Fiat Chrysler has long been looking for an
industrial partner in recent years, and a previous
deal with French rival Renault last spring fell
apart over French government concerns about
the role of Renault’s Japanese partner, Nissan.
Tavares said both the French government and
unions backed the new deal from the beginning.
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said in
a statement the deal was “very good news for
France, for Europe and for our auto industry.”
He said the government would keep an eye
on where the company decides to set up its
executive headquarters, the impact on French
jobs and PSA’s commitment to creating a
European battery industry.
Italy’s economy and finance minister, Roberto
Gualtieri, likewise welcomed the deal, saying it
’’was a fundamental step in the consolidation of
the car industry.”