21.07.2010 FIAT GROUP SWINGS BACK INTO PROFIT IN SECOND QUARTER

FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET
FIAT 500 BAMBINO CLUB JAPAN - "PICNIC" AT THE KOBE FRUIT & FLOWER MARKET

While Fiat Group Automobiles has seen its sales of its passenger cars slide during the first half of this year, the Fiat 500 has bucked the trend and kept its registrations steady for the six month period year-on-year. Above: Members of the Fiat 500 "Bambino" Club in Japan earlier this month celebrated the Supermini's third birthday by staging a "Picnic" at the Kobe Municipal Fruit & Flower Market.

Fiat Group has swung back into the black, announcing this morning a second quarter profit of 113 million euros compared to a loss of 179 million euros during the same period last year while revenues rose by 12.5 percent to 14.8 billion euros.

• Group revenues were up 12.5% to €14.8 billion, reflecting better trading conditions, albeit against weak 2009 levels, in particular for CNH and Iveco:
- Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA) reported revenues of €7.4 billion (+6.4%) on deliveries of 554,300 cars and light commercial vehicles (-6.2% vs. Q2 2009). A recovery in demand in the LCV segment and favorable currency movements more than compensated for the decline in passenger car volumes following the phase-out of eco-incentives in most key European markets. FGA achieved a 30.3% share in Italy (-4.1 p.p.) and a 7.5% share for Europe overall (-1.5 p.p.), reflecting the fall in demand in the smaller car segments. In Brazil, Fiat maintained leadership with an overall share of 23.3%.
- Agricultural and Construction Equipment (CNH) revenues were up 16.0% to €3.3 billion, with positive performances in the Americas and Rest-of-World markets more than offsetting weak market conditions for agricultural equipment in Europe, CIS states and Australia.
- Trucks and Commercial Vehicles (Iveco) reported an 18.3% increase in revenues to €2.1 billion. Demand increased in all markets and segments, but remains significantly below the average 2007/2008 level. Total deliveries were up 32.4% to 34,318 vehicles.
- The Components and Productions Systems business grew substantially (+35.2% vs. Q2 2009) on the back of increased production activity in the global automotive sector.
• Trading profit was €651 million, up €341 million, with a significant year-on-year improvement in trading margin to 4.4% (2009: 2.4%) attributable to higher volumes, improving sales mix and continued benefits from cost containment measures:
- FGA delivered a trading profit of €185 million (+19.4% vs. Q2 2009). An improved sales mix, linked primarily to demand in the LCV segment, and purchasing savings were major contributors to margin growth (2.5% vs. 2.2% for Q2 2009).
- CNH posted a trading profit of €263 million (€123 million for Q2 2009); trading margin at 7.9% (4.3% for Q2 2009). Both agricultural and construction equipment delivered stronger performance. The significant improvement was driven by higher volumes, better pricing and lower industrial costs.
- Iveco achieved €50 million in trading profit (€18 million for Q2 2009), with increases in sales volumes supported by production efficiencies.
- Components and Productions Systems recovered from a negative operating performance in Q2 2009 to an €86 million trading profit.
• Net industrial debt decreased by €1 billion in the quarter to €3.7 billion, reflecting primarily the positive operating performance.
• Liquidity was further strengthened to €13.5 billion (€11.2 billion at end of Q1), due to cash flow from operations and proceeds from a USD 1.5 billion bond issued by CNH in June.
• Activities relating to the demerger presented on April 21st are proceeding as planned.

Group Results - Second Quarter

Group revenues for the second quarter totaled €14.8 billion, a 12.5% increase (+6.7% at constant exchange rates) over the same period in 2009, when all Group businesses were suffering the effects of weak trading conditions. All sectors contributed to the recovery in the quarter, with particularly positive top line performance at CNH, Iveco and all Components and Production Systems Sectors. The Automobiles business continued to improve, despite the phase-out of eco-incentives in Italy and Germany.

The Group reported trading profit of €651 million for the quarter (trading margin: 4.4%), compared with €310 million (trading margin: 2.4%) for the same period in 2009. The improvement in trading performance was driven by higher volumes, a better sales mix and the continuing positive effect of cost containment actions.

