MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Fiat increases share in Chrysler to 46%; speculation on an eventual takeover

Chairman John Elkann, ‘historic step for Fiat and Chrysler’

Italian carmaker Fiat says it has reached a deal to buy an additional 16% stake in Chrysler for 1.27bn US dollars. The move takes Fiat's stake in the US's third-largest carmaker to 46% and raises speculation about an eventual takeover this year.

After Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy in 2009, Fiat agreed with the US government to share technology and management in return for a 20% stake. Fiat then increased its holding to 30% after Chrysler met performance targets.

“The transaction that we are announcing today represents a historic step for Fiat and Chrysler,” Fiat chairman John Elkann said in a statement.

“Fiat, together with Chrysler, will create a stronger automobile group, with a full range of products, present in every market around the world and able to compete with the best,” he said.

Fiat may be granted a further 5% in Chrysler by the US government if it meets certain targets, giving the Turin-based company majority control.

On Wednesday, Chrysler announced that vehicle sales in the US rose 23% in the first quarter of 2011 to 287,000 new cars and trucks