Chrysler has estimated that the cash value of the technology which Fiat has offered in exchange for a 35% stake in the American automaker is some $10 billion, according to a report Monday from the Bloomberg news agency.
The figure was cited by Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli in a letter sent to company staff which focused on the state of negotiations with Washington for further loans to allow it to survive, Bloomberg added.
An alliance with Fiat is part of a plan Chrysler is pitching to secure another $5 billion in federal funds in addition to the $4 billion it has already received.
According to Nardelli, the loans and the partnership with Fiat will allow Chrysler to stand alone and recover sales.
Washington is expected to decide before the end of the month on whether to extend the loans, which Fiat has made a condition for a future alliance with Chrysler.
According to a report Monday by the Detroit News, the Obama administration has not still decided whether to give its blessing to a link up between the American and Italian automakers and was still reviewing the plan.
Fiat in January signed a preliminary non-binding agreement with the struggling American carmaker to create a global partnership in the production and distribution of automobiles and other motor vehicles.
The non-cash accord calls for Fiat to take a 35% stake in the Number Three American carmaker in exchange for Fiat's platforms for its fuel-efficient, small and medium-sized compact cars, which will fill a gap in Chrysler's range of models.
The accord is slated to be formalised sometime in April and would give Fiat access to Chrysler's assembly plants as well as its sales and service networks.
These are all necessary for the Italian automaker's goal of bringing Alfa Romeo back to the US market and introducing its popular new Fiat 500 city car there, both of which need to be produced in the US to be profitable.
Fiat is also reported to have an option to acquire a further 20% in Chrysler should the partnership prove successful.
The Italian automaker made itself even more attractive to potential partners earlier this month when it unveiled its new Multiair engine designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Aside from reducing consumption and emissions, respectively by 25% and 10%, the new engine is also 20% lighter than a conventional motor and is 25% smaller in volume.
During its presentation at the Geneva International Motor Show, Fiat said the new technology ''will be made available to all (Fiat's) current and future partners''.