Q2 2010 closed with an operating profit of €628 million (€158 million for the second quarter of 2009). The €470 million increase reflects the significant improvement in trading profit (+€341 million) and lower net unusual expense (€23 million for Q2 2010 vs. €152 million for Q2 2009, both primarily attributable to restructuring costs).

Net financial expense totaled €301 million (€161 million for Q2 2009) and included a €19 million loss on the marking-to-market of two stock option-related equity swaps (€39 million gain for Q2 2009). The figure also included a €17 million one-off charge for the early repayment of a CNH bond (original maturity in 2014). Net of these items, financial expense increased €65 million over the prior year, reflecting the cost associated with maintaining liquidity in excess of €10 billion.

Profit before taxes was €374 million (€16 million loss in Q2 2009), due to the significant improvement in operating result (up €470 million) and an increase in investment income (up €60 million), partially offset by higher net financial expense. Income taxes totaled €261 million (€163 million for the second quarter of 2009) and mainly related to taxable income of companies operating outside Italy and employment related taxes in Italy (€22 million). Net profit for the period was €113 million, up €292 million over Q2 2009.

During the quarter, Group net industrial debt decreased by €1 billion, reflecting the strong trading performance and a reduction in working capital attributable to higher activity levels. At 30 June 2010, Group liquidity was €13.5 billion, up €2.3 billion over the first quarter due to a USD 1.5 billion bond issued by CNH in June coupled with positive operating performance.

Group results - First Half

For the first half of 2010, Fiat Group revenues totaled €27.8 billion, an increase of 13.5% over the prior year (+9.0% at constant exchange rates). The Group reported trading profit of €1,003 million (trading margin: 3.6%), up from €262 million for the first half of 2009 (trading margin: 1.1%). The improvement in trading performance was mainly driven by higher volumes and the continuing emphasis on cost containment actions.

Operating profit for H1 2010 was €980 million, compared to €29 million for the first six months of 2009, due to the significant increase in trading profit (+€741 million) and a €210 million decrease in net unusual expense. Net financial expense totaled €551 million (€371 million for H1 2009) and included a €32 million loss on the mark-to-market value of two stock option-related equity swaps (versus a €53 million gain in the first half of 2009). The figure also included a €17 million one-off charge for the announced early repayment of a CNH bond (original maturity in 2014). Net of these items, financial expense for the period was up €78 million, primarily due to the cost of maintaining a higher level of liquidity.

Profit before taxes was €531 million for the first half (€376 million loss in H1 2009), reflecting a significant improvement in the operating result (up €951 million) and an increase in investment income (up €136 million), partially offset by the €180 million increase in net financial expense. Income taxes totaled €439 million (€214 million for the first half of 2009) and related to taxable income of companies operating outside Italy and employment-related taxes (IRAP) in Italy (€44 million). Net profit for the first half totaled €92 million, compared with a loss of €590 million for the same period in 2009. Group net industrial debt decreased by €0.7 billion in the semester, reflecting the positive operating performance for all businesses.

Automobiles

Fiat Group Automobiles

Second Quarter

Fiat Group Automobiles closed the quarter with revenues of €7.4 billion, up 6.4% over the second quarter of 2009, driven by an improved sales mix and favorable currency movements, offset in part by a decline in passenger car volumes. At constant exchange rates, revenues were substantially flat. Fiat Group Automobiles delivered a total of 554,300 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles during the quarter, representing a 6.2% decrease over the second quarter of 2009. In Europe (EU27 + EFTA), deliveries for Fiat Group Automobiles fell 13.2% to 325,600 units. Volumes increased in France (+10.5%), the UK (+0.3%) and Spain, where deliveries essentially tripled for the second consecutive quarter. The non-renewal of eco-incentives impacted performance in Italy (-21.5%) and in Germany (-42.1%).

For passenger cars only, Fiat Group Automobiles delivered a total of 455,100 vehicles during the second quarter, an 11.6% decrease over the same period in 2009. For Europe, the decline was sharper with deliveries down 17.7% to 273,400 vehicles. There was a significant fall in Italy (-23.9%) and Germany (-53.7%), impacted by the disproportionate reduction in FGA's principal market segments (A and B segments) and engine classes. Deliveries increased, however, in France (+4.0%) and Spain (almost triple the Q2 2009 level).

