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Maserati:
Transfer of Ownership from Ferrari to Fiat Fiat announces that the ownership of Maserati, currently wholly owned by Ferrari, will be transferred as soon as practicable to Fiat. The move forsees that Alfa Romeo and Maserati will co-operate closely technically and commercially - particularly in important international markets. Maserati will, however, continue its co-operation with Ferrari - especially in industrial, technical, engine and sales network terms - which has helped re-vitalise the marque. "This is a significant step forward for both Maserati and Alfa Romeo. The synergies between the two marques will bring benefits to both and will allow us to strengthen our portfolio offering in the sports car market" said Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Chairman of Fiat and of Ferrari. "Maserati is now at a significant point in its development. In 2004 it achieved substantial sales growth to 4,600 cars and received tremendously positive international acclaim of its Quattroporte model." "This move is essential to the future development of Alfa Romeo" said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat. "We believe that as part of the re-launch of Fiat Auto, we need to devote great attention to the distinctiveness of our brands. The technical and commercial collaboration between Maserati and Alfa Romeo will give the latter the necessary impetus to re-establish itself as a leading contender in its segment and to expand its presence in international markets, as has occurred for Maserati."
Fiat
and GM Reach Settlement Agreement GM agrees to pay Euro 1.55 billion to terminate the Master Agreement, including cancellation of the put option, the unwinding of all joint ventures and return of GM's 10% equity interest in Fiat Auto Holdings to Fiat. The settlement will allow GM to continue to use some of Fiat's diesel technology and to own a 50% interest in the Bielsko-Biala (Poland) plant, which manufactures 1.3-liter diesel engines. The Boards of Directors of Fiat and General Motors have met today to approve a contract to terminate the Master Agreement and related Joint Ventures between the two companies. The Chairman of Fiat, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said "We are delighted to have been able to conclude this agreement with General Motors. While highly beneficial to both Fiat and GM since 2000, the arrangements had become too confining for the development of Fiat Auto in today's market environment. We now have all the necessary freedom to develop strategic growth alternatives for Fiat Auto, while retaining a base on which to build a much more constructive relationship with GM in the future. "I believe that the successful outcome of the negotiations will create an important stimulus for Fiat Auto's workforce to achieve the ambitious objectives that they have set themselves. It is also a most positive response for our customers, for whom we will be introducing four completely new models (two Fiat and two Alfa Romeo) in 2005. The Chief executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A, Sergio Marchionne said: "I firmly believe that the settlement reached with GM is fair and equitable to both parties. While on the one hand it deals with the valorization of the put option contained in the Master Agreement, it grants Fiat all the necessary freedom to develop its Auto business. We can now clearly focus on the operational objectives of Fiat Auto, and devote our full energies to the re-establishment and rationalization of our brands and the building of an effective network to maximize the success of our new product portfolio. The benefits of the relationship with GM are being preserved through a long term supply arrangement and other cooperation agreements, such as participation by Fiat in the GM alliance purchasing team model." The settlement agreement includes, among other things, the following items:
The unwinding of the joint ventures and the supply agreements will be put in place as quickly as possible in order to avoid any potential disruption to the respective businesses. |
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