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Monday, April 29, 2013

Arianna's Sexy People Featuring the Fiat 500 and Pitbull


You have seen the Fiat 500 commercial "Immigrants" where cars plunge into the sea and "drive" over to American shores, now here is the complete video on what happens on the trip over! The music video stars Pitbull, Charlie Sheen and the beautiful Italian Pop Star Arianna Bergamaschi - better known as just Arianna. Enjoy it here because it may be too sexy to make it on prime time TV!



What do you think? Talk about it on the
Fiat 500 USA Forum!

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Monday, April 22, 2013

Fiat 500e Full Vehicle Specifications!

Fiat 500e


All-new 2013 FIAT 500e SPECIFICATIONS*
Dimensions are in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Vehicle Type: A-segment hatchback
EPA Vehicle Class: Mini-compact
Assembly Plant: Toluca, Mexico
Introduction Date: Second Quarter 2013 as a 2013 model

BODY/CHASSIS
Layout: Front-wheel drive
Construction: Unitized steel body


Fiat 500e - click for larger image

ELECTRIC MOTOR
Availability: Standard — 500e
Type and Description: Permanent magnetic electric traction with electric-parking pawl
Power (SAE)
111 bhp (83 kW)
Torque (SAE)
147 lb.-ft. (200 N•m)
Max. Speed (estimated): 85 mph (137 kph)

Fuel Economy Label*
EPA estimated miles-per-gallon equivalent
(MPGe) Fuel Economy Label
City: Greater than 122 MPGe (195 KPGe)
Highway: Greater than 108 MPGe (173 KPGe)
Combined: Greater than 116 MPGe (186 KPGe)
Driving Range (estimated)
City, typical: More than 100 miles (160 km)
Combined, Label: More than 87 miles (128 km)
Emissions: Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV)
*preliminary


Fiat 500e chassis

BATTERY SYSTEM: 24 KWH LIQUID-COOLED/HEATED LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
Availability: Standard — 500e
Type and Description: 24 kilowatt-hours (kWh) capacity with 97 lithium-ion cells, 364 volts
Thermal Management System: 4 mode: thermal equalization, passive cooling, active cooling and active heating
On-board Charging Module (OBCM): 6.6-kW with AC to DC transformation with Level 1 or Level 2 charging
Weight: 600 lbs
Estimated Charge Time
Level 1 (120V): less than 24 hours
Level 2 (240V): less than 4 hours
Power Inverter Module: DC-to-AC and DC-to-DC
Connector: SAE J1772

VEHICLE COOLING MODULE
Availability: Standard — 500e
Type and Description: Brazed-aluminum radiators, aluminum condenser and cooling fan


Fiat 500e powertrain

TRANSMISSION: SINGLE-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Availability: Standard on 500e
Gear Ratios
Reverse
9.59:1
Final-drive Ratio
9.59:1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery: 12 volt, 500 CCA, maintenance free

SUSPENSION
Front: MacPherson suspension, coil spring with twin-tube struts and stabilizer bar
Rear: Rear twist-beam axle with coil springs and twin-tube shock absorbers

STEERING
Type: Rack and pinion with electric power steering (EPS) column
Overall Ratio: 16.3:1
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb): 31.3 feet (9.54 m)
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock): 3.0

BRAKES
Availability: Standard on 500e
Front
Rotor size and type: 11.0 x 0.87 (284 x 22) vented with regenerative braking
Caliper size and type: 2.13 (54) single-piston with aluminum housing
Swept area: 218 sq. in (1410 sq. cm)
Rear
Rotor size and type: 9.4 x 0.4 (251 x 11) solid with regenerative braking
Caliper size and type: 1.50 (38) single-piston with aluminum housing
Swept area: 162 sq. in (1048 sq. cm)


Fiat 500e body structure

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES(D)
Wheelbase: 90.6 (2,300)
Track, Front: 55.4 (1,407)
Track, Rear: 55.0 (1,397)
Overall Length: 142.4 (3,617)
Overall Width: 64.1 (1,627)
Overall Height: 60.1 (1,527)
Ground Clearance: 4.5 (115)
Drag Coefficient (Cd): 0.311
Curb Weight, lb. (kg): 2,980 (1,355)
Weight Distribution, percent Front/Rear: 57 / 43
(d) All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating Capacity, F/R: 2/2

