Chrysler 2007 Annual Report Download - page 14

March
At the 77th Geneva Motor Show Fiat Group Automobiles
presented the sporty Grande Punto Abarth, which marked
the revival of Abarth, one of the most prestigious brands of the
motorsports world.
Iveco launched the new Stralis heavy vehicle whose
range includes compressed natural gas (CNG) versions.
Fiat Group Automobiles and Microsoft introduced the
next-generation Blue&Me Nav system.
The Fiat Group became Official Sponsor of Juventus F.C.
with the New Holland brand.
Case IH Agriculture began shipping the new
Axial-Flow® 7010 Class 7 combine harvester.
April
Fiat Professional enhanced its product range in the
personal transport segment with the Panorama version
of the Scudo.
presented the new Trakker at the BAUMA, the
principal European show for the quarry and construction
sector, held in Munich. In addition, at the International
Ecotechnologies Show, Iveco presented the new Daily light
commercial vehicle in its compressed natural gas version.
May
Debut of the Fiat Linea, a C segment sedan presented in
Istanbul at the end of 2006, and manufactured in the Bursa
plant in Turkey. It will be sold on certain European and extra-
European markets, including Spain, Germany, Morocco and
Finland. Later on, this model will also be produced in Brazil,
India, China and Russia.
Iveco Irisbus presented the Citelis range, designed for
personal transport in urban areas and equipped with
Euro 4/5 compliant and natural gas engines.
In Spain, the Daily received the “Light Truck of the
Year” award, while in Great Britain it was voted “Best Light
Truck 2007”.
Key events of 2007
January
Fiat reinforced its position in the C segment with the
launch of the Bravo, which was particularly well received.
Fitch upgraded Fiat’s long-term rating to “BB”, maintaining the
outlook “positive”. Standard & Poor’s revised its outlook on
Fiat to “positive” reaffirming the “BB” long-term rating.
New Holland Agriculture launched the T6000 Series
tractor line. The Brand receives the “Eye on Biodiesel” award
for innovation at the National Biodiesel Board Conference in
San Antonio (Texas).
Case Construction launched the Tier 3 CX B series
hydraulic excavators.
Case IH Agriculture launched the WD 3 Series
windrowers.
February
On February 1, 2007 Fiat Auto changed name to Fiat
Group Automobiles S.p.A., and four new companies were
formed at the same time, 100% owned by Fiat Group
Automobiles S.p.A.: Fiat Automobiles S.p.A., Alfa Romeo
Automobiles S.p.A., Lancia Automobiles S.p.A. and Fiat Light
Commercial Vehicles S.p.A.
Moody’s upgraded Fiat’s rating from Ba3 to Ba2
maintaining the positive outlook.
Fiat’s top management met with the Italian Government
and Trade Unions to present progress made from 2004
as well as the 2007-2010 growth plan.
The sale of the diesel version of the Alfa Spider
(first diesel model in its segment) began in Italy and
Germany.
New Holland Agriculture launched the T7000 Series
tractors which won the “Tractor of the Year” and the “Golden
Tractor for Design” awards. The FR9000 forage harvester was
launched and won the “Machine of the Year” and “Golden Ear”
awards.
Report on Operations 2007 at a glance 13