Fiat chairman John Elkann has confirmed the group’s business plan announced on 30 October despite a difficult economic environment.

Asked by Reuters if the company’s plan to shift its focus to higher value models was still valid with the car market worsening, Elkann said it was.

“We are going ahead with our new model launches as planned. The new Maserati Ghibli will be launched [in China]. We are seeing encouraging signs,” Elkann said.