The Auto Writer

One of Europe’s most popular cars, indeed a model that is catching on nicely in markets around the world is the Fiat 500, a subcompact car that is available in either coupe or cabriolet form. Sharing the same platform as the Ford Ka, the original 500 line ran from 1957 to 1975 before being replaced by other models. In 2007, the 500 model name returned and with it came a stylish all new car that somewhat resembles the Volkswagen New Beetle.

When Fiat SpA announced that the Italian automaker was interested in acquiring Chrysler, the company made it known that the Fiat 500 would be one among several Fiat models which would be sold in Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge showrooms. Indeed, the selling point that Fiat chairman Sergio Marchionne made on behalf of his company acquiring Chrysler LLC is that the automaker already had a small car portfolio in place that could fill gaps in Chrysler’s mostly mid to large sized car, truck and minivan line up. By taking existing Fiat models and building them in North American factories as Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models, suddenly America’s third largest automaker would have a full product line in its bid to compete with everyone else.

Fiat 500 Sold With Its Name Retained

Fiat announced on Monday, following a judge’s decision to sell Chrysler’s assets to that company, that the Fiat 500 would be in US showrooms within the next one and one-half years (December 2010). But, the car will retain its Fiat 500 designation – the only Fiat model to do so – carrying a similar distinction as BMW’s MINI line, itself a highly popular and stylish subcompact. Fiat believes that the 500 will have strong coastal US appeal and be perceived as a boutique car stateside.

Chrysler will get as many as six additional car lines based on Fiat platforms, but those cars will be unique to Chrysler and designed for the North American market. For example, the Fiat Bravo is a compact car slightly larger than the 500, but it won’t be sold in the US. Its platform and perhaps some important parts and components (engine, transmission, etc.) may find their way into a similarly sized Chrysler product, but whatever is built for North America will be designed by Chrysler’s own design team and be sold as a Chrysler or Dodge (probably not Jeep).

There are a few more hurdles for Chrysler to climb before it can be sold off to Fiat. An Indiana pensioners fund is objecting to the sale and there is plenty of heartburn among the Chrysler dealer network which could force some changes. However, given that no one else wants to deal with Chrysler, Fiat’s quest to secure the company is nearly a done deal.

Source: Automotive News

See Also — Fiat 500 Cabriolet Bedazzles Geneva