Front Seat
Head room: 38.9 (989) 37.6 (956) with sunroof
Legroom: 40.7 (1,035)
Shoulder room: 49.4 (1,255)
Hip room: 47.8 (1215)
Total seat travel: Driver — 8.2 (210) Passenger — 8.2 (210)
EPA front row interior volume: 45.3 cu. ft. (1.282 cu. m)

Rear Seat
Head room: 35.5 (903)
Legroom: 27.6 (702)
Shoulder room: 46.4 (1,179)
Hip room: 42.6 (1,083)
EPA second row interior volume: 26.3 cu. ft. (0.745 cu. m)
Total Interior Volume: 71.6 cu. ft. (2.027 cu. m)
EPA Luggage Compartment Volume: 7.0 cu. ft. (0.199 cu. m)
EPA Interior Volume Index: 78.6 cu. ft. (2.226 cu. m)
Trunk Liftover Height: 28.1 (715)


Fiat 500e interior

TIRES
Availability: Standard on 500e
Size and type: 185/55R15 BSW All-season
Mfr. and model: Firestone Firehawk GTH
Revs per mile (km): 906 (563)

WHEELS
Availability: Standard on 500e
Type and material: Cast-aluminum, five-hole design, painted Argento (silver) with Nero (black) accented inserts
Size: 
Front:15 x 5.5, 4 Lug, 98mm Bolt Pattern, 28.65mm Offset
Rear: 15 x 6.5, 4 Lug, 98mm Bolt Pattern, Offset N/A

Availability Included with e-Sport Package on 500e
Type and material Cast-aluminum, five-hole design, painted Nero with Arancio Electrico
Perla (Electric Orange Tri-coat paint) accented inserts
Size 15 x 5.5 (front) and 15 x 6.5 (rear)

Read More:


 


*preliminary information
Source: Fiat USA

Friday, April 19, 2013

One Millionth Fiat 500 Rolls Off Assembly Line


Five years after its introduction, the Fiat 500 is still going strong. The 1 millionth Fiat 500 rolled off its European assembly line in Tychy, Poland today. The millionth car was a Fiat 500 Abarth (or, as it is known in Europe, an Abarth 500) and brings the world wide tally of Fiat 500s built to 1,100,000 cars when Toluca, Mexico production is added in.

The Fiat 500 can be a fun track day car...

Besides the good news for Fiat, this represents a significant milestone in affordable transportation, because the modern Fiat 500 is developing a legacy of making classic Italian design accessible to anyone who appreciates style with substance. You no longer have to purchase a $150,000 Ferrari to enjoy Italian design.

an elegant night on the town city car...

The hallmark of the Fiat 500 is it is highly functional and fully customizable. Its functionality can be seen with many owners using the vehicle as a family car during the week and then an enjoyable track car on weekends. With more than 500,000 possible trim and equipment combinations, there is virtually no limit to how you can personalize the 500. Ultra-sport, elegant city car or comfortable cruiser, the Fiat 500 has the design panache to pull it off.

and a practical vacation car, all rolled up into one.

Below is a list of the awards the Fiat 500 has won in the US since its introduction in 2011.

Fiat 500 Hatchback

  • About.com's 2013 Reader's Choice Awards - Best Car under $17,000
  • GQ Magazine Best Car 2011-GQ Best Stuff 2010
  • Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Best New Design
  • Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Best Value
  • Kelley Blue Book kbb.com-Top 10 Green Cars
  • Kelley Blue Book kbb.com-2011 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
  • Ruedas ESPN- Best Economy Car
  • Consumer Digest Best Buy / Subcompact
  • eCityofStyle Auto Style Award
  • Texas Auto Media Association Readers Choice Award/Sub Compact Car
  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2012 Top Safety Pick (Built after July 20111)
  • Travel and Leisure Magazine 2012 - Design Award/Best Designed Car
  • Men's Journal Gear of the Year Award
  • TFLcar,com 2012 Ten Most Fun to Drive Car Award
  • Consumer Guide Recommended Pick
  • Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com 2011- Top 10 Back-to-School Cars
  • Travel and Leisure Magazine Design Awards/ 2012 Best Car
  • Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Sub Compact Car of Texas
  • Consumer Guide Automotive - 10 Coolest Cars under $18,000
  • Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com - 10 Coolest Cars under $18,000
  • Strategic Vision Total Quality Index Award / Small Car Segment

