Fiat's jump contrasts with GM chief signalling desire to exit Europe

Milan

FIAT Chrysler Automobiles NV shares have outpaced General Motors Co (GM) in the initial aftermath of a potential Opel sale, amid fresh speculation the two could combine. The problem: GM chief executive officer Mary Barra still just isn't interested.

Analysts are seeing GM's proposed sale of its European business creating an opening for Fiat Chrysler to revive its long-standing - and one-sided effort - to combine with GM. Shedding Opel would eliminate GM's overlap with Fiat in Europe and clear the way for the largest US carmaker to replace money-losing operations with Fiat's profitable brands.