VW nixes merger idea with Fiat


              FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, file photo, a worker prepares the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles area for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, that the company is recalling more than 1.9 million vehicles worldwide because their air bags might not deploy in a crash. The recall affects certain Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Lancia vehicles from the 2010-2014 model years. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, file photo, a worker prepares the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles area for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, that the company is recalling more than 1.9 million vehicles worldwide because their air bags might not deploy in a crash. The recall affects certain Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Lancia vehicles from the 2010-2014 model years. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

Volkswagen Chief Executive Matthias Mueller has rebuffed overtures about merging with Fiat Chrysler, saying his company had enough on its plate already as it battles to recover from a diesel emissions scandal, according to Reuters.

Fiat Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne said Tuesday that European market leader VW would be hardest hit by PSA Group's purchase of Opel, which will create a stronger European No. 2, and the pressure could prompt VW to sit down with FCA.

Marchionne has long advocated car industry mergers to share the costs of making cleaner and more technologically advanced vehicles and on Tuesday stressed deals were as vital as ever.

VW has an assembly plant in Chattanooga that produces the Passat sedan and Atlas SUV.

Upcoming Events