Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed in Geneva that Fiat will announce another new industrial partnership by the end of the first half of the year, catching analysts somewhat by surprise and sparking much speculation.

Ever since Fiat and General Motors dissolved their enveloping partnership almost exactly a year ago, Marchionne has seen striking fresh, focused tactical alliances as being the best strategic way forward for Fiat Auto. Over the last year no less than seven new or extended automotive alliances have begun to roll into action and produce results.

These new alliances include a partnership with India's Tata Motors that will see the several Fiat models, including the Grande Punto, being sold through their nationwide dealer network; an alliance with Ford to build a new city car (the Fiat 500, and for Ford the replacement for the existing Ka model range) in Poland, which will be based on the current Panda's floorpan; licensing carmaker Zastava to build the outgoing Punto at their factory in Serbia, a new extended agreement with PSA and Tofas; joint car production with Suzuki and licensing the Far Eastern carmaker to build Fiat's diesel engines; and also a deal with the Pars Industrial Foundation. Finally at the beginning of the year a deal was inked with Russian carmaker Severstal who will build the Palio, Siena and Doblò under licence, as well as importing the whole Fiat Auto range.
 

Marchionne revealed that the Grande Punto order book has climbed above 165,000 with almost half of these coming from outside Italy. The Croma meanwhile has an order book stands at 35,000, with almost 9 out of 10 orders being for higher-specification versions.

Marchionne also reiterated that he is looking for an ownership solution for the Fidis financial arm, targeting resolving this outstanding issue by the end of June. Fiat currently hold 49 pct of the division after selling 51 pct to four Italian banks, who are believed to be actively looking to exit their investment. Marchionne is believed to be in the process of seeking new investors to take over their controlling stake. 

Finally, Fiat are considering a reinstating a divided on 2006 financial results. "The issue has come back to the board and this morning we started discussing it. We will then decide how to develop the issue and will take a decision by early 2007 for what concerns 2006," said Marchionne during a Geneva Motor Show press conference.