The European passenger vehicle market decreased 7.3% over Q2 2009, with performance in principal markets varying significantly as a function of the availability of eco-incentives. Growth continued in the UK (+11.8%) and Spain (+35.4%, also benefiting from purchases prompted by a VAT increase set for July). France, where the positive effect of government incentives is tailing off, was down 3.7%. In the absence of incentives, Italy was down 16.1% and Germany continued to decline (-33%, with the most significant impact in the A-segment). In Brazil, demand was down 6.1% - with the gradual effect of the reduction in indirect local taxes coming to an end in March - but remained at a solid level. For the second quarter, with a market environment that was very competitive, Fiat Group Automobiles’ market share was 30.3% in Italy, down 4.1 percentage points; excluding the effect attributable to a sharp reduction in demand for CNG and LPG vehicles, market share was up 2.5 percentage points. Market share was 7.5% for Europe overall (-1.5 percentage points). The Sector achieved gains in Spain (+0.7 percentage points to 3.2%) and the UK (+0.1 percentage points to 3.1%), while share fell in France (-0.4 percentage points to 4.1%). In Germany, the significant decline in demand in FGA's core segments resulted in a reduction in market share to 3.5% (-1.9 percentage points). In Europe, the Fiat Panda continued as leader in its segment, followed by the Fiat 500, which maintained 2009 registration levels despite the significant overall decline for its segment. For Western Europe only (EU15 + EFTA), Fiat Group Automobiles recorded a 7.6% share (down 1.6 percentage points over Q2 2009).

A total of 99,200 light commercial vehicles were delivered in Q2, representing an increase of 29.7% over the same period in 2009. For Europe, deliveries were up 20.9% to 52,300 units. With the European market experiencing overall growth of 11.7%, Fiat Professional achieved a 13.9% share (-0.5 percentage points). In Italy, market share increased to 44.4% (+4.3 percentage points): the success of both the new Doblς, launched at the end of 2009, and the CNG Fiorino contributed to the brand's excellent second quarter performance. In Brazil, passenger car and light commercial vehicle deliveries were essentially flat (-1.0%) compared with the second quarter of 2009. Share decreased to 23.3% (-1.9 percentage points), but was up one percentage point over the previous quarter. The new Fiat Uno, which has been well received by the market, achieved deliveries of around 20,000 vehicles in the first few weeks. FGA maintained leadership of the Brazilian market.

Fiat Group Automobiles closed Q2 2010 with a trading profit of €185 million, up from €155 million in Q2 2009. The improvement was attributable to an improved mix, primarily related to the performance of light commercial vehicles, purchasing savings and favorable currency movements, partially offset by lower volumes and higher advertising spending due to new product launches. During the quarter, distribution of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles began in Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium.

On the product front, the most important event was the presentation of the Fiat 500 and the 500C equipped with the new 85hp 2-cylinder TwinAir engine developed for FGA by FPT Powertrain Technologies, which offers a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 30% compared to other engines with the same performance. During the period, the Fiat brand also released: the Fiat 500C by Diesel, a convertible developed by Fiat and the well-known fashion and design house; new versions of the Fiat Bravo equipped with the 140hp 1.4 MultiAir Turbo (Euro 5 compliant) and Start&Stop as standard; and, the Panda Anniversary, a special edition released in celebration of the model's 30th anniversary. In May, the 2011 model year Alfa Romeo 159 was presented with a refreshed interior and an expanded range of options packages. In June, the brand celebrated its 100th anniversary with 4 days of celebrations that involved the City of Milan, Fiera Milano, the Monza race circuit and the Alfa Romeo museum. Attending the event were some 3,000 classic cars from 45 countries. At the beginning of July, Fiat Professional offered an addition to its Fiat Scudo range with the top-of-class 165hp 2.0 MultiJet that already conforms to the future Euro 5 EU emissions standards.

The quarter also saw the commercial launch of some products presented at the Geneva Motor Show. These included the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Abarth Punto Evo and the Abarth 500C. In addition, there was the special edition “Hard Black” from Lancia Delta and the new Doblς Natural Power.

On the production side, major milestones included the 5,000,000th vehicle produced in Melfi, Italy since the plant’s opening in 1993 and the 500,000th Fiat 500 built in Tychy, Poland. Sold in 83 countries worldwide, the Fiat 500 achieved this historic result within just 31 months of its commercial launch. Finally, in June, the German auto club ADAC tested 241 vehicles in different categories and fuel types and reported the Fiat Panda Natural Power as having the best fuel economy, traveling 724 km on just €30.