Fiat 500 Cabrio

  • Southern Automotive Media Association - Best Small Convertible of the Year (2011)
  • Green Car Reports Best gas mileage 4-seat convertible
  • Southern Automotive Media Association - Fiat 500 by Gucci Best Small Convertible of the Year (2012)

Fiat 500 Abarth

  • MotorWeek's Driver's Choice Award for Best Sport Coupe
  • Hispanic Motor Press Association - 2012 Car of the Year Award/Compact Car

Fiat Brand

  • MultiAir System popular Science Magazine Best of What's New - 2012
  • 2012 Fiat 500 SEMA Hottest Sports Compact Car



Here is an older, partial list of some of the awards the Fiat 500 has won around the world:


2009:

"WORLD CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR" - AWARDED BY WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR AWARD ORGANIZATION

“PRIZE OF PRIZES” - AWARDED BY THE ITALIAN MINISTRY FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND INNOVATION

"BEST CITY CAR" - AWARDED BY AUTOEXPRESS-UK

"CITY CAR OF THE YEAR" - AWARDED BY BUSINESS CAR (UK)

"BEST CARS OF 2009" - AUTO MOTOR UND SPORT - GERMANY

"MY FAVORITE CARS" - QUATTRORUOTE - CITY-CAR CATEGORY

"IMPORT OF THE YEAR" OVERDRIVE - INDIA

"THE BEST CAR OF 2009" - SLOVENIA - AVTO MAGAZIN - MINI-CARS CATEGORY - (FEBRUARY ‘09)

"BEST CARS 2009" - PORTOGALLO - MOTOR PRESS MAGAZINE - MINI CATEGORY - (FEBRUARY ‘09)

FIAT 500 ABARTH - PRODUCTION POWER CAR UP TO 6000 €/KGR/HP - GREECE

2008:


Sergio Marchionne, CEO Fiat Group, receives the award Car of the Year 2008 from Ray Hutton, president of the jury


"CAR OF THE YEAR 2008"

"EUROPEAN CAR OF 2008" (UIGA)

"CAR OF THE YEAR IN ZAGREB" - "AUTO KLUB" MAGAZINE - ZAGABRIA

"CAR OF THE YEAR 2008" - (SELECTED TWICE: BY TEN MEMBERS OF THE JURY AND THE READERS OF AUTO MAGAZINE)

"TOP AUTO 2008" IN THE CITY CATEGORY - GERMANY - SELECTED BY 150 AUTOMOTIVE JOURNALISTS FROM GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA

NO. 1 CAR - READERS OF AUTO PLUS - (JANUARY '08)

"CHI E' CARS OF THE YEAR 2008" (CRISALIDE PRESS) - JANUARY '08

CAR OF THE YEAR IN THE MINI-CARS CATEGORY - L'AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE - FRANCE - JANUARY '08

"CITY CAR OF THE YEAR" - BBC TOP GEAR - UK

"BEST SMALL CAR OF THE YEAR" - FIFTH GEAR TV - UK

"CAR OF THE YEAR" - CAR MAGAZIN - UK

BEST CAR 2008- MINI-CARS CATEGORY - BEST CARS - AUTO ILLUSTRIERTE (SWITZERLAND)

"MY FAVORITE CARS" - CITY-CAR CATEGORY - QUATTRORUOTE

NO. 1 CAR IN POLAND - JANUARY '08

"MOST BEAUTIFUL CAR ON THE WEB 2008" - INFOMOTORI

"MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY-CAR ON THE WEB 2008" - INFOMOTORI

"AUTO LEADER 2007" - POLAND - READERS OF AUTO MOTO E TWOJ STYL

"WOMEN'S CAR OF 2007 (CAR WITH IMAGINATION)" - POLAND - READERS OF TWOJ STYL

"COMPANY CAR OF 2008" SELECTED BY FIRMENAUTO (FLEETS) AND DEKKRA (GERMANY)

"CAR OF THE YEAR 2008" - UK

"CAR MAGAZINE CAR OF THE YEAR" - UK


FIFTH GEAR "SMALLCAR OF THE YEAR" - UK

AUTO EXPRESS "BEST CITY CAR 2008"

"BEST COMPACT CAR" - SURVEY OF INTERNET USERS

"BEST SMALL CAR" (IMPORTERS CATEGORY) - READERS OF AUTO ZEITUNG (GERMANY) IN THE AUTO TROPHY AWARD FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR



"BEST COMPACT CAR" - JAPAN (20.11.2008)

