Fiat Predicts VW Approach as Peugeot-Opel Threat Spurs Car Deals

  • More carmakers to make a play to gain scale, says Renault CEO
  • Creation of Europe’s No. 2 seen prompting additional mergers

PSA Group CEO Says They Will Unleash Potential of Opel

After PSA Group’s move to purchase of General Motors Co.’s Opel unit, the next step in a looming consolidation wave could be a bid by Volkswagen AG for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, according to the Italian-American carmaker’s outspoken chief executive officer.

“I have no doubt that at the relevant time VW may show up and have a chat” about a merger, Sergio Marchionne, who plans to retire as Fiat Chrysler CEO by 2019, said at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday. The PSA-Opel combination “threatens VW most, creating a No. 2 on its heels.”