan trading,
   outperforming a flat market. Great Wall Motor shares were up almost 3
   percent in Shanghai.

   FCA was not immediately available to comment on interest in the group.
   Earlier, officials declined to comment on the earlier Automotive News
   report focused on Jeep.

   "Jeep is the most logical choice since (Great Wall) wants to be the
   largest SUV maker in the world," said Yale Zhang, head of
   Shanghai-based consultancy Automotive Foresight.

   Ram could be an option, but "the Jeep brand is recognized globally. I
   think Great Wall Motor is eyeing a global strategy, not just the United
   States," Zhang added.

   A move for FCA or one of its main brands, if successful, would allow
   Great Wall Motor to accelerate a planned push into the U.S. market, the
   two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

   They said Great Wall Motor had been making plans for some time to enter
   the U.S. market, mainly by upgrading some of its key products and
   improving branding.

   The company earlier this year officially launched a new "Wei" brand of
   potentially U.S.-market ready vehicles. Wei is the last name of Great
   Wall Motor founder and chairman Wei Jianjun.