Now, Fiat to sell Tata Nano cars overseas

Tata, India's third-biggest car maker, plans to launch the Nano later this year, priced at about $2,500.

"We have held talks about the Nano being marketed in markets where Fiat has already a strong presence. I am open to consider a partnership," he told a news conference at a forum promoting cooperation between Italian and Indian companies.

Fiat has a joint venture with Tata to manufacture and distribute cars, engines and commercial vehicles.

Tata also said the Tata group was in talks with Italian defence and aerospace company Finmeccanica SpA about supplying helicopter parts.

Fiat Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said the company was in talks with Tata about making buses and trucks.

"We'll see if there are the conditions for us to go forward," he said.

The head of Fiat's Iveco truck unit told an Italian newspaper in May he expected to resume talks with Tata on possible accords after the India partner completed its acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover.

Cordero di Montezemolo also said he was "very optimistic" about second-quarter results due to be released on Wednesday.

Analysts polled by Reuters have forecast that Fiat would post an 11.4 percent rise in group trading profit, despite the worsening car market in Europe, thanks to strong sales in Brazil and support from its truck and tractor businesses.