FPT in talks on engine JV with China automakers

Shanghai, December 25 (Gasgoo.com) Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) is in talks with several Chinese automakers about cooperation in making small, fuel efficient engines, the Jinghua newspaper reported Thursday.

"We will not only provide Chinese homegrown automakers with small engines and but also help them to optimize product lines and upgrade technologies, " said Shen Hui, President of FPT China. 

Guangzhou Automobile Group and Zotye Automobile are reported to be included in the project. The other Chinese partners are highly confidential for the moment, the report said.

FPT completed construction of a 22-million-euro research and development center in Shanghai in mid-November, its first in Asia. The center will mainly focus on the development of both gasoline and diesel engines, and transmissions for sedans and commercial vehicles.

At the beginning of this month BorgWarner Inc opened a JV company with a group of 12 major Chinese automakers, to produce key modules for its dual-clutch transmissions. With investment of 1.38 billion yuan ($200.8 million), that venture will have an annual production of 1.5 million units by 2020.