Some of the work has already been done by Fiat's managing director, Paolo Cantarella.

ECONOMIST: Car making in Italy: Driven by fiat | The

Mr Cantarella has led the development of the first coherent range of models that the company has had for ages.

ECONOMIST: Car making in Italy

Paolo Cantarella, the company's chief executive, wants to raise euro2 billion from disposals, such as the Magnetti Marelli car-parts business even though an attempt to do this earlier this year failed.

ECONOMIST: Fiat falters: Nibbling the bullet | The