Fiat 500 2 Million and Counting!

The Fiat 500 is celebrating its 2 millionth sale this month, ten years after its introduction in 2007. This accomplishment is a fitting tribute for the 500 which also commemorated its 60th anniversary earlier this month. The 1957 Nuova 500, the inspiration for the modern car, racked up 4 million sales between 1957 and 1975, 400,000 of which can still be found on Italian roads today.


The 2 millionth Fiat 500 was delivered to a customer in Germany. Fiat released this promotional video to commemorate the milestone.

The new Fiat 500 has been a worldwide phenomenon, being sold in more than 100 markets and produced in two countries. The Fiat 500 is the best selling car in its class in Europe, ranking first in eight countries there and among the top three in six others. Even in the North America, more than 200,000 Fiat 500s have been sold since its introduction here in 2011.

Let's take a brief look at how the Fiat 500 achieved this milestone. Follow the links to get the full picture!


Video from 2012 commemorating the 1 millionth Fiat 500 built.

Fiat Trepiùno Show Car

The Fiat 500 began life in 2004 as a design exercise called the Fiat Trepiùno and took inspiration from the 1957 Fiat 500; the car that brought affordable automotive transportation to the masses in Italy. The Trepiùno drew so much recognition and praise that Fiat gave the go-ahead for a production version. For the first time in automotive history, the general public was solicited over the internet for their ideas and suggestions for this tribute to the iconic Fiat 500. The results were outstanding. A remarkable 3 million suggestions poured in from those who registered on the Fiat 500 Wants You website, many of which were incorporated into the design of the new Fiat 500. The Fiat 500 is truly "The car for the people, by the people."



Read more:

Fiat 500: The Car of the People, by the People

Fiat 500 launch videos

The New Fiat 500 Began with the Fiat Trepiùno

Fiat 500 Birthday Articles

Besides being a superb example of Italian style and showcasing Fiat's undisputed leadership in small car design, the Fiat 500 also brings award- winning technology to its segment. In Europe, the Fiat 500 was the first car its size to earn a five-star crash rating in the Euro NCAP tests, the first car to have seven airbags as standard equipment and the first car to offer advanced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on all models.

The Fiat 500 has won over 140 awards from all over the world. Here are a few:

• Car Design of the Year 2007
• The prestigious European Car of the Year award in 2008.
• World Car Design of 2009.
• The 500's TwinAir engine won the 2011 International Engine of the Year award.

Read more:

Fiat 500: 140 Awards

The Fiat 500 has been an enormous sales hit, being consistently number one or two in its segment. An interesting statistic is in its first year and a half of sales, the Fiat 500 racked up approximately 186,000 registrations. It took the 1957 Fiat 500 four years to achieve 180,000 sales.

In addition to being a best-seller in Europe, the Fiat 500 has had a number of sales successes in this country over the past few years. In its introductory year in 2011, the Fiat 500 outsold the MINI in its first year. In the following few years, the 500 then went on to rack up impressive sales numbers compared to its well-known competition. These sales are a remarkable result for a small city-car that started just a few years earlier with no brand presence and no dealer network.


Read more:

Fiat 500 Sales Resilient

The future's looking bright as there are some exciting changes coming for the Fiat 500 in the spring of 2018. We'll have more on this so stay tuned!

Read more:

Inside the Fiat 500 factory...

Manufacturing the North American Fiat 500

Behind the scenes at the North American Fiat 500 factory


Discuss this story on the Forum!

Fiat 500 USA Forum

Sources: Fiat SpA, Chrysler Media, Fiat Brazil, Fiat Auto Poland

Fiat Needs Your FreakOut Photos

The 2017 Fiat FreakOut event is happening right now. Fiat and Italian car fans have begun arriving in Milwaukee to celebrate the 34th annual Fiat Club America national convention called the Fiat FreakOut. Fiat FreakOut is always a fantastic time filled with family fun activities, drives and plenty of time to mingle with people that have the same passion for Italian cars you do.

To get more people acquainted with the event, Fiat USA is looking for FreakOut photos to post on their various social media channels. If you are at the event, or on the way, make sure you snap some pictures and send them in. The easy to follow guidelines are listed below. While you are at it, don't forget to post them on the Fiat Club America forum. We'd love to see them!

Official 2017 Fiat FreakOut Forum Thread

Fiat FreakOut Image Guidelines.*

If the image(s) you send to FIAT are selected, FIAT will:

•Use your image(s) on any/all of the FIAT social media platforms throughout the world (including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), for an indefinite period of time. Keep in mind that your image(s) may be used multiple times.

