Mazda and Fiat Group sign MoU – upcoming Alfa Romeo roadster to use next-gen MX-5 rear-wheel drive platform

Mazda and Fiat Group sign MoU – upcoming Alfa Romeo roadster to use next-gen MX-5 rear-wheel drive platform
Mazda Motor Corporation and Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and manufacturing of a new roadster for both Mazda and Alfa Romeo brands, based on the former’s next-generation MX-5 architecture.

The study calls for both Mazda and Fiat to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. Each will be powered by proprietary engines unique to their brand (eg. SkyActiv G for Mazda, TBi for Alfa). The plan is that both cars will be manufactured at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant, with production for the Alfa roadster starting in 2015.

Mazda and Fiat Group sign MoU – upcoming Alfa Romeo roadster to use next-gen MX-5 rear-wheel drive platform

“Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda’s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognised as the best-selling roadster of all time,” said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda’s President and CEO.

“This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognised leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship,” said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.

Mazda and Fiat Group sign MoU – upcoming Alfa Romeo roadster to use next-gen MX-5 rear-wheel drive platform

The final agreement is expected to be signed in the second-half of this year. Mazda and Fiat have also agreed to discuss further opportunities for co-operation in Europe.

Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? I’m just wondering if “Alfa’s MX-5” will look anything like the pretty 4C Concept shown in Geneva 2011. Or how about this sleek Pininfarina proposal seen at Geneva 2010? Anyhow, it’s exciting times ahead!

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • if alfa uses japanese mechanicals then the car will be ok… not the other way round.

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  • so they want to do a toyobaru ? (brz & gt86)

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  • langit hitam on May 23, 2012 at 9:49 pm

    1st step for FIAT group is introduce roadster with collaboration with other manufacturer in this case with Mazda.

    2nd step, introduce FR car for sedan (big and medium).

    3rd Introduce FR and AWD affordable sports car.

    4th Become more competitive and higher quality.

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  • anonymous on May 23, 2012 at 10:08 pm

    mazda will get the much needed ca$h in the short term but not sure if this strategy will truly benefit mazda in the long term.

    mazda’s mx-5 will probably be the affordable roadster with pureness in driving enjoyment while the alfa mx5 will surely target the premium segment with sophistication & styling. alfa marque still has more emotional appeal than mazda’s and may cannibalize mx-5’s sales.

    the last thing i want to see is for mazda to be acquired by Fiat.

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    • skypirate on May 23, 2012 at 11:22 pm

      mazda is going through a tough time now after ford sold off their shares in mazda. mazda basically can’t compete in the market all by itself, and it desperately needs a partner to stay afloat. rather than being eaten up by toyota or GM or volkswagen, i rather see a marriage of mazda and fiat group, after all they share their passion in the zoom zoom philosophy.

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  • streetcar on May 23, 2012 at 11:21 pm

    let’s our manufacturer collaborate with another.. Youngman maybe? hehe..

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  • shawal on May 23, 2012 at 11:39 pm

    price depends on distributor …
    you want bermaz’s? or sime darby auto connexxion~!

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  • Sgt Scoop on May 23, 2012 at 11:54 pm

    The 4C Concept looks like it would bite your fingers off.

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  • F Fiesta on May 24, 2012 at 12:46 am

    It will disastrous for Fiat to partnership with Mazda

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • You talk as if you are smarter than those car manufacturers with more than 100 years combined experience. Even your Fiesta is sitting on Mazda technology and majority of its parts are from Mazda. While Mazda ditched their MZR engine for new Skyactiv, Ford still using the same engine from Mazda and continue to use it for their new Ecoboost.

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    • farghmee on May 24, 2012 at 9:25 am

      can predict future eh?

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  • mini minor on May 24, 2012 at 1:16 am

    dream comes true…Mazda has always admires Alfa Romeo so many decades, mazda feels such honorable to collaborate with its iconic marque.

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  • taboogen on May 24, 2012 at 7:47 am

    yada yada yada yada… old story.. all manufacturer are now a days are collaborating. no big deal….

    NEXT

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • If no big deal why are you even bother to come in here and comment then?

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  • Clutch Basah on May 24, 2012 at 8:14 am

    I think finally Alfa solves its problem.
    Alfa’s drooling sexy styling with Mazda’s bullet proof make and reliability?
    me likey2

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    • Skypirate on May 24, 2012 at 4:19 pm

      And hopefully fiat will take over ford’s stakes in thailand’s rayong plant and start building the sexy fiat 500 and alfa’s giulietta and start exporting to south east Asian market!

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  • If they built teh ALfas in Mazda’s factory in Japan…..wow, finally we can buy Alfas without much worries…Alfas Soul & DNA wt Mazda’s bullet proof reliability…I SAY YES!

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  • Dr Mamak on May 24, 2012 at 10:17 am

    Two wrongs don’t make one right.

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    • Mazda Fan on May 24, 2012 at 10:46 am

      Great realiability(mazda) and great design(alfa),how can that go wrong?and dun forget the MX-5 is the best selling roadster in the world

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  • Vincent on May 24, 2012 at 10:42 am

    Using Mazda MX-5 rear-wheel drive platform?

    I tot all this while, Alfa is famous with their drive platform.

    If they have to used people platform, then what is their value proposition?

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  • “…to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific…”

    Inspira vs Lancer…

    Inspira
    – 70pct local parts CKD Inspira but MORE expensive than Lancer (duty free price)…
    – Smart guys get it…
    – RM30K price savings (over Lancer normal price and 9yrs full-loan costs) = wedding expenses covered…
    – sense of fake, pretending, falsehood, butt-jokes, mediocrity and never-ending insecurity…

    Lancer
    – Original fully imported CBU from Japan yet CHEAPER than Inspira (duty free price)!
    – Smartest guys always buy ori!
    – RM30K more costly than Inspira (if 9yrs full-loan) = but less time on repairs, faulty parts unlike Inspira!
    – nothing compare to drive an original, genuine and actual satisfaction with price and joy!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • anonymous on May 25, 2012 at 12:35 am

      “…to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific…”
      platform sharing has advanced over the years. for example,

      vw PQ35 platform : audi Q3, vw golf cabrio, vw scirocco, vw caddy

      so it depends on how far they want to go. looking at the situations mazda and alfa are currently in, i won’t be expecting too much. i will be happy with the traditional mz5 roadster and 4c coupe. my guess is the wheelbase will be the same but the alfa will be wider.

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  • kjryth on May 24, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    proton putra cabrio better

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  • kamaji on May 24, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    This alfa-maz will be just another great idea….with alfa sexy design & handling sitting on mazda reliable mechanical, what’s wrong can it goes.

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