4 versions of Fiat 500 here in '11
BALOCCO, Italy--Chrysler will build and sell four versions of the tiny Fiat 500 in North America starting in 2011: a hatchback, convertible, station wagon, and sporty hatchback.
A fifth model--a small, four-wheel-drive SUV--also is possible.
They will wear the Fiat brand, and no longer-term plans exist for other Fiat-badged models here, the company said.
Roberto Giolito, designer of the 500 and head of styling for the Fiat brand, confirmed the plans here last week at the launch of the 500C convertible.
The sporty hatchback is the Abarth version of the 500 hatchback, the popular 2008 European Car of the Year that Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne calls "our iPod."
The 500, which debuted in Europe in 2007, is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the first half of 2011, said Fiat brand CEO Lorenzo Sistino. Production in North America is expected to begin in early 2011 at a Chrysler plant either in the United States or in Toluca, Mexico.
At 139.6 inches, the 500 hatchback is 33 inches longer than the Smart ForTwo but seats four adults instead of the ForTwo's two. The 500 is about 10 inches shorter than Toyota's Yaris hatchback.
On the wagon version, the wheelbase is stretched 3.1 inches, to 93.7 inches.
(Source: Automotive News)
That is, until I read the words: "Chrysler will build"...
Yeah... no thanks...
If you fancy the cinquecento and admire the work of the Italo-Canadian Marchionne rebuilding Fiat in Europe, than I am shure you also can give a second chance to the New Crhysler and Fiat in USA.
We don't need revolution but evolution, it's time to everyone help this planet became greener and i am about talking about money.Why can't we make it with a smile then, and cinquencento sure is up to that task.
Sorry for the long speech.
Having said that, and knowing the engines and building expertises will came from the Italians let's hope that Chrysler learn something from that.
-
by make_or_break
July 26, 2009 7:46 AM PDT
- Normally I'd say 'no thanks' when confronted with the realization of a car built by Chrysler, not matter WHERE the drivetrain and key mechanical bits are sourced from. The UAW is one vile, foul organization that puts itself and its members FAR above all else, consistently biting the hand that feeds with no care for the consequences.
-
Reply to this comment
-
(5 Comments)But the times today are indeed different.
Chrysler workers know full well that they're running out of options if they DON'T get their future products right. They should realize by now that, if it comes down to union power or the ability to keep doing the jobs for what they're trained at, union power doesn't mean a hill of beans if the plants that their union was built on are all shut down and the jobs are gone. I certain HOPE they realize this, because there's not going to be another government bailout after this last round; as far as the rest of us taxpayers are concerned, there's no use in flogging this diseased, dead horse if they fail this time.
The Iacocca bailout worked, mostly because of the dynamic personality of Chairman Lee himself. But once he was gone the bandages in place started to peel, and fast. Even a strong entity like Daimler had no choice and bailed, throwing up their hands at the stupid, incipid way the company was run...and bleeding red ink like there was no tomorrow. The private equity bunch that followed were completely clueless as to how to right things. And now Fiat...the very same poor Fiat who twisted GM's arm with that payout option ploy a few years back in order to infuse a couple of billion dollars into to their own ailing operational accounts.
And now there's no tomorrow.
Frankly I'm not optimistic that the remnants of the Mopar empire will survive this. The 500C might go a long way in stabilizing the company's bottom line, but only if it's done RIGHT. They have some time to figure that out before sales begin; for Chrysler's sake and survival they had better.
My bet is that they'll end up dragging Fiat down with them. Or, if Fiat's lucky enough, perhaps be sold for a song to some adventurous Chinese group willing to take a flier on them for one last gasp for life.