Main brands and marques involved and their key markets:

Fiat

The company has 9.1% of the European market, but negligible sales in the US. Brands include Lancia, Alfa Romeo and the luxury Maserati and Ferrari – which are not part of the deal. It also owns Iveco trucks and CNH farming and construction vehicles. Main models are: Panda, Cinquecento, Grande Punto, Multipla and the Bravo. The cheapest is the Panda, starting at €8,830 (£7,871).

Lancia –Models include Ypsilon, Delta, Musa, Phedra and the top-of-the-range Thesis, costing upwards of €55,250.

Alfa Romeo – The sporty brand's models include the MiTo, 147, 159, Brera, Spider and GT.

GM Europe

The US company's brands in Europe are Chevrolet, Opel, Saab and Vauxhall.

Vauxhall – Models range from the Corsa, Astra, and Vectra to the Zafira and VXR8

Opel – Models range from the Agila, Corsa, Astra, Zafira and Insignia to the sports-utility vehicle Antara.

Chevrolet – Brands include the Matiz, Aveo, Lacetti, Nubira SW, Cruze, Epica and Captiva.

Saab – Vehicle types include the 9-3, 9-5 and the Turbo X.

Chrysler – The company has a market share of 11.8% in the US but just 0.3% in Europe. Its main brands are Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep with main models including the Crossfire two-seater and Grand Cherokee.