First Half

Fiat Group Automobiles closed the first half with revenues of €14.2 billion, up 13.5% over the first six months of 2009, driven by increased volumes, improved sales mix and favorable currency movements (+7.2% at constant exchange rates). A total of 1,086,700 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were delivered during the first half, up 2.9% over the same period in 2009 (-2.2% for passenger cars only). In Europe, deliveries were down 1.6% to 655,800 units (-6.4% for passenger cars only). Fiat Group Automobiles achieved significant gains in France (+13.6%), the UK (+20.7%) and Spain (+180%), that were offset by a decrease in Germany (-51.6%). In Italy volumes were unchanged over the prior year. The European passenger car market remained essentially unchanged over the first six months of the prior year, with the increase recorded in the first quarter being essentially reversed during the second quarter. Demand fell significantly in Germany (-28.7%), but was offset by increases in all other principal markets (Italy +2.9%, France +5.4%, the UK +19.9% and Spain +39.5%). Market share for Fiat Group Automobiles in Europe was 8.1% (-0.9 percentage points compared with H1 2009), mainly attributable to performance in Germany and Italy (where there was a decrease in demand for vehicles in the ecological CNG and LPG segments). Share in Germany declined to 3.3% (-2.1 percentage points over 2009) and in Italy to 30.9% (-2.5 percentage points). A total of 193,800 light commercial vehicles were delivered in the first half, an increase of 36.2% over H1 2009. In Europe, where overall market demand rose 8.6%, total deliveries increased 33.7% to 106,200 vehicles. Market share for Fiat Professional rose to 44.9% in Italy (+4.8 percentage points) and to 13.7% for Europe overall (+0.4 percentage points). In Brazil, deliveries of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles increased 3.0%. Fiat Group Automobiles maintained its market leadership, for both cars and light commercial vehicles, achieving a share of 22.8% with the overall market increasing 7.3%.

Fiat Group Automobiles posted a trading profit of €338 million for the first half. The increase over the €125 million figure for H1 2009 was attributable to higher volumes, an improved product mix, attributable to demand for light commercial vehicles, purchasing savings and favorable currency movements, partially offset by higher advertising spending due to new product launches.

Maserati

For Q2 2010, Maserati reported €174 million in revenues, up 56.8% over the same period in 2009. This increase was attributable to outstanding performance for both the Quattroporte and the new GranCabrio. A total of 1,697 cars were delivered to the network during the quarter, a 45.2% increase over the same period in 2009. Trading profit came in at €8 million (4.6% of revenues) for the quarter, improving significantly over the €2 million figure for Q2 2009. Maserati established a new single-marque championship for the GranTurismo MC Trofeo, the racing version of the GranTurismo S, with a race calendar consisting of 7 major European circuits.

Maserati reported €301 million in revenues for H1 2010, up 33.2% over the same period for the prior year. Sales to the network totaled 2,902 units for the period, increasing 24.8% over the first half of 2009 with a significant contribution from the GranCabrio. Maserati increased sales volumes in almost all markets, with particularly notable performances in the UK (+92%) and China (+147%). As a result of the strong revenue performance and efficiencies achieved, trading profit came to €12 million (4% of revenues), more than double the €5 million in operating profit for the first half of 2009.

Ferrari

For Q2 2010, Ferrari reported revenues of €489 million, up 8.7% over Q2 2009. This increase was attributable to the performance of the Ferrari California in addition to the positive contribution of the new F458 Italia, 599 GTO and the customization program. A total of 1,615 cars were delivered to the network during the quarter, representing a 2.6% increase over Q2 2009. Ferrari closed the quarter with a trading profit of €77 million (€70 million for Q2 2009). This improvement was attributable both to higher sales revenues and benefits realized from efficiency measures. April saw presentation at the Beijing Motor Show of the Ferrari 599 GTO: the most performing street version of a vehicle ever built by the maker from Maranello. Derived from the 599, production of this version will be limited to just 599 vehicles. Powered by a 12-cylinder, 6-liter engine and boasting 670 horsepower, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 in 3.35 seconds and achieve a top speed 335 kilometers per hour. Ferrari was also present at the International Expo in Shanghai where millions of visitors passed to admire the Hy-Kers concept car, the brand’s hybrid vehicle solution. Also of note was the launch of the F458 Italia for the US and right-hand drive markets and the opening of new Ferrari Stores in Manhattan and Johannesburg.

