Mazda and Fiat brand Alfa Romeo have signed a collaborative agreement for future production of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 and an Alfa Romeo roadster.
Both will be manufactured at Mazda’s plant in Hiroshima, Japan, with Alfa Romeo production scheduled to commence in 2015.
The two rear-wheel-drive sports cars will share the chassis architecture of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 but naturally will feature distinctive styling relevant to each brand and will be powered by their own unique drivelines.
Both companies have said there could be further joint opportunities in Europe.
“Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda’s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognized as the best-selling roadster of all time,” revealed Mazda chairman Takashi Yamanouchi.
