Fiat importing cars into Chinese market amid delays in Chery link ...

01/07/2008 23:03. MILAN (Thomson Financial) - Fiat SpA is importing cars into the Chinese market after delays in winning approval from the Chinese authorities for its latest planned alliance with Chery Automobile Co Ltd, said a company spokesman.

Tuesday, Il Giornale newspaper said that after ending its Chinese venture with Nanjing last December, Fiat (nyse: FIA - news - people ) is importing between 2,000 and 3,000 Punto, Linea and Bravo models.

'What Il Giornale writes is consistent with what (Fiat CEO Sergio) Marchionne said in May,' said the spokesman.

Fiat cannot make any forecasts on timing for approval by the Chinese, he said, adding that this question is for them to answer.

Any impact of the Chinese delay on Fiat's targets depends on the length of the delay, the spokesman said.

Il Giornale... // Forbes