New interior trim, the addition of Nissan's Around View Monitor technology and new suspension settings specifically tailored for European roads build on the LEAF's unique driving experience.

ENGADGET: New Nissan Leaf comes to the UK with battery leasing option, extended range

It's not actually clear whether Mr. Marchionne is factoring in research and development costs or whether he's talking purely of material costs, though Fiat's fate is hardly unique -- the Nissan Leaf isn't expected to generate a profit for a good couple of years yet.

ENGADGET: Fiat will lose $10,000 on every 500 EV it sells, still intends to bring it to US in 2012