Report Hints At Ford/Fiat Alliance

Following closely behind the announced merger of Michigan-based Chrysler Corp. and Germanys Daimler Benz AG, Ford Motor Co., another Detroit automaker, could be interested in acquiring the Italian automobile giant Fiat SA -- if the price is right. However, Fiat is saying it and Ford have not yet sat down to discuss a deal. Il Giornale, an Italian newspaper, reported on May 12 that it had been told by Ford corporate spokesman James Kin: We are interested in Fiat. It is a great auto group with a solid market share in Europe and South America. It is also a flourishing, healthy business, which succeeds in making big profits.