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1,358 views May 29, 2007

Bertone developing new sports car for US

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Following the demise of Fiat Group’s rescue plan for Bertone, a deal that would have seen the struggling Italian coachbuilder build several new Lancia models for Fiat, senior management were forced to come up with a new survival plan to present to investors at a meeting last month. Part of the turnaround plan was to strengthen operational control by employing Barbara Bertone, the youngest daughter of CEO Ermelinda Bertone, as the new managing director.

Her goal will be to secure work for the firm. Bertone hasn’t had a major job since it stopped building the Opel/Vauxhall Astra coupe and cabriolet in 2005, which meant most of its 1,500 odd staff were left without work and supported with government handouts. Unfortunately, the public handouts are set to expire on July 11.

According to Automotive News, the coachbuilder is considering starting production of a Bertone branded sports car with a BMW powerplant for the US market, as well as assembly of a camper van. A spokesman for BMW stated that the luxury label has no involvement in the development of a Bertone sports car but did not rule out its existence.

Pictured above is Bertone’s most recent concept car, a light weight roadster that was unveiled in Geneva earlier this year.

Via: Autoblog.it