FCA in talks to join Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is reportedly involved in secret discussions with Renault to forge, what's been described as, "extensive ties" with the French car-maker.

According to the British newspaper, the

FCA has reportedly entered into similar talks with the PSA Group over a possible technical partnership but, according to sources cited by the Financial Times, the Renault discussions have been more fruitful, with the talks progressing far beyond platform-sharing.

The biggest hurdle to FCA joining the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, says the sources, will be winning over the backing of Nissan that could veto FCA's membership.

Neither FCA, Renault or Nissan has publicly commented following the news of the secret talks emerged, it's thought that the discussions remain on-going.

If successful, the merger would finally realise former boss, Sergio Marchionne's dream of tying FCA to another larger car-maker.

Marchionne, who died in July last year from complications following shoulder surgery, was a vehement campaigner for mergers, believing them the only way to deal with the crippling costs of research and development.

In the past he tried (and failed) to team up with both General Motors and Volkswagen, explaining such a merger could net both car-makers billions in savings.