According to Reuters, Fiat boss Sergio "Mac-n-Cheese" Marchionne says the company is interested in hooking up with DaimlerChrysler to build a new subcompact car, likely based on the Dodge Hornet concept. DCX is reportedly looking for a production partner with which to manufacture the subcompact for the global market, and Fiat, Marchionne says, is always on the lookout for such partnerships that reduce its need for development capital — such as its linkeup with Ford on the new 500 / Ka project. Among other companies named as potential mates for DaimlerChrysler have been Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and outsourcer Magna Steyr. Still, with the new 500 on the way, and Punto sales inching Fiat back from the financial brink, we'd imagine another subcompact to compete with would be the last thing Marchionne wants, though maybe snagging a piece of the US market wouldn't be a bad trade-off.
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Report: Dodge Hornet Nearing Greenlight [internal]