Chrysler has shot down claims that the business it about to be broken up.

The manufacturer held a snap press conference at the Detroit Motor Show to confirm that its is not in discussions with Renault-Nissan to acquire its Jeep brand and will not be selling its US plant in Illinois to supplier Magna.

There would be no piecemeal sale of brands or factories, said vice-chairman Tom LaSorda, and the report about Jeep was “absolutely false”.

He said: “We will not separate the brands from the company,” adding that such a move would require US Government approval.