MILAN -- Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said Wednesday that the Italian automaker has begun transferring small-car and fuel-efficient engine technology to Chrysler, which should show results by the end of next year, according to The Associated Press.

Marchionne, speaking in a conference call with Fiat analysts, declined to say when Chrysler would return to profitability or what its profit margins would be, deferring the discussion to a meeting with Chrysler's board next week.

Fiat took a 20-percent stake in the U.S. automaker last month, in exchange for its engine and small car technology that Chrysler has been lacking as well as management expertise. The U.S. government made new loans to Chrysler contingent on the Fiat tie-up.