Fiat exports cars to China as Chery link-up delays

MILAN (Thomson Financial) - Fiat SpA is exporting cars into the Chinese market after delays in winning approval from the Chinese authorities for its latest planned alliance with Chery Automobile Co Ltd, said a company spokesman.

On Tuesday, Il Giornale newspaper said that after ending its Chinese venture with Nanjing last December, Fiat is exporting between 2,000 and 3,000 Punto, Linea and Bravo models to China.

'What Il Giornale writes is consistent with what (Fiat CEO Sergio) Marchionne said in May,' said the spokesman.

Fiat cannot make any forecasts on timing for approval by the Chinese, he said, adding that this question is for them to answer.

Any impact of the Chinese delay on Fiat's targets depends on the length of the delay, the spokesman said.

Il Giornale said recent advertising for Fiat brand Lancia's latest Delta model, including images of Tibet, may be a factor behind the delay.

The Fiat spokesman reiterated the company's stance last month on the advertising that Fiat is ready to apologise to the Chinese government for any misunderstanding.

The Delta advertising which includes the Tibet images has not been withdrawn, and was running on TV Monday evening, he said.

Last year, Fiat signed an agreement with Chery to set up a 50:50 joint venture to produce and distribute Chery, Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands in China.