•Make minor alterations to the image such as re-sizing it to fit the format of a certain platform, cropping the edges, or adding a frame of some kind. FIAT will tag your username or include your real name in a photo credit (first name, and last initial) along with a mention of the FIAT Club America in the copy or image. In exchange, you’ll get a hearty congratulations and Internet likes—but sorry, no payment.

In addition, you must acknowledge that you are at least 18 years old, you reside in the USA, that you are the creator of the image(s), and that FIAT USA has your permission [and the permission of the person/people who appear(s) in the images to use as described above.

For any image you submit to FIAT, FIAT asks the following:*

• Images are clear (not blurry)
• Images show the entire FIAT vehicle
• FIAT vehicle shown is a model sold in the USA

Please send image(s) to fiatsocial@mbww.com

Read more about the Fiat FreakOut

*These guidelines MUST be followed in order to have the image eligible to be selected.

Fiat 500: One day in Turin

In this video, the Fiat 500 celebrates its 60th Birthday with a tour of the city of Turin and historic Fiat sites. The Fiat 500 debuted in Turin on July 4th, 1957. That model, which is known as the Nuova 500, was sold from 1957 to 1975 and reached 4 million sales. The modern Fiat 500 was introduced on July 4th, 2007 and has racked up over 2 million sales in its first ten years.


The Fiat 500 birthday tour starts off at the Fiat's Mirafiori plant (est.1939), travels to the Fiat Corso Dante factory (est.1900) which now houses Fiat's Historical Center and Archives, then passes by Palazzo Reale and ends at Fiat's Lingotto plant for a party on the roof of the factory.

Turin is filled with beautiful architecture and is also the home of Fiat in Italy. The tour takes you around the city, with stops at Fiat's historic factories. Visited are the first Fiat factory at Corso Dante, the Mirafiori plant and of course, Lingotto, the Fiat factory with the test rack built into the roof - not bad for 1916.

Fiat Lingotto Plant in 1932

Fiat Corso Dante and Mirafiori Plants 1953

Fiat Mirafiori Plant 1966

More Fiat 500 Birthday Stories

More about the Nuova Fiat 500

Discuss on the Fiat 500 Forum

Source, images and video: FCA

Fiat 500 Work of Modern Art

The Fiat 500 has been acknowledged as a work of modern art by the Museum of Modern Art in NY. It is a fitting tribute to the Fiat 500 which celebrates its 60th anniversary today, July 4th.

In Italy, a new commemorative stamp dedicated to the Fiat 500 was unveiled on July 4th to celebrate the 60th Birthday of the iconic model range.

The Nuova Fiat 500 model that debuted on this day in 1957 became an iconic example of automotive design and was produced from 1957 thru 1975. More than 4 million cars were made. The Fiat 500 chosen to be part of the permanent display at the museum is the 500F produced from 1965 thru 1972.

Olivier François, Head of Fiat Brand and Chief Marketing Officer FCA is quoted saying:
"While the Fiat 500 has unquestionably left its mark on automotive history, it is equally true that it has never been just a car. In its 60 years of history, the 500 has transcended its material manifestation to enter the collective imagination and become an icon, which has now the honor of being certified by being acquired by MoMA in a tribute to its artistic and cultural value".



Martino Stierli, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design at MoMA adds:
"The Fiat 500 is an icon of automotive history that fundamentally altered car design and production. Adding this unpretentious masterpiece to our collection will allow us to broaden the story of automotive design as told by the Museum".

The modern Fiat 500 embodies the feel and flare of the classic car, but with all the modern comfort and conveniences. The new 500 has itself been recognized as a modern masterpiece by automotive experts around the world with over 140 awards.

Fiat 500: 140 Awards and Counting

As Fiat puts it:
"The Fiat 500 is the best-seller in Europe, ranking first in eight countries and among the first three in six others. The 2007 version won over 2,000,000 motorists in just ten years and has reaped accolade after accolade since its debut, including Car of the Year and the Compasso d'oro design award.

The 500 is the symbol of Italian creativity which has always inspired artists and designers worldwide becoming an icon of beauty and art. Today, it makes another step forward becoming a work of art in its own right by the side of the other great icons of Italian design and yet again remaining "Forever Young."

While there are other cars near the 500's price point, none offer the charisma of owning a modern icon. Happy Birthday Fiat 500.

Discuss on the Fiat 500 Forum

Read about Fiat 500 Birthday celebrations held over the years.

