In the latest round of The Automotive Bachelor, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Sergio Marchionne says he would be receptive to a partnership with Apple or Google.
After being rebuffed by both General Motors and Ford, who flat out said they were “no interested,” Marchionne said he was open to a partnership with a prominent player in the tech industry, reports Bloomberg.
While addressing analysts on Wednesday, Marchionne even dropped a few of Silicon Valley’s favorite buzzwords in the case he made to analysts: “I’ve always been intrigued by the notion of having technology disruptors show up in the marketplace and change the paradigm.”
However, he also offered a warning: “If they show up and they are truly successful, with their cash piles and know-how, they could fundamentally hurt this industry,” but said that “I think we should encourage that dialogue anyway.”
Neither Apple nor Google has commented on the idea. Meanwhile, both tech companies have been working on cars of their own, with the former’s launching possibly as early as 2020.
FCA and Apple already have a link-up, albeit indirectly. Fiat cars use Beats Electronics audio gear, a company that was purchased by Apple in May 2014 for $3.2 billion.
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