Fiat Chrysler Automobiles want to merge with Renault in a $35B deal which the French car maker is seriously considering.
French and Italian Governments would have a say in the venture, which is likely to be based in the Netherlands for tax reasons, and which would bring synergies for both sides, reducing development costs and production, without major drawbacks.
The rising cost of future electric vehicles and mobility options is a major factor as well in keeping down costs.
In the long term it is inevitable that motor manufacturing jobs would be reduced simply because EVs need fewer people to build them and present ICE powertrains are being phased out or reduced.