Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is in talks with Hyundai about strengthening a partnership that could see the Italian-based automaker develop hydrogen engines.
Speaking Saturday at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Italy, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed the two companies were in talks.
“There is the potential of a technical partnership with Hyundai,” he said to reporters. “Let’s see if we find a deal to develop transmissions and hydrogen.”
Hyundai already supplies Fiat with some components and transmissions for the North American market, Marchionne added.
FCA had previously decided to back away from hydrogen technology, focusing instead on electrification (plug-in hybrids), although on a very limited scale.
He went on to say that there is no prospect of a merger between the two automakers at the moment.
Hyundai is developing smaller hydrogen fuel-cell engines. It makes the Tucson Fuel Cell (also known as the ix35) and is developing a larger fuel-cell powered SUV, which is scheduled for release next year.
