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Comments on: 4 versions of Fiat 500 here in '11

Automotive News reports on Fiat's plans to bring four trim levels of its 500 model to the U.S.

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by rvillela July 5, 2009 8:55 AM PDT

I was truly excited about the 500 coming to the US. To the point that I did some repairs to my current car to keep it running until the cinquecento became available.

That is, until I read the words: "Chrysler will build"...

Yeah... no thanks...

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by AlbertoMoreira July 7, 2009 9:02 AM PDT: I am shure you and many Americans have reasons to doubt Crhysler reliability, but remember that the engines and building technology will came from the Italians, the workers will be Americans and maybe Mexicans cause the factory is in Mexico, still they will be supervised by the new board of directores already under the rules of Marchionne.

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.; Like this


by AlbertoMoreira July 7, 2009 9:04 AM PDT: I guess USA will not have a second chance with green cute car's as the 500.
Having said that, and knowing the engines and building expertises will came from the Italians let's hope that Chrysler learn something from that.; Like this Reply to this comment


by July 23, 2009 2:33 PM PDT: We are excited to see the 500 come to the U.S. As seen on the BBC show, Top Gear, this car is a smile for each mile to drive, and has proven racing lines dating back to the 60's. Our race shop is anxious to get a hold of some 500's and start building race kits. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it.; Like this Reply to this comment


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.

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.; Like this Reply to this comment

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