Reports suggest Italy will back FCA’s credit line after efforts to raise cash collapse.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is in talks to secure a €6.3 billion (AU $10.6 billion) credit line backed by the Italian government, Bloomberg reports.
The firm, which has its financial headquarters in London, scrapped its dividend payments to shareholders after a planned AU $14 billion sale of reinsurer PartnerRe, owned by the holding firm of the Agnelli family alongside the controlling share of FCA, collapsed.
The PSA Group, which has agreed a tie-up with FCA to create the world’s fourth largest car-making group, also scrapped its dividend for 2020. The decision allows them to keep just under $1.9 billion for day-to-day operations during the coronavirus crisis, but it seems FCA is now in discussion for a substantial boost from the Italian government.
Almost every car manufacturer has suffered extensive financial setbacks or share price drops during the pandemic, which caused Australia car sales to fall in April by almost 50 per cent, according to Vfacts. Australia is only now easing out of its lockdown measures and manufacturer’s have told AutoDaily that it is expected the market will gradually return to healthier figures.
A primary reason for FCA seeking the merger with PSA was to bolster its European arm, which has struggled over the years with poor sales, low margins on popular cars and underfunded premium brands such as Maserati and Alfa Romeo. The French group’s expertise in the market, along with its superior progress on electrification, is hoped to help FCA recover its success in the region.
Lawrence Allan