TURIN, Italy -- Fiat said today that BMW will provide support in launching Alfa Romeo in North America.
Mini U.S. dealers would have the possibility to also sell Alfa Romeo cars, a Fiat spokesman told Automotive News Europe today.
Fiat and BMW issued a joint press release announcing that they have signed an agreement for possible co-operation on components and architectures for their Mini and Alfa Romeo vehicles.
Fiats version of the joint statement also says that as part of possible cooperation, BMW Group will provide Fiat Group Automobiles with support in launching the Alfa Romeo brand in the North American market.
Alfa Romeo plans to return to the United States in 2010. The first U.S. model is expected to be an entry-level premium five-door hatchback, code-named project 940.
The new car will debut in Europe late next year, replacing the Alfa 147.