"IMPORT OF THE YEAR" - OVERDRIVE - INDIA

"LUXURY CAR 2008" - TOP GEAR - INDIA

2007:


Harald J. Wester, Chief Technology Officer Fiat Group, receives the Euro Car Body Award from Mathias Woydt, vice president of the Automotive Circle International


"EUROCARBODY 2007" - AUTOMOTIVE CIRCLE INTERNATIONAL - FRANKFURT (GERMANY)

AUTO TROPHY (SMALL CARS CATEGORY) - READERS OF AUTO ZEITUNG - GERMANY

"MOST BEAUTIFUL CAR IN THE WORLD" - (ITALY - MUSEUM SRL)

"SALES ACHIEVEMENT TROPHY" (L'AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE) DECEMBER 2007

"CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR 2007" - UK

"NEW CAR OF THE YEAR" - (QUATTRORUOTE)

Felipe Massa-Ferrari Formula 1 Driver

Related:

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Stoicevich Named Head of Fiat Brand for North America

Jason Stoicevich, Head of Fiat Brand North America

Jason Stoicevich has just been named the new Head of Fiat Brand in North America, replacing Tim Kuniskis who takes over running the Dodge Brand. The change is the result of a management reorganization caused by Fred Diaz, the Head of Ram, resigning to take a job at Nissan. Kuniskis takes over for Reid Bigland who will now run the Ram Division.

Stoicevich is a 10 year veteran with Chrysler with extensive sales and marketing experience and is the current Head of Chrysler's California Business Center, a position he will continue with in addition to running Fiat North America. At the California Business Center, Stoicevich has achieved outstanding results. California Fiat 500 sales are up 254 percent in 2012 versus 2011, making Fiat the fastest growing brand in the state. Additionally, Chrysler has been the fastest growing automaker in California for the second year in a row, with retail sales up 50 percent last year. Stoicevich skill set is going to be a good match with Fiat's growing lineup.


Tim Kuniskis with Fiat 500 Abarth


Kuniskis Era
Kuniskis had been Head of Fiat Brand for the past 17 months, taking over from Laura Soave, the Brand's first Head. Soave is credited with laying the foundation and establishing the style and feel for the Brand in the US.

Under Kuniskis' leadership, Fiat sales doubled in 2012 to 55,600 units, up from the 25,161 delivered in 2011. Sales in 2013 are also going well with March 2013 sales marking the 13th consecutive month of sales growth and current YTD sales up 9 percent over the same period last year.

The Next Chapter
With three new Fiat models being introduced this year, we look forward to Jason Stoicevich's leadership in sales and marketing. This is going to be an exciting time at Fiat Studios across the country, and Stoicevich appears to be the right man at the right time.

Finally, on behalf of the thousands of Fiat fans and owners that visit this site, I would like to publicly thank Tim Kuniskis for his hard work and dedication in growing the Fiat Brand and wish him the very best in his new endeavor.

Related:


Source: Chrysler LLC

Monday, April 15, 2013

Fiat 500e Pricing Revealed!


You can purchase a Fiat 500e for as little as $20,500!* That's the price eligible California residents could drive a Fiat 500e off the lot for, taking into account federal credits, state incentives and Fiat rebates. For reference, that is about $200 less than a Fiat 500 Lounge! Fiat has also worked out a lease deal that will blow you away. You can lease a 500e for the same monthly payment as a $16,000 Fiat 500 Pop! That's $199 per month for 36 months.** But there is more, because this price doesn't include any municipal deals or the Clean Vehicle Rebate! Depending on where you live, you can drive home in a new Fiat 500e for as little as a $95 per month lease payment!

 Scenario 1    Scenario 2    Scenario 3  
 MSRP   $32,500   $32,500   $32,500
 Fed Tax Credit   - $6500   - $6500   - $6500
 Clean Vehicle Rebate         --   - $2500    - $2500
 City of Riverside Rebate          --        --    - $2500
 Featured Lease Payment      $199     $166       $95
 Due at signing     $999        0        0
 Term       36      36      36


Now factor in that the Fiat 500e costs roughly 3 cents per mile to drive compared to 20 cents per mile for a gasoline powered car that gets 20 mpg, and the 500e could easily pay for itself in savings.

