De Tomaso Pantera

De Tomaso Pantera

Exactly one year ago we reported about a plan by former Fiat exec Gian Mario Rossignolo to revive legendary Italian marque De Tomaso for three brand new sports cars. Today we have news that Rossignolo’s newly established De Tomaso is looking to purchase an unprofitable production facility located in Sicily from Fiat--and he has the backing of the Italian government.

The information comes from Italy's Minister for Economic Development, Paolo Romani, who spoke recently with Automotive News.

De Tomaso said in a statement that it was looking to revive the plant with the "utmost commitment". If successful, all of the plant’s workers--roughly 1,400 in total--will get to keep their jobs.

There is expected to be three new models bearing the De Tomaso name, including a crossover, a luxury sedan and a new coupe. The first model is expected to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.

[Automotive News, sub req’d]