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Fiat-Renault Deal Revival Hinges on Nissan Backing, French Role

  • Repairing alliance with Nissan is priority for Renault, state
  • Fiat seeking France to give up any special power at Renault
A worker prepares to install a rear door into a Renault Captur crossover sport utility vehicle. 
Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg

As Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and Renault SA move on from their failed merger talks, a revival of discussions would depend on overcoming at least two major obstacles.

Fiat blamed “political conditions in France’’ when it withdrew its proposal, and a signal from the French state that it would give up its sway over Renault would be necessary for a resumption of talks, people with knowledge of the situation said. One option would see France agreeing to reduce its 15% stake after obtaining commitments by Fiat on French jobs and plants, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private matters.