Great Wall Motor expresses interest in buying Jeep brand from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

China's largest manufacturer of sport utility vehicles and pick-ups, Great Wall Motor, has expressed interest in bidding for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the world's seventh-largest automaker.

An official at Great Wall Motor's press relations told Reuters on Monday that: "with respect to this case, we currently have an intention to acquire. We are interested in FCA."

However, it was not clear whether this would be partially or in full.

Earlier in the day, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters Great Wall had asked to meet with FCA with the intention of tabling a bid for all or part of the group.

In parallel, also on Monday, Automotive News reported Great Wall asked to meet Fiat executives to express interest in its Jeep Brand.

Thus, the Chinese group's intentions remained unclear.

Nonetheless, Fiat aws believed to be seeking a buyer or partner to control rising costs, as well as to comply with emission regulations and in order to develop technology for electric and self-driving cars.

For its part, Great Wall's stated aim was to become the world's largest maker of sport utility vehicles, and Jeep cars already had an international reputation which had been built up since the Second World War.

Fiat Chrysler was also the owner of the popular Alfa Romero, Maserati and Ram trucks alongside the Fiat and Chrysler brands.

The Italo-American manufacturer's market value was roughly $19bn (£14.7bn), which would make it one of China's highest-profile manufacturing deals to date.