                        Costs based on 10,000 miles per year
 Fiat 500e   18 mpg Vehicle   20 mpg Vehicle 
 Yearly Energy/Fuel Cost     $333        $2222        $2000
 Monthly Energy/Fuel Cost        $28         $185         $167
 Monthly Savings         ==         $157         $139
Fiat 500e costs based on EPA energy costs per mile.  Gasoline priced @ $4 per gallon


I based the above figures on 10,000 miles, but if you drive more - say 13,000 miles per year in your 18 mpg vehicle - you'll save $213 per month. Plus, compared to gasoline powered vehicles, there are no oil changes, tune up or engine filters so maintenance costs are minimal.




Road Trip Planned? No Problem!
One of the characteristics of owning an EV is that you do have to pay attention to how far you drive. Some call this Range Anxiety, but happily the EPA has rated the Fiat 500e as having the best-in-class range of all its competitors and better than all U.S.-market all-electric vehicles produced by high-volume manufacturers. To keep drivers informed, the Fiat 500e has a large 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster that displays vital EV information clearly and crisply. The 500e includes standard navigation that tells you where charging stations are located throughout the state and gives a graphic indication of how far you can drive based on your charge level. A smart phone app also ties you in, giving you the car's status and allows you to interact remotely when needed, such as setting or changing charging times or turning the heater on, etc.

However, even with all this, there may be times where you would like to make a long distance, multi-day road trip. Normally, this has been out of the question with for an EV owner up until now. Fiat has come up with an initiative that eliminates the concern by offering a special program called e-Pass. The program allows owners 12 day access every year to other vehicles via Enterprise Rent-A-Car.  Long trips, vacations or running down to the hardware store to pick up bulky objects are no longer an issue.  It is a brilliant way around range anxiety or the occasion when a larger car / mini-van would come in handy.  The e-Pass program comes standard on the Fiat 500e and is good for a three year period.



Great Price / Great Car
This is all good news, but is just the icing on the cake because the Fiat 500e is designed to be a great car first.  There is no downside to how this car drives, in fact, it takes the already updated NAFTA Fiat 500 and further enhances the driving experience.  It is quieter and has a more substantial feel due to the 10 percent stiffer chassis. The added weight of the battery helps dampen ride motions and the suspension, which has been retuned for the more even weight distribution, keeps the car nimble and fun to drive.

The Fiat 500e is very well equipped and is comparable to the loaded 500 Lounge model. The only options are colors, a sunroof and the e-Sport package. I'll have more on driving the Fiat 500e in a later post, but I will briefly tell you, if electric is the future, things are looking up!

Related:




* MSRP of the Fiat 500e is $32,500 before tax credits/rebates and incentives.  Vehicle is currently sold only in CA
** See your Fiat Studio for details, however, this is breaking news, so you may have to wait for further details.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Fiat at the 2013 New York Auto Show Recap

Fiat 500L Lounge

The New York Auto Show marked the last major domestic auto show of the year and Fiat finished out the season on a high note, with the imminent release of three new models heading towards Fiat Studio showrooms - the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, 500L MPV and the all electric Fiat 500e. In the case of the Abarth Cabrio, Fiat Studios have already started delivering the car, with the first cars rolling in last month. The roomy Fiat 500L is slated to hit the ground in June with the 500e following closely behind it, but only for lucky California residents.


Fiat 500L Trekking

Pre-production models of the Fiat 500L were on display at the New York Auto Show, which explains why the cars were roped off. Fiat enthusiasts hungry to touch the car were disappointed that they weren't allowed in, but it's essential to have fixtures and materials finalised to put forth the best first impressions for the public.


Inside the Fiat 500L

The Fiat 500L, shown above in Trekking form, shows off some of the roominess the car offers. The 500L is about two feet longer than a Fiat 500 hatchback, yet has 42 percent more space. In fact, the compact car has the interior volume of a fullsize Chrysler 300. The Fiat 500L features doors that open wide for easy entrance and once inside, passengers enjoy a bright, airy interior that is comfortable and versatile. The 500L comes in four versions - Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge. Each model, in typical Fiat fashion, is well equipped.


Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio

Just in time for Spring, the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio has begun to arrive at Fiat Studios all across the country. Adding the cabrio top to the 500 Abarth is guaranteed to peg the needle on the fun-to-drive meter. The 500 Abarth was recently awarded MotorWeek's Driver's Choice Award for Best Sport Coupe, beating out the FR-S and BRZ, so the open air Abarth Cabrio should be something exceptional!


Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio Park Sensors

The slide back roof design of the Abarth Cabrio maintains the chassis' stiffness and the car exhibits 70 percent less header shake than its key competitors. Difficult to see in this image are the standard park sensors that give added security when backing up.


Fiat 500e with e-Sport Package

The Fiat 500e gathered much attention at the New York Auto Show. This is a car that appeals to everyone and not just EV enthusiasts. The combination of the attractive 500 design along with best in class energy efficiency and an unsurpassed EPA highway mileage rating has grabbed the attention of EV fans and non-fans alike. The Fiat 500e is the first affordable EV with the emphasis on being a fun car to drive, and the e-Sport Package on the car displayed is a good example of this sporty attitude.


Fiat 500e e-Sport Package front Fascia

The e-Sport Package gives the Fiat 500e an aggressive personality, something unusual in the EV world. The dot matrix front and rear fascias are blacked-out, replacing the gloss white fascias.


Fiat 500e with e-Sport Package wheels

The e-Sport Package features 15 inch alloy wheels that are blacked out with Electrico Arancione Perla (Electric Orange) accents. All 500e models wear one inch wider rims in the rear (6.5" vs 5.5") for enhanced high speed stability.


e-Sport Package body stripe

The dot matrix theme is carried over with a body stripe in Electrico Arancione.


Fiat 500e-Sport Package headlights

Blacked-out headlights and front and rear lamp assemblies are borrowed from the Fiat 500T. These are also available as accessories for other 500 models - check with your Fiat Studio for details.


Fiat 500e with e-Sport Package interior

Electrico Arancione highlights on the seats and steering wheel set the 500e apart from gasoline powered models.



The Fiat 500 by Gucci will be back for 2013, this time it will be joined by a new option package called Gucci 2.

Fiat 500 by Gucci 2

The 500 by Gucci 2 gets the blacked-out treatment. The lace alloy wheels have black painted recesses. Blacked out lighting is again borrowed from the Fiat 500T. Selected trim receives the brushed aluminum look.


Fiat 500 by Gucci 2 lighting


Fiat 500T Cattiva

The outstanding design of the Fiat 500 lends itself to many interpretations. The 500 can be aggressively sporty, like the 500 Abarth or 500T Cattiva above...

Fiat 500 by Mopar concept car

or a fun beach cruiser as demonstrated by this 500 by Mopar concept. Either way, the Fiat 500 has the charisma to pull it off!


Megan Agrusa with the Fiat 500L Trekking

Special thanks goes out to the Fiat Brand Ambassadors who do a great job traveling across the country to promote the brand. Above is Megan Agrusa...

Rafaele Rivera with the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio

Rafaele Rivera...

Samantha Skowronek with the Fiat 500L Lounge

and Samantha Skowronek.

Read more:

 
 
 
 

Friday, April 5, 2013

Fiat 500 Voted Best Car Under $17,000!

Fiat 500c Cabrio


The Fiat 500 wins another award! This time it's About.com's 2013 Reader's Choice Awards. The category was Best Car Under $17,000 and the competition was stiff - The Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic and Spark and the Honda Fit. Readers were asked to vote for their favorite car and the Fiat 500 crushed the competition. The iconic Fiat 500 received twice as many votes as the second place car to take home another win.

  1. Fiat 500 38%
  2. Ford Fiesta 19%
  3. Chevrolet Sonic 17%
  4. Honda Fit 15%
  5. Chevrolet Spark 8%

Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio

Two years after its formal introduction to the US, the Fiat 500 continues to delight the Automotive Press and the public. Why? Surely playing an important role is the quality of its design, drawing inspiration from an award winning design legacy stretching back over 113 years. An example is Fiat Group Automobiles have won more European Car of the Year Awards than any other manufacturer during the 50 year history of the award. It could also be that the charismatic Fiat 500 has the rare ability for an inanimate object to connect with people and generate warm emotions and positive feelings. One thing that is certain, the Fiat 500 is not your average car. More than 1 million Fiat 500 owners worldwide will agree on that!

