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Friday, December 31, 2010

First Drive of the 2012 Fiat 500


Road & Track magazine has posted a first drive impression of the 2012 Fiat 500 on their site. Rest assured, this positive review will be the first of many here in the US.

Here is a small excerpt:

"...the Fiat 500 is not just a small car, but a very stylish small car, as only the Italians can do it, and New York is a place where flair and hipness are appreciated. Wherever we stopped, people walked up and admired the car—and every one of them knew exactly what it was."

Read more at Road&Track
With thanks to cinquecento, einy and anonymous reader

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Fiat North America CEO Laura Soave speaks


Here are two interesting interviews of Laura Soave done by the Detroit Free Press this past week. They give some background on how she was chosen to lead Fiat's re-introduction to the US market and how the Fiat 500 will be marketed.

Reintroducing Fiat to the U.S

Fiat's brand new experience

Monday, December 27, 2010

New 2012 Fiat 500 e-Brochure available online


Fiat North America has posted a new e-Brochure on fiatusa.com. Come check it out here:

2012 Fiat 500 Brochure


Don't forget to keep checking FiatUSA for site updates. They are coming!

With thanks to Chrysler Media and Fiat USA

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Fiat 500 makes "10 reliable cars that refuse to die" list


MSN posted an article on 10 cars that refuse to die. Number six on the list is the Fiat 500, made from 1957-1975. Readers of this blog already know the history of this legendary car, so it's not a surprise to us.

In the article they say "...the Italian maker cranked out 3.4 million between 1957 and 1975, many of which are still plying Italy's narrow streets today. It helps that the two-cylinder car is outrageously simple -- basically, a lawnmower with a roof."


Dante Giacosa


However, this statement doesn't do the Fiat 500 justice, because, although the 500 appears to be simple, it is an engineering and design masterpiece, created by two of the most legendary automotive designers/engineers of the 20th century; Dante Giacosa and Aurelio Lampredi.

You can read more about this iconic design here.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Fiat500USA



Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

In appreciation for everyone who has made Fiat500USA.com popular, I am opening up my photo archives to the public. Currently the archive holds over 1800 pictures (and growing), and I am working on making the vast majority of them public for all to enjoy.

I will be adding these pictures over time (there are A LOT!), so check back often.

Fiat500USA Photo Gallery



gif courtesy of webdevelopers.com

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas gift from Fiat North America


Fiat sent out an early Christmas gift to folks that reserved the 500 Prima Edizione, a limited edition, numbered poster and a holiday greeting from Fiat Brand North America Head, Laura Soave:



It's the most wonderful time of the year and in celebration of your Prima Edizione reservation, we wanted to get you a little something for the holidays. Inspired by your authentic passion of for life, please enjoy this limited edition original work of art. A poster exclusively designed in appreciation of your genuine loyalty. From all of us at Fiat, may all your dreams come true this holiday season.

L.Soave

Head of Fiat Brand North America







With thanks and appreciation to Fiat NA

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Fiat 500 Press Kit sells for unprecedented price


The Fiat 500 is poised to take America by storm. When was there a $15,000 car that had a press kit so sought after enough to command $275? That is what a recently auctioned off Fiat 500 press kit sold for on Ebay.

Folks, this is no Versa, Yaris or Fiesta. The Ebay auction is the latest indication of this fact. Normally press kits sell for $10 or less... compare that with Fiat 500 press kit's going rate of $275.


Values like these are usually reserved for exotic and premium models and not $15,000 - $20,000 automobiles. Simply put, we are witnessing the start of something big and not seen here in this country for a long time, if ever. A car that spans all economic and social status. Young, old, rich or just starting out, the Fiat 500 is the car for anyone who enjoys and wants the best out of life.

If you have followed this blog over the past 2 years, you know.... If you are new, come along with us and explore the Fiat 500....


Read more about the Fiat 500 Press Kit here.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Latest news about the Fiat 500 Prima Edizione



The following was just emailed to folks who reserved a Fiat 500 Prima Edizione:

Dear Christian Vitale, Prima Edizione Numero 29:

With 2011 right around the corner, so too is the assembly of your Prima Edizione FIAT 500!

Production of the FIAT 500 begins this January in bright, modern facilities with "World Class Manufacturing" processes designed to create state-of-the-art assembly, efficiency and leading-edge product quality.

