9 reasons why Fiat-Google partnership makes sense

DETROIT -- Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne says repeatedly that automakers must consider partnerships with other automakers and tech giants like Apple and Google. For those paying close attention over past year, reports that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is in advanced discussions with Alphabet Inc.'s self-driving car division about a technology partnership is not a complete surprise. Marchionne, who also has courted General Motors for a mega-merger, has also met with Apple, Google and Tesla over the past year. FCA and Google declined to comment, but The Associated Press and the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the two companies are in advanced talks to form a technical partnership. The partnership would be the first to match an automaker with Google's 7-year-old autonomous car project, which is now part of the so-called X lab at Alphabet, Google's parent company.