annual report - FIAT SpA

KEY EVENTS IN 2010
JANUARY
Release of the new Fiat Doblò
(both passenger and Cargo versions),
a true "family space" vehicle offering
best in category in safety, economy
and environmental performance. Also
launched, the 2010 model year Bravo
with content and style enhancements.
In France, prestigious weekly
L'Argus de l'Automobile names
EcoDaily "Utilitarie de l'Année 2010".
American Society of
Agricultural and Biological Engineers
(ASABE) awards seven of the
prestigious AE50 innovation awards to
New Holland Agriculture and three to
Case IH.
Case IH adds Farmall® A
Series models to its Farmall tractor
range.
FEBRUARY
Fiat SpA receives Sector Mover
and Gold Class distinctions from SAM,
the sustainability-focused investment
group that evaluates the 2,500 largest
quoted companies for entry in Dow
Jones Sustainability indexes. In 2009,
Fiat has best improvement in
sustainability performance in
Automobiles sector (SAM Sector
Mover) scoring less than 5% below
sector leader (SAM Gold Class).
CNH brands unveil strategies
to meet Tier 4 emissions standards.
New Holland Agriculture wins
six innovation awards at FIMA fair in
Zaragoza (Spain) and two prestigious
GOOD DESIGN awards in Chicago
(USA).
Inauguration of spare parts
distribution center in Portland to serve
more than 140 New Holland, Case IH,
and Case Construction equipment
dealers in Pacific Northwest (USA).
MARCH
Fiat Group Automobiles SpA and
Chrysler Group LLC take additional
step towards integration of their
distribution activities in Europe. From
April 2010, FGA to commence
commercial activity in support of sales
and service activities for Chrysler,
Jeep® and Dodge brand products in
several European countries, gradually
replacing Daimler as service provider.
FGA Capital is already provider of
financial services to Chrysler in
Europe (replacing Daimler).
Following preliminary
agreement signed in October 2009,
CNH Global NV and OJSC KAMAZ
finalize joint venture agreement for
production of agricultural and
construction equipment in the Russian
Federation.
Presentation to Minister for
Economic Development and trade
unions of first step in plan announced
in December 2009 to upgrade
Group's auto manufacturing
operations in Italy to meet future
needs. The investment program
includes comprehensive restructuring
of the Giambattista Vico plant in
Pomigliano d'Arco in preparation for
production of the future Panda, due for
commercial launch in second half of
2011.
Presentation at Geneva
Motor Show of the new 85 hp 2cylinder
TwinAir, which combines
revolutionary MultiAir system with
fluid-dynamic technology for optimized
combustion. Also unveiled, the “Alfa
TCT” (Twin Clutch Technology)
designed for Alfa Romeo MiTo, a new
innovative transmission incorporating
23 patented technologies.
International debut of the Alfa
Romeo Giulietta at the Geneva Motor
Show.
Fiat also presents Doblò
Natural Power at Swiss show, with 1.4
16-valve CNG/gasoline T-JET engine,
confirming undisputed leadership in
factory-installed powerplants using
alternative fuels.
Lancia debuts special series Delta
in Geneva, with new look and
features, together with limited edition
Ypsilon ELLE.
Also on show, the Abarth Punto
Evo with innovative 165 hp 16-valve
MultiAir 1400, and the Abarth 500C,
first convertible released since brand's
relaunch.
Maserati presents limited edition
Quattroporte Sport GTS Awards
Edition, produced in celebration of the
many awards received from top
international magazines since the
model’s launch.
Ferrari presents the HY-Kers, a
hybrid GT employing eco-smart
technologies developed in Formula 1
racing. Geneva is also venue for debut
of the Ferrari California with
Start&Stop.
For the 3rd consecutive year,
JATO recognizes Fiat Automobiles for
reduction of CO2 emissions. Fiat also
named top among 10 best selling
brands in Europe with lowest average
CO2 emissions per vehicle sold in
2009: 127.8 g/km.
CNH opens industrial facility
in Sorocaba (Brazil).
Case IH launches Austoft
4000 sugar cane harvester in Africa,
India, South East Asia and China.
Construction Equipment
magazine names New Holland
Construction's B Series loader
backhoe one of Top 100 Products of
2009.
Case Construction Equipment
receives awards from Construction
Equipment magazine and Rental
Equipment Register for joystick
steering on E Series wheel loaders.
Better Roads magazine names Case
650L crawler dozer one of "Top 20
Rollouts" of 2009.
APRIL
On April 21st, John Elkann
appointed Chairman of Fiat SpA by
Board of Directors. Outgoing
chairman, Luca Cordero di
Montezemolo, continues as board
member of Fiat and Chairman of
Ferrari.
Also on April 21st, Fiat holds
Investor Day in Turin. Group CEO,
Sergio Marchionne, and members of
Group Executive Council present
financial community with 2010-2014
Business Plan.
Fitch Ratings confirms BB+ rating
with negative outlook for Fiat. Moody’s
Investors Service confirms Ba1 rating
with negative outlook for Fiat and Ba3
rating with stable outlook for CNH
Global NV. And Standard & Poor’s
Report on Operations Key Events in 2010 17