For H1 2010, Ferrari recorded revenues of €903 million, a slight increase over the same period for the prior year. The number of deliveries to the network was up 1.7% to 3,200. Trading profit totaled €116 million for the first half of 2010, compared with €124 million for the same period in 2009. The negative impact of a less favorable product mix, mainly in the first quarter, was partly offset by cost efficiencies.

Significant events: second quarter 2010 and subsequent to 30 June 2010

On April 21st, John Elkann was appointed Chairman of Fiat, replacing Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, who resigned from office having accomplished the mandate given to him by the Company's core shareholder in May 2004. Mr. Montezemolo continues as a member of the Fiat Board of Directors and Chairman of Ferrari. On the same date, Fiat Group held an Investor Day in Turin, during which the CEO, Sergio Marchionne, and members of the Group Executive Council presented the 2010-2014 Business Plan to the financial community. The Plan marks a new chapter in Fiat's history and is designed to ensure the Group opportunity for growth, in particular through the two strategic projects announced during the presentation. The first is the envisaged demerger of various activities from Fiat to create two distinct groups: one focused on the automobiles business (Fiat, which includes FGA, Ferrari, Maserati, Magneti Marelli, Teksid, Comau, as well as the “Passenger & Commercial Vehicles” business line of FPT Powertrain Technologies) and the other on the capital goods business (Fiat Industrial, which includes CNH, Iveco and the “Industrial & Marine” business line of FPT Powertrain Technologies). The second project outlined in the Business Plan, referred to as Fabbrica Italia, addresses Fiat's commitment to strengthening the industrial presence of Fiat Group Automobiles in Italy.

In May, as part of the process to integrate the distribution activities of Fiat Group Automobiles and Chrysler Group in Europe, the two companies began reorganization and integration of the Chrysler and Lancia sales networks. This integration will lead to the creation of a new network of over 1,000 dealerships across Europe by 2014 under a new mandate. Early June saw the inauguration of a new plant in China (located in the automotive industrial district of Jiading, just outside Shanghai) under the joint venture formed in January 2009 between Magneti Marelli and Shanghai Automobile Gear Works (SAGW). This new plant will produce hydraulic components for around 300 thousand Magneti Marelli FreechoiceTM AMT transmissions annually. There were also significant developments in the dialogue with stakeholders on Fiat's vision for the future of the Giambattista Vico plant in Pomigliano d’Arco, which, under the 2010-2014 Business Plan, would be allocated production of the future Panda. Negotiations led to the signing of an agreement with the trade unions FIM, UILM, FISMIC and UGL in June on new work rules aimed at improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the plant. At the beginning of July, Fiat met in Turin with the above mentioned trade unions for the purposes of implementing the agreement. At the meeting, the parties expressed their commitment to adoption of the agreed mechanisms that will guarantee the necessary operating flexibility for the plant. Execution of that agreement according to the stipulated terms and conditions is essential to Fiat maintaining its commitment to realization of the Fabbrica Italia project.

2010 Outlook

As expected, 2010 is materializing as a year of transition and stabilization. The Group expects all of its Sectors to significantly improve performance over the prior year in the second semester, with the exception of the Automobiles business, the performance of which will be impacted by the reduction and/or elimination of eco-incentives programs which underpin demand for A and B segment cars in Western Europe. The Group is continuing to apply the rigorous cost containment discipline which were introduced in the latter part of 2008. The capital expenditures programs are expected to increase over the abnormally low levels of 2009, with the resumption of a normalized level of capital commitments across all Sectors.

Pending the closing and reporting of Q3 financials, the Group confirms the following targets for the year: Revenues in excess of €50 billion; Trading profit of €1.1 to €1.2 billion; Net profit near break even; and: Net industrial debt above €5 billion. It is highly probable, in view of the Group’s performance to date and our forecast of trading activity for the businesses in the remainder of the year, that Fiat will upgrade guidance for 2010 when announcing Q3 2010 results.
 

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