Fiat 500 Birthday Events

Fiat 500 Launch Videos

Fiat 500 2009 Celebration Video

Source and images: FCA NV press release

Fiat Sales for June 2017

Fiat sales for June 2017 are in and show a 4 percent drop compared to the same month a year ago. Fiat sold a total of 2,242 cars last month compared to 2,329 in June 2016. Overall Fiat brand year to date sales are running 11 percent behind that of last year. Small car sales in this country have taken a big hit this year, with cheap gas and the shift in consumer preferences to larger crossover and SUV models being major contributing factors.

Sales of the Fiat 500 hatch and Cabrio models amounted to 995 units in June. So far this year, Fiat has sold a total of 7,456 Fiat 500s, or about 4 percent less than last year at this time. This is a better performance than most of its competitors who are down by double-digit percentages.*   It is a tribute to the 500's timeless and attractive design.

Fiat 500L MPV recorded its best sales month since last July. With luck, the 500L may begin reversing its sales slide which has been running 68 percent below last year. Fiat 500X crossover sales didn't fare as well, being down 41 percent for the month and 40 percent for the year to date.

Fiat sold a total of 510 124 Spiders in June, its second best month ever. Fiat has sold a total of 4,974 124 Spiders over the past 12 months. The Spider particularly appeals to those who don't want the 'same old same old' and to people who appreciate sophisticated European styling and flavor.

Discuss this story on the Fiat 500 USA Forum

June Fiat News Recap

In June, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth won the top award in the “Small Convertible” category at the seventh annual Topless in Miami Competition event hosted by the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA). More than 40 automotive journalists evaluated 25 + vehicles from various manufacturers to pick their favorite cars.

Jaime Florez, SAMA president, is quoted saying "Across all of the judging criteria, including styling, technology, and ride and comfort, the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth not only delivered but also wowed.”

A new rainbow-wrapped 2017 Fiat 124 Spider served as the grand marshal vehicle for Detroit's Motor City Pride parade earlier last month. The event celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) culture. FCA US LLC and the FIAT brand has been a long-standing supporter of LGBT community. For the 10th year, FCA has achieved a 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index evaluating LGBT workplace practices.

Fiat500USA.com looked at the Fiat 500 Abarth Roof Top Option Package. This attractive exterior upgrade turns up the heat on the already hot looking 500 Abarth.

Fiat 500 Abarth Roof Top Package

The Fiat 500 uses a high performance 9012 headlight bulb, and we published a how-to article on replacing them.

Fiat 500 and Abarth Headlight Bulb Change

Alfa Romeo released great lease prices and other buying incentives in June on the exciting new Giulia model. These excellent deals run through July 5th.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Introductory Sale!

Fiat Brand Sales in the United States, January - June 2017

Fiat 500	Current Month	Last Year	Vol Change	Current YTD	Last Year YTD	Vol Change
June 500 500L 500X 124	995     184     553     510     2,242	1,115  279  934  1   2,329	-11%    -34%    -41%     New    -4%	7,456     746     3980     2500     14,682	7,787        2,342        6,582            1        16,712	-4%     -68%     -40%     New     -12%
May 500 500L 500X 124	1,240     163     703     564     2,670	1,573  335  1,262  0   3,170	-21%    -51%    -44%     New    -16%	6,461     562     3427     1990     12,440	6672        2,063        5,648            0        14,383	-3%     -73%     -39%     New     -14%
April 500 500L 500X 124	1,201     115     758     465     2,539	1,504  466  1,128  0   3,098	-20%    -75%    -33%     New    -18%	5,221     399     2724     1426     9,770	5099        1728        4,386            0         11213	2%     -77%     -38%     New     -13%
March 500 500L 500X 124	1,671     106     726     419     2,922	1,494  535  1,056  0   3,085	12%    -80%    -31%     New    -5%	4,020     284     1966     961     7,231	3595        1262        3,258            0         8,115	12%     -77%     -40%     New     -11%
Feb 500 500L 500X 124	1,131     72     640     302     2,145	1120  370  1,161  0   2,651	1%    -81%    -45%     New    -19%	2,349     178     1240     542     4,309	2101        727        2,202            0         5,030	12%     -76%     -44%     New     -14%
Jan 500 500L 500X 124	1,218     106     600     240     2,164	981  357  1,041  0   2,379	24%    -70%    -40%     New    -9%	1,218     106     600     240     2,164	981        357        1,041            0         2,379	24%     -70%     -42%     New     -9%

Fiat Sales Archives - All Fiat sales figures since the beginning

Fiat 500 Award Archives

*Good Car,Bad Car
Sources: FCA US LLC.
Images: FCA and Fiat on the Dragon