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Paper: VW, Chrysler mull minivan deal
DaimlerChrysler and VW in advanced discussions on minivan based on Chrysler's for U.S. market.
August 22, 2005: 3:58 PM EDT
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German car maker Volkswagen is in advanced talks with rival DaimlerChrysler about creating an alliance in the United States to build minivans, Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper reported.
Chrysler head Dieter Zetsche and VW brand chief Wolfgang Bernhard could sign an agreement at the Frankfurt auto fair in September, the paper said in a preview of its Tuesday edition.
Volkswagen plans to build a van based on the Chrysler Town & Country, the paper said.
Volkswagen declined to comment on the report on Monday and a spokesman for Zetsche, at Chrysler's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, did not immediately return a call from Reuters.
The vehicle would only be sold on the U.S. market, so as not to hurt the Chrysler minivan's chances of success in Europe. It could be launched in 2007, the paper said. Top of page
