Reuters scores exclusive interview with Fiat CEO

At the Frankfurt auto show on Sept 16, grabbed an exclusive one-on-one with elusive Fiat Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne, who soared to fame on the global stage after sealing a deal to take 20 percent of American carmaker Chrysler in return for small-car technology. Marchionne forecast an improvement in American auto sales but said Europe would continue to struggle because of excess production capacity. The executive, who lost out to Canadas Magna in the battle for GMs Germany-based Opel unit, also forecast a substantial fall in the German market following the withdrawal of purchasing incentives. Other media outlets were left chasing the comments, which Dow Jones picked up nearly an hour and a half later.