MASERATI IN THE NEWS
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Maserati:
Transfer of Ownership from Ferrari to Fiat
Turin,
February 16, 2005
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
Fiat Group Media/February 13, 2005
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:
- GM
will pay to Fiat Euro 1.55 Billion, Euro 1 billion of which will
paid immediately, with the remainder being paid upon completion of
the unwinding of the Joint Ventures, which is expected within 90
days.
- GM
will return its 10% stake in Fiat Auto Holdings to Fiat.
- GM
will own 50% of the Bielsko Biala, Poland, plant which manufactures
the 1.3-liter Diesel engine as well as 50% of the related intellectual
property,
- GM
will co-own JTD engine technology while continuing to take most of
its European requirements from the Fiat plant in Pratola Serra. Notwithstanding
co-ownership of the intellectual property rights, GM cannot manufacture
JTD Diesel engines outside Europe that are to be exported to Europe.
- Both
Fiat and GM will continue to support the joint development of existing
platforms.
- Fiat
will continue to sell engineering support to GM for the development
of diesel technology.
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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