Bertone in talks to build SUVs for Chinese carmaker

Bertone has been in financial doldrums ever since a deal between it and Fiat to build several new Lancia models went sour back in April. The Italian coachbuilder is yet to secure any major projects since then and is relying on government handouts to pay its staff, which also means it’s desperate for work. That’s why Bertone is now reported to be in talks with China’s Zhejiang Gonow to build a run of SUVs and pickup trucks.

The news comes from DR Automobiles Groupe, the Italian importer for the Chinese carmaker, who confirmed to Automotive news that talks are underway. Under the deal, Bertone would build up to 7,000 units annually from complete knockdown kits. The vehicles include a five-door midsized SUV and dual-cab pickup truck.

Unfortunately, this is still small change for the struggling Bertone. The coachbuilder has the capacity to build 70,000 vehicles per year and needs to build 30,000 units just to break even.

Pictured above is Bertone’s most recent concept car, a light weight roadster that was unveiled in Geneva earlier this year.