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Monday, June 1, 2009

Fiat confirms: The Fiat 500 is coming to the USA


The vice president of Fiat communications in Italy, Richard Gadeselli, has confirmed the Fiat 500 is coming to the USA. The time frame is about 18 months and the cars will be sold through Chrysler dealers. Gadeselli is quoted in Automotive News saying..."The Fiat 500 -- we see that, like the Mini, as a sort of boutique car that we think we can sell in good numbers on the East and West coasts in the same way that Mini has been successful in the U.S."


He also states the the Fiat 500 will be the only model badged as a Fiat product. There are reported to be six other cars Chrysler will introduce based on Fiat models. What Fiat will do is to provide chassis and Chrysler will design their own cars around them.


"There is a misconception out there that Chrysler is going to build the Fiat Bravo, just stick a different badge on it. They will be Chrysler products. They will be specific to Chrysler. The vehicle architectures will be based on our stuff, and there will be some powertrains. The vehicles will be U.S. vehicles, designed for U.S. customers by a U.S. company."


So it's official, 18 months. Mark your calender!!

6 comments:

John Montgomery said...

Check for the latest Fiat News at Fiat Lancia Unlimited's website, www.flu.org
Fiat Lancia Unlimited is the largest Fiat Lancia Car Club in the World! You can download our latest copy of "Ricambi" our club magazine for free!

Anonymous said...

They should bring the Fiat Grande Punto tooooooo!!! Also, Abarth versions of both 500 and GP. Come on FIAT, two cars! (and the new Lancia Delta :)

Fiat500USA.com said...

I agree. We need the Grande Punto and all the Abarths! Let's keep our fingers crossed.!

Anonymous said...

Am so pleased that the 500 will wear FIAT badges and not Chrysler or a made up "500" marque. Maybe when Americans realize that FIAT of the 2010s is not the same company that was here in the 1970's they may give us other models too?

Fiat500USA.com said...

yes, I'm with you. I would love to see the Punto Evo here (in full Abarth trim, naturally!). It will be a slow process, but we just have to hang in there.

Anonymous said...

great car...