Overall sales of the Fiat brand for July showed a modest 3 percent increase over June, helped by the arrival of the new 500X crossover at dealerships across the nation. This may indicate that Fiat has turned the corner on its sales performance compared to last year.
So far this year Fiat sales have had a hard time keeping up with the record pace set in 2014. Overall Fiat brand sales this year are down 13 % compared to last year. Sales for July were down 15 % compared to the same month last year. However, this is a huge improvement over June's 30 % drop. This was due to the Fiat 500X finally being available in somewhat sufficient numbers at Fiat Studios. The Fiat 500X recorded a 197 % increase in sales over the previous month - 962 units sold in July compared to 324 in June. This helped offset weaker sales of the 500L last month.
Dealers report that sales of the Fiat 500X have been brisk and are expected to grow as Fiat pumps more cars into the supply chain this month. The 500X comes in a staggering array of variations - front or all wheel drive, 12 colors, 5 trim levels and numerous option packages - and Fiat has ramped up production to ensure the availability of all models.
Looking at other models, 1,959 Fiat 500 hatch and Cabrio models were sold in July, down 17% compared to the same month last year.
.jpg "Fiat 500L Urbana")
The Fiat 500L really took it on the chin this month. Fiat sold 314 500L MPVs last month, down 78% compared to July 2014. A best seller in its segment in Europe, the Fiat 500L has yet to reach its full potential here in the States. New updates for the 2015 model year, which include revised seats, enhanced ride calibrations for US rough roads, and new automatic transmission, address feedback given by potential buyers as to why they didn't buy.
.jpg "Fiat 500L Urbana Rear View")
However, the lack of availability of 2015 models may be impacting sales. For example, using Fiat USA's website search feature and using a New York Zip Code with the 200+ mile search parameter, we see that there are over 7,000 Fiat 500 hatchbacks, and 5000 500X crossovers listed as available at dealerships but only 1,600 500L models available. The arrival of the 500X and the natural shift in emphasis to that car can also be a contributing factor.
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July Fiat News
July is always a big news month for Fiat. Fiat marked its 116th anniversary on July 11th this year. Few car companies have a history as rich and a brand portfolio as coveted as Fiat.
The Fiat 500 celebrated its 8th birthday in style with the unveiling of the 2016 European Fiat 500 in Milan. The refreshed 2016 model boasts numerous enhancements and subtle styling changes. The new design is being well received.
In the US, the Fiat 500 has added more accolades to its already impressive list. The Fiat 500 was ranked number one in total quality in Strategic Vision's Total Quality Awards program. The award measures the overall ownership experience, and the Fiat 500 took top honors in its class.
The Fiat 500 also ranked best in class in the JD Power's APEAL Awards. This award examines what owners like about their new vehicles after 90 days of ownership. APEAL is based on evaluations of 77 attributes and the Fiat 500 was the only car to outperform the segment's average.
The Fiat Club America celebrated their 32nd annual Fiat FreakOut National Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Fiat FreakOut is 4 days filled with fun activities and friendly Fiat owners and is something everyone should experience. Next year, the Fiat FreakOut will be held at the Fiat Chrysler Automobile headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Don't miss it!
Fiat 500 Sales in the United States, January - July 2015
| Fiat 500 | Current Month | Last Year | Vol Change | Current YTD Total | Last Year YTD Total | Vol Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2015 500 500L 500X | 1,959 314 962 3,235 | 2,371 1,436 0 3,807 | -17% -78% New -15% | 17,349 6,390 1,294 25,033 | 20,550 8,229 0 28,779 | -16% -22% New -13% |
| June 2015 500 500L 500X | 2,283 530 324 3,137 | 3,328 1,150 0 4,478 | -31% -54% New -30% | 15,390 6,076 332 21,798 | 18,179 6,793 0 24,972 | -15% -11% New -13% |
| May 2015 500 500L 500X | 2,614 1,245 8 3,867 | 3,337 1,434 0 4,771 | -22% -13% New -19% | 13,107 5,546 8 18,669 | 14,851 5,643 0 20,494 | -12% -2% New -9% |
| April 2015 500 500L | 2,498 1,258 3,756 | 3,041 1,257 4,298 | -18% 0% -13% | 10,493 4,301 14,794 | 11,514 4,209 15,723 | -9% 2% -6% |
| March 2015 500 500L | 3,276 1,218 4,494 | 3,316 1422 4,738 | -1% -14% -5% | 7,995 3,043 11,038 | 8,473 2,952 11,425 | -6% 3% -3% |
| Feb 2015 500 500L | 2,333 956 3,289 | 2,664 801 3,465 | -12% 19% -5% | 4,719 1,825 6,544 | 5,157 1,530 6,687 | -8% 19% -2% |
| Jan 2015 500 500L | 2,386 869 3,255 | 2,493 729 3,222 | -4% 19% 1% | 2,386 869 3,255 | 2,493 729 3,222 | -4% 19% 1% |
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