And our benchmark processes don't stop there. Each and every vehicle will be thoroughly tested and inspected prior to delivery to ensure that your FIAT 500 meets our standards — and yours. Delivery should occur in mid to late February. Which means we are also extending the deadline to the end of February for you to complete the purchase of your vehicle. In the meantime, dealers are busy putting the finishing touches on our Studios. We'll also be sending you details about the FIAT Studios in your area.

Soon, we will make history by introducing a new car company to North America. We appreciate your patience as we finalize operations.

Look for more updates regarding the assembly of your Prima Edizione FIAT 500 — and more importantly, its delivery date.

In the meantime, I wish you a wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,

Laura Soave
CEO
FIAT North America

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The 2012 Fiat 500: Improved and Refined (part 2)


This article is part two of an earlier post where we began examining the differences and improvements of the 2012 North American Fiat 500 over the European version (read part one here).

We'll continue the story of the new Fiat 500 with a look at the interior and other key features.

Interior


The US Fiat 500 Sport seats...note the armrest.



To adapt the Fiat 500 to American driving requirements Fiat looked at how we drive.

Americans typically spend more time commuting in their cars, with commutes of an hour or more being typical. To accommodate these requirements, Fiat redesigned and improved the driver and passenger seat comfort, specifically in the seat cushion area.

An armrest was also added to enhance comfort and entry to the rear seat has been improved over the European car with an easy access system.

Another shot of the Fiat 500 Sport seats. Compare them to...



... the European Fiat 500 Sport seats. The US car has a more cushioned seat, more suitable for long distance driving. The differences between the two cars are very hard to detect in this picture.



The US Fiat 500 has round power window switches outlined in chrome trim and no parting seam (see below).




The European Fiat 500 console has squared off power window switches with a construction seam running just below them.




The US Fiat 500 has optional heated seats. You can see the controls just to the left and right of the shifter. In Europe, heated seats appear to be a dealer installed option with switches installed between seats near the handbrake.


New heated-seat controls have been relocated to the lower instrument panel for added convenience, while larger heated-seat elements provide front-passenger comfort in colder weather.

The US Fiat 500 has cruise control with the control buttons having been added to the right side of the steering wheel. These replace the radio controls of the European car, which are now combined with the left side steering wheel controls.




The European Fiat 500 has radio controls on both sides of the steering wheel.






One area often mentioned in road tests on the European 500 was its road noise level. This has been thoroughly examined and addressed with newly designed floor, tunnel, trunk and instrument panel sound-deadening material. Additionally, new body and door seals, along with foam-in-place carpeting, help make the US Fiat 500 the quietest version yet.

The heating and ventilation system has also been upgraded for the North American climate. Be it the frigid weather in northern Canada or the torturous heat of Death Valley, the Fiat 500 has been adapted to handle these extremes in stride.


Here is another shot of the console in the US Fiat 500. It has a cleaner look without the seem running through the middle of it. Also note the glove box lid and the storage netting on the side of the console. Just visible are the enlarged cup holders.





The console on the European Fiat 500 has a large assembly seam that breaks up the the smooth look. The European car also has an opening compartment on the side of the console but no glove box lid. Just visible are the smaller European cup holders (yes, the Euro car has cup holders!)





The European Fiat 500 has a package shelf under the dash with a small drop down compartment for the owners manual.





The European Fiat 500 Sport interior. Compare the seats, headrest and head liner...





... to the US Fiat 500 Sport. They look very similar but there are some differences, the seats appear to be taller and slightly larger. The front seat headrests are of the active type (they move to protect the neck in an accident) and the head liner is in black. The Pop and Lounge versions have a light color headliner like the European car.




The European Fiat 500 dashboard



The US Fiat 500 dashboard...nearly identical



In Europe, Fiat offers a premium stereo upgrade for the 500 called the "Interscope" sound system, and comprises of six speakers (two tweeters, two woofers and two full-range, all 40 W), one 100 W sub-woofer and a 30 W amplifier.

In the US, a new BOSE® Energy Efficient Series (EES) premium audio system is available. The Bose system is engineered for a vehicle's unique acoustic signature and in the Fiat 500, features six premium speakers and a subwoofer.

This component of the Bose sound system is the amplifier.



Some Details

The European Fiat 500 projector beam headlight



The US Fiat 500 projector beam headlight...note the 500 logo



The US Fiat 500 Pop has a plain tailpipe



The US Fiat 500 Lounge and 500 Sport have a polished tip




The US Fiat 500 stows the optional space-saver spare tire under the car. The European car keeps its spare inside the trunk. Speculation suggests this was moved to increase luggage capacity and/or to accommodate the strengthening of the rear chassis for higher speed US rear crash standards. We'll try to confirm this.



