“The death of Giovanni Agnelli leaves an unfillable void in my life," said Luca di Montezemolo yesterday, adding, "For over 35 years, his friendship and affection provided me with an incomparable reference point. I can never forget how often he was close to me during the most difficult moments and I attribute Ferrari’s success to him, knowing full well what a fundamental role he played in achieving it.”

The back side doors, modelled on the Ulysse MPV, will slide rearwards to facilitate easier access, while the rear upward-opening door will also be revised. Inside Fiat will use their field leading knowledge in maximising interior adding the Stilo's ideas to the Multipla.

The original 3-in-a-row seating plan will be retained, along with the high sides and large glass window area. A wider range of engines will be added, as well as a Selespeed option.

As all of Italy mourns one of its most famous figures, the stockmarket has not been swept away with the news, shares in Fiat rising sharply today as Gianni Agnelli, seen as an obstacle to breaking up the group, exits the picture. He was set against selling off the auto division and forcing GM to exercise the "put" option, prefering to see Fiat stay a conglomerate with ownership remaining in Italian hands.

Fiat Spa, Italy's largest company, was founded by Gianni Agnelli's grandfather in 1899. Gianni became Managing Director in 1963 and Chairman in 1966, a post he held for thirty years. A flamboyant playboy he is credited in Italy as the driving force behind Italy's transformation from an agricultural nation in ruins at the end of the Second World War, to the world's 6th largest economy.

The Italian sportscar manufacturer, came out ahead of worldwide corporate giants Sony, Nokia and Disney with Porsche, the next most highly searched for car maker in ninth place. Boosting Ferrari's position has been huge interest in the Enzo supercar, successor to the F40/F50 models, released officially at last year's Paris Motor Show as well as the highly successfull Formula 1 team, which Michael Schumacher led to further titles in 2002.

Group Chairman Paolo Fresco has stated that spinning-off and re-capitalising the auto division is an option being strongly pursued at present. Recapitalising Fiat Auto with a €5 billion cash investment would allow continuation of the outlined renewal program. All the Group's other assets, the Ferrari-Maserati Group, Iveco trucks, Magneti Marelli, CNH Global, Comau systems, the Teksid foundry arm, Fiat Avio aviation, insurance unit Toro Assicurazioni and ITEDI publishing would be thrown together in a new company, shareholders receiving equal shares in each company.

Meanwhile in the short term, Fiat Avio, the aerospace division, and the most profitable element of the Group is also being touted for a quick sale, with its value being estimated at between €1.5-2 billion. This cash could then be pumped straight into the bleeding car division.

A busy last ten days has see Fresco meet with GM executives to see if he could persuade the giant US carmaket to further its involvement with the ailing company, while Roberto Colaninno was reputed to have presented his €10 billion takeover proposals to the board. The Termini Imerese car plant in Sicily which was to be mothballed has been reprieved and will play a key role in the next generation Punto. More cash was raised with the 100% sale of the French truck rental company, Fraikin, to inverstment group Eurazeo, and the Fiat directors met with creditor banks to review progress in reducing debt levels.

The event took place on January 8 at Detroit, during the 'Autoweek Design Forum' held at the COBO Center (site of the 2003 North America Auto Show) in front of 700 international representatives from the best known automotive manufacturers and the most respected specialised press publications. 

The stunning Alfa Romeo Brera was awarded these honours by a jury consisting of industry experts, including: Gordon Murray of McLaren Cars Ltd, Akira Fujimoto of Car Styling, Rick Ceppos from the magazine Autoweek, Ken Greenley from the Royal College of Arts, Chuck Jordan, former GM Chief of Design and Chris Wright from the magazine Automotive News Europe. 

Designed jointly by Centro Style and Zagato, the two seat Coupe, which is a modern interpretation of the classic 1970's Fulvia, will be assembled by Zagato in numbers limited to around 2,000 per year. The "Grandturismo"-style front end which has been seen on artist's impressions is believed to have been ditched, while the whole car will be based on the floorpan of the next generation, GM-platformed, Punto, due out in 2005.

Playing a major role in the profile raising of the Lancia brand, the concept which has become known as the "Fulvietta", will have heavyweight powerplants and sportscar performance. Topping the range will be a GM-developed 2.0-litre turbo engine, while the small and light 2+2 will also come with the option of Fiat's direct injection 2.4JTD diesel engine. Cost is expected to be around a competitive €30,000.

The 360 Modena's 3.6-litre V8 has been upgraded to develop over 400 bhp in the Challenge Stradale, while the aluminium chassis and body have been stripped out to lower weight considerably. The Challenge Stradale also offers revised aerodynamics, re-worked suspension, uprated brakes and an F1-style sequential gearshift.