Mazda and Fiat have agreed a co-operation for the development and manufacturing of a new roadster for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo marques based on Mazda’s next-generation MX-5 rear-wheel-drive architecture.
A statement from the two companies said they would develop "two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight, roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive.
"The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand."
Both cars will be manufactured at Mazda’s Hiroshima, Japan, plant. Mazda has not confirmed a production date, but it is expected to be 2014, while Alfa has said it envisages starting production in 2015.
“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.” said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's chairman.
Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said: “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 recognized leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition.
The agreement currently takes the form of a memorandum of understanding. The final agreement is expected to be signed in the second-half of 2012. Mazda and Fiat have also agreed to discuss further opportunities for co-operation in Europe.
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Can't wait!
This is fantastic news! I have a Fiat Barchetta which is irreplaceable - until this new car appears! Fiat should have done this years ago.
Great News
At last Alfa is going to sell something with RWD! Finally a potential replacement for the wonderful models of the 60's and 70's - Spyders, GTV's, Juniors, Giulia's, Alfettas, etc.
While a partnership may not be ideal for the purist, for the purposes of a small RWD convertible Mazda would have to be the best suitor you could hope for so I hope it lives up to its promise; after all without a partnership it probably would not have happened at all.
I am sure Toyota are not regretting their partnership with Subaru - if nothing else it means there is now one Toyota I might actually not be embarrassed to be seen in by people I know!
Why would Mazda get involved with Alpha?
I don't understand why Mazda, a firm making good reliable cars and possibly the best sports car in the real world, would want to get involved with Alpha who only have a badge that is any good. Alpha haven't made a decent sporting car for so many decades and anything they did make, prettied up Fiats mostly, were all unreliable junk anyway. Then we have the Dealers, OMG what a load of rubbish they are, Stand in Line and NEXT is their idea of booking in for a service. And they say they want to compete with prestige manufacturers. Does anyone seriously think a modern Alpha is anything than a bottom of the pile motor, somewhere well below Ford and Vauxhall.
This is Good for Both Companies
Firstly.
There's no PH in ALFA! Its very annoying when people spout this sort of crap and can't even spell the name of the company!
This is old hat pub talk about Alfas from the last century.
I've had Alfas and FIATS for over ten years, all have been 100% reliable and the dealers have been very good, I don't think any manufacturer can say they have a good dealer network, which is scandalous
You've obviously never driven a modern Alfa, they're as good as anybody out there, its just the range is too small, with just the Mito and Guilietta, so I think this is good news for both companies, Alfa need this platform and Mazda, not the biggest car company by any means, need the joint venture.