Below is a list of some of the awards the US Fiat 500 has won since its North American introduction in 2011:

Fiat 500 Hatchback

  • About.com's 2013 Reader's Choice Awards - Best Car under $17,000
  • GQ Magazine Best Car 2011-GQ Best Stuff 2010
  • Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Best New Design
  • Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Best Value
  • Kelley Blue Book kbb.com-Top 10 Green Cars
  • Kelley Blue Book kbb.com-2011 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
  • Kelley Blue Book kbb.com-2012 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
  • Kelley Blue Book kbb.com-2013 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
  • Kelley Blue Book kbb.com-2014 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
  • Kelley Blue Book kbb.com-2015 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
  • Ruedas ESPN- Best Economy Car
  • Consumer Digest Best Buy / Subcompact
  • eCityofStyle Auto Style Award
  • Texas Auto Media Association Readers Choice Award/Sub Compact Car
  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2012 Top Safety Pick (Built after July 20111)
  • Travel and Leisure Magazine 2012 - Design Award/Best Designed Car
  • Men's Journal Gear of the Year Award
  • TFLcar,com 2012 Ten Most Fun to Drive Car Award
  • Consumer Guide Recommended Pick
  • Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com 2011- Top 10 Back-to-School Cars
  • Travel and Leisure Magazine Design Awards/ 2012 Best Car
  • Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Sub Compact Car of Texas
  • Consumer Guide Automotive - 10 Coolest Cars under $18,000
  • Strategic Vision Total Quality Index Award / Small Car Segment

Fiat 500 Cabrio

  • Southern Automotive Media Association - Best Small Convertible of the Year (2011)
  • Green Car Reports Best gas mileage 4-seat convertible
  • Southern Automotive Media Association - Fiat 500 by Gucci Best Small Convertible of the Year (2012)

Fiat 500 Abarth

  • MotorWeek's Driver's Choice Award for Best Sport Coupe
  • Hispanic Motor Press Association - 2012 Car of the Year Award/Compact Car

Fiat Brand

  • MultiAir System popular Science Magazine Best of What's New - 2012
  • 2012 Fiat 500 SEMA Hottest Sports Compact Car

Related:





Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Fiat 500 Sales for March 2013

Fiat 500L with Megan Agrusa
The Fiat 500L Trekking with the always lovely Megan Agrusa at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Look for the Fiat 500L to arrive at Fiat Studios in June.

Fiat 500 sales for March 2013 totaled 3,807 units, up 15 percent over last month and up 3 percent over March 2012 sales. This is the 13th consecutive month Fiat has set a year-over-year sales record. March's figures bring the year to date total of Fiat 500 models sold in the US to 9,612 cars, up 9 percent over last year's YTD total of 8,850. This is a good showing particularly as sales of sub-compact cars have been soft this year compared to last.


Alfa Romeo 4C

It was a somewhat quiet March here in the US as all the big news was centered in Europe with the debut of the Alfa Romeo 4C sportscar at the Geneva Motor Show. The Alfa Romeo 4C will debut in the US at the LA Auto Show this November with deliveries said to occur just before the end of the year. We'll follow this closely here and make sure you check out the new Alfa Romeo Forum link below.

Back to the US, Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrios started showing up last month, just in time to to kick off the Spring selling season. Fiat also finished out the auto show circuit with the ongoing New York Auto Show.



April will bring more news on the hotly anticipated Fiat 500L and 500e, both hitting showrooms early this summer. In the case of the Fiat 500e, the all electric 500 will be sold exclusively in California, although there is always a possibility the model may show up elsewhere, depending on other states EV requirements.

Those who purchase a Fiat 500e will get be enrolled in "e-Pass," an innovative program that allows owners to have free access to a fleet of rental cars for up to 12 days per year. This ground breaking idea gives the 500e owner the option to take long journeys, vacations or even use a larger vehicle to haul bulky items when needed. Anonymous sources say Fiat 500e pricing will be similar to an upgraded engine option and will position the car as a viable alternative to other 500 models. Expect to hear pricing announced on or about April 13.




The Fiat 500L is scheduled to arrive at Fiat Studios sometime this June and dealers have already started taking deposits on the car. The 500L will be sold in four variants - Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge. In typical Fiat fashion, all models will be well equipped. Additionally, there will be a special launch edition of the 500L that comes with some premium options at no cost. Called the Premier Package, the first 500L models will come equipped with a large 6.5" VP3 touch screen that features navigation. A back-up camera and park sense will also be included in the package which is valued at $1,745.


Fiat 500e with e-Sport Package


Fiat 500 Sales in the United States - March 2013
Fiat 500Current MonthLast YearVol ChangeCurrent YTD TotalLast Year YTD TotalVol Change
March 20133,8073,7123%9,6128,850 9%
February 20133,3023,2272%5,8055,13813%
January 20132,5031,91131%2,5031,91131%


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Source: Fiat USA