Mergers and acquisitions

Zhongsheng acquires 70% stake in Carlsson Autotechnik

Chinese dealer group Zhongsheng has purchased a majority share in German Mercedes-Benz tuner Carlsson, with plans to expand bespoke luxury offerings for China’s high-end market.

Marchionne awarded €31.3m for 2014 FCA merger success

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles chief Sergio Marchionne received €31.3 million in 2014, including a €24.7 million bonus for leading the Fiat-Chrysler merger, according to the company's annual report.

Investindustrial Seeks Buyer for Ducati, Targeting €1 Billion

Ducati’s private equity owner Investindustrial has put the Italian motorcycle maker up for sale, aiming for around €1 billion and seeking a single industrial partner rather than a public listing.

Mahindra Weighs Bid for Hawker Beechcraft Amid Bankruptcy Talks

Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra is considering an offer for US aircraft manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft, which is seeking buyers as part of its bankruptcy reorganisation in July 2012.

Renault Confirms Talks with Mitsubishi, No Alliance Reached

Renault has admitted holding discussions with Mitsubishi in early 2013, but both manufacturers have denied any formal alliance or partnership agreement was made.

Renault to Reveal Full F1 Team Details at Paris Event in February

Renault completed its takeover of the Lotus F1 team and will announce its new team name, management and partners at a dedicated Paris event in February 2016.

Renault poised to confirm Lotus buyout at Abu Dhabi finale

Renault is expected to announce its acquisition of the Lotus F1 team during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, following repayment of Lotus’s debts and new staff contracts.

Volkswagen Group Rejects Rumours of Auto Union Rebrand

Speculation that Volkswagen Group would revive the Auto Union name was dismissed by the company, following reports suggesting a global corporate rebranding was under consideration.

PSA considers phasing out Opel engines after acquisition

PSA may replace Opel and Vauxhall engines with its own units, citing efficiency and licensing costs, following the group's 2017 takeover of the German and British brands.

Geely Seals Deal for Proton and Full Control of Lotus

Chinese group Zhejiang Geely Holding has acquired a 49.9% stake in Proton and full ownership of Lotus Cars, marking a major shift for the British sports car maker.

Apple reportedly still weighing Tesla acquisition as US tax changes loom

Reports suggest Apple continues to consider acquiring Tesla, as changes to US tax policy could make large-scale acquisitions more attractive for the tech giant.

Takata CEO Shigehisa Takada to resign after new investor found

Takata chief executive Shigehisa Takada has said he will step down once the company secures new investment, as the airbag safety crisis continues to threaten the supplier's future.

Mitsubishi projects $2bn annual loss after fuel economy scandal

Mitsubishi expects a 100 billion yen extraordinary loss and a sharp fall in domestic sales for the 2016 financial year following its fuel economy data manipulation.

Saudi Prince Alwaleed Invests $500 Million in General Motors IPO

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding took a 1% stake in GM during its 2010 public offering, citing global brand strength and growth potential in emerging markets.

Chrysler CEO Says $3 Billion Profit Target Within Reach for 2012

Sergio Marchionne reports Chrysler has already sold over 1.23 million vehicles in the first half of 2012, putting the company on track for a $3 billion annual profit.

Toyota in talks to acquire Boston Dynamics and Schaft from Alphabet

Toyota is negotiating with Alphabet to buy Boston Dynamics and Schaft, aiming to strengthen its robotics and artificial intelligence capabilities beyond automotive applications.

Fiat Seeks $10 Billion Bank Loan to Acquire Remaining Chrysler Stake

Fiat is negotiating with major banks to secure $10 billion in funding aimed at buying the 41.5 percent of Chrysler held by the UAW retiree trust and refinancing existing debt.

Chinese bidders compete for Fisker, hint at Tesla collaboration

Wanxiang Group and Hybrid Tech are vying for Fisker Automotive’s assets, with interest in patents and potential links to Tesla as the auction nears.

Carlos Ghosn to Step Down as AvtoVAZ Chairman Amid Russian Restructuring

Renault-Nissan's Carlos Ghosn will be replaced as AvtoVAZ chairman by Rostec's Sergei Skvortsov from 23 June, reflecting shifting control during a turbulent period for Russia's auto sector.

Marchionne Leaves Door Open for Alfa Romeo Takeover of Sauber F1 Team

Sergio Marchionne has not dismissed the possibility of Alfa Romeo returning to Formula One by acquiring the struggling Sauber operation, as speculation grows around the Swiss team's future.

GM acquires Cruise Automation to advance self-driving push

General Motors has bought San Francisco-based Cruise Automation, aiming to accelerate its autonomous vehicle development by integrating the startup’s technology and talent.

Daimler CEO says more partners want in on HERE mapping business

Daimler's Dieter Zetsche confirmed the German automaker consortium behind HERE is in talks with new investors, including Renault-Nissan and Continental, to expand the digital mapping venture.

Mahindra in talks with Pininfarina on premium car project

Mahindra & Mahindra has opened discussions with Pininfarina, the Italian design house it recently acquired, to develop a premium car as the Indian firm seeks to regain ground in its home market.

Toyota Ends Scion Brand After 12 Years, Models to Carry Toyota Badge

Toyota will discontinue its Scion brand in August 2016, rebranding existing models as Toyotas and ending a project that targeted younger buyers in the US market.