===========================================

You might think this is the end of the story, but, as they say, this is just the beginning. There is still plenty to explore on the new Fiat 500, so watch this space....


With thanks to Chrysler Media
Photo Credits: Matt from
Midwest Bayless, an Anonymous Fan, Patrick and Chrissy,
Fiat Group Press and Chrysler Media



Thursday, December 16, 2010

Criswell Fiat to receive new Fiat 500 within week


Criswell Fiat of Gaithersburg, Maryland will receive one of the first Fiat 500 demo cars in the country. Fiat sales manager, Giles Bibic says the car should arrive very shortly, within a weeks time.

Criswell Fiat will be one of the very first Fiat dealers up and running in the US and will receive their demo car ahead of others who are not as far along in their facility requirements.

Check them out here: Criswell Fiat and call 1-888-418-2268!

It is reported the bulk of Fiat dealers are scheduled to receive a demo car by mid January with the Prima Edizione to follow shortly after. The grape vine says for folks who purchased a Prima Edizione, the cars will go to the dealer nearest you that is up and running. Stay tuned...

So Great News!!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Fiat 500 to show up in January



Fiat spokesman, Ariel Gavilan, has been quoted in the Florida newspaper, Sun Sentinel saying: "... every dealer should have a 500 on display by the end of January, or early February at the latest. 'The car will be built in Toluca, Mexico,' he said, 'so it's likely dealers that are closer, such as the one in San Diego, will have cars before the dealers up here in Detroit.'"

Read the full article here

Monday, December 13, 2010

New Fiat 500 Dealers Enthusiastic After Meeting


Yesterday, December 13, Fiat USA held "Fiat Immersion Day”, the first in a series of business meetings for Fiat dealers. The meeting took place at Fiat USA's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and featured a full day centered on the marketing and other details of the Fiat 500. Scheduled at the end of "Fiat Immersion Day" was a Ride and Drive event so dealers could compare the Fiat 500 to its competitors in the segment.

Below are the reactions of Fiat dealers emerging from the event and their candid comments on the prospects for success as the brand returns to North America.



Fiat dealer Lisa Copeland of Austin, TX


Fiat dealer Josh Towbin of Las Vegas, NV


Fiat dealer Jim Arrigo of West Palm Beach, FL


Fiat dealer Bob Davis of Signal Hill, CA


Fiat dealer Alfredo Gulla of Larchmont, NY

With thanks to Chrysler Media

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Fiat 500 Newspaper Pullout


Fiat USA treated newspaper readers throughout the country with an advertising pullout for the Fiat 500 this past week. The pullout is a teaser ad that gives a glimpse of the car and the 500's "life is best when driven" theme.

Teaser ads are used at the very beginning of an advertising campaign, and are designed to create curiosity, and even mystery, that gets attention for the campaign that follows. Expect to see more of these teaser ads for the Fiat 500 as we get closer to the media blitz within the next few months.






Special thanks to "Anonymous Reader" who provided the newspaper pullout

Friday, December 10, 2010

New Fiat 500 Launch Video



A great new launch video was posted on Fiat USA's Youtube channel*. Lots of details and the lovely Laura Soave giving an overview of the new Fiat 500...




* Sadly, Fiat USA deleted these videos, but we have the above video of the launch from the Fiat500USA.com YouTube Channel.

Check out Fiat USA's Youtube Channel

Thursday, December 9, 2010

The 2012 Fiat 500 Press Kit


Efficient, elegant, useful, the design of the Fiat 500 can be described many ways. You would expect no less from the design of its very own press kit, which deserves special mention.



During the development of the press kit, there was a desire to provide the “Fiat Experience” and not just a traditional media kit. The resulting design cleverly incorporates the press kit booklet, espresso cup and saucer, and 4-gig jumpdrive containing images in an elegantly packaged, tiny watch-box-like size.



The press kits were presented to the media during the Fiat 500's launch and quickly became one of the most coveted items during the LA Auto Show. Here are some pictures and details of this rare item.







Presentation box measures approximately 5" x 5" x 5"

Presentation box contains:

2012 Fiat 500 press book which measures approximately 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" with 60 pages

USB with 2012 Fiat 500 press info and photographs

Fiat cup (measures approximately 2 1/4" high)

Saucer (measures approximately 4 1/2" diameter)


Special thanks to Chrysler Media