The future ownership of Fiat's car division remains uncertain

The Italian company revealed the plan after both firms' bosses held talks at a secret venue on Tuesday.

Fiat claims that US auto giant GM is legally obliged to buy the 90% of the car unit it does not already own; GM says the 2000 contract is now invalid.

Fiat said it remains willing to sue GM if an agreement cannot be found.

Head to head

"This procedure, which will involve direct dialogue between the two CEOs, is designed to allow the parties to resolve the dispute before resorting to other means, including litigation," said Fiat.

Both companies want to cut costs as the car industry adjusts to waning demand.

Press reports have speculated that Fiat might be willing to drop its claim in return for a cash settlement.

The meeting between Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne and GM's Rick Wagoner was to have taken place in a Zurich hotel, but was moved to a secret location to avoid media interest.

GM executives entered the hotel but left by the back door shortly afterwards, Reuters reported.

Fiat may be willing to cancel the 'put' in exchange for money Merrill Lynch

Mr Marchionne is confident of his firm's legal position, saying in an interview with the Financial Times that GM's argument "has no legs".

The agreement in question dates back to GM's decision to buy 20% of Fiat's auto division in 2000.

At the time, it gave the Italian firm the right, via a 'put option', to sell the remaining stake to GM.

In recent weeks, Fiat has reiterated its claims that this 'put' is still valid and legally binding.

However, GM argues that a Fiat share sale made last year, which cut GM's holding to 10%, together with asset sales made by Fiat have terminated the agreement.

Family jewels

Selling the Fiat's car-making unit may not prove so simple, analysts say, especially as it is a company that is so closely linked to Italy's industrial heritage.

Political and public pressure may well push the two firms to reach a compromise.

"We are not expecting Fiat to exercise its put of the auto business against an unwilling GM at this point," brokerage Merrill Lynch said in a note to investors, adding that any legal battle would be protracted and damaging to the business.

"As far as we are aware, the Agnelli family, which indirectly controls at least 30% of Fiat, has not given a firm public indication that it wants to sell the auto business.