US automaker Chrysler considered several new partnership options Saturday, including mergers with Renault-Nissan and General Motors, industry and union official said. Two sources, one an executive at a rival company and another a key official from the United Auto Workers, said talk of merger of Chrysler with Renault-Nissan had been alive for a week. “I think that might make some sense. You would combine Asia, Europe and the US in one company,” noted the union official who asked not to be identified. “I don't see what the advantage would be in combining Chrysler and GM since they're both so heavy into trucks,” the official added. Meanwhile, officials from both Chrysler and GM confirmed the two companies had been holding talks. “As we have said, the company is looking at a number of potential global partnerships as it explores growth opportunities around the world,” said Chrysler spokeswoman Lori McTavish. She noted that Chrysler entered into a partnership with Nissan earlier this year to build trucks for the Japanese automaker. Last month, it began building minivans for Volkswagen North America. VW is already marketing the Chrysler-built minivans in North America. “Beyond those partnerships already announced however, Chrysler has not formed any new agreements and has no further announcements to make at this time,” McTavish said. Tony Cervone, GM vice president of communications for North America, said GM was not going to comment on any discussion with Chrysler. “Without referencing this specific rumor, as we've often said, GM officials routinely discuss issues of mutual interest with other automakers,” said Cervone. The sheer cost of developing new, more fuel-efficient vehicles is driving companies together, observed another executive, who noted that GM has already collaborated with Ford on building new transmissions and has worked with Chrysler and BMW in developing hybrid vehicles, noted one GM executive. The outlook for the US auto industry appeared to help propel the talks before they were sidelined by the upheaval in the world's credit markets. Jim Press, Chrysler vice chairman, said recently he did not think car sales would begin to recover for another “year or year and a half.” __
