2010 Chrysler 300C on show

The Chrysler presentation at the show was delivered with an Italian twist.

Jim Press, the company's vice-chairman and president, drove onto the stand in . . . a shiny blue Fiat 500.

The unusual arrival was intended to highlight the growing tie between Chrysler and Fiat which is the key to the American company's survival. Fiat has taken a stake in the US brand and there is a plan for it to also supply the cost-effective small cars Chrysler has not been able to develop on its own.

Press had nothing new to reveal on the Chrysler-Fiat deal but he did - briefly - show the interior of the make-or-break new Chrysler 300C during a video presentation.