Popular Fiat 500 not likely to make it to America, Fiat boss says
Even though the Fiat 500 is swimming in praise in Europe, the chance that this popular little car will make it to the U.S. is small and not getting any bigger. According to Just Auto, Fiat brand CEO Lorenzo Sistino "side-stepped" the question during a speech at the IESE Business School's Automotive Sector conference in Barcelona, Spain. Fiat doesn't have a dealer network in America but it will be reintroducing the Alfa Romeo here soon. Since the focus will be on Alfa Romeo, adding Fiat cars to the showrooms would not be the right more, Sistino said.
Just Auto reports Sistino said, "The first brand that Fiat Auto will be selling in the US [on re-entry] will be Alfa Romeo. The discussion about Cinquecento [as the 500 is also known] follows a media report and the idea that the Mercedes Smart is the first such example and that Fiat could follow. I cannot give you an answer now. Certainly the Cinquecento is an absolutely outstanding car for us and maybe it can have opportunities outside Europe. But in the US, the dealer network [lack of] would be an issue for sure - it would present a bottleneck. Probably we would have to think about some new distribution solution."
So, there you have it. Until we hear otherwise don't go to the new Alfa Romero dealers expecting to see a Fiat there the way you can find a Mini in a BMW dealership today.
Gallery: New Fiat 500
Gallery: Fiat 500
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[Source: Just Auto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
KX 8:16AM (5/15/2008)
I just returned from 8 days in Italy and rented a Fiat Punta. I tell you now, these Fiats would make Americans forget about any past problems. I drove that little Fiat to death over there doing 120 to 140kph on the autostrata with ease. No buffeting problems from big rigs. Quick and snappy in the roundabouts and sips gas. I have up close photos of the "spaghetti mobile" displayed at the Cibus show in Parma. The Smart cars are also every where but in diesel and get upwards of 60 mpg with the diesel.
If I knew how to get a Fiat 500 into Calif I would in a heartbeat!
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BD 12:37PM (7/10/2008)
Fiat should sell the 500 through the Suzuki dealer network. The Suzuki SX4 is the same vehicle as the Fiat Sedici and the 500 could easily be re-badged and sold here. While the Suzuki network isn't huge, it's bigger than Ferrari/Maserati and more logical fit. I'd buy one for sure - even with a Suzuki badge.
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Val 11:17PM (11/10/2008)
Today in Denver,Co I've seen 3 Fiat and an Alfa Romeo with some kind of out of state dealer plates. Nice little cars.I liked their look !!!
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Throwback 11:56AM (11/25/2007)
Not surprised it wont come here any time soon. They probably have their hands full meeting demand in Europe. Also I doubt it was designed to meet our standards. I have read Fiat is looking to bring over Abarth, their performance brand of re-badged Fiats which would include the 500. This makes sense since Alfa will be sold along side Maserati.
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mike 7:12AM (11/26/2007)
It it was built to pass US safety standards, maybe they should approach the Smart dealer network.
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Flea 7:39AM (11/26/2007)
mike, it's built to pass ANY safety standard. It's already the smallest car to have 5 stars euro-ncap, and fiat says it'll be able to get 6 stars once the 6th star is introduced.
I mean, it somes with SEVEN airbags as a standard, what more could you add to it? a parachute for when you drive off a cliff and an inflatable raft for when you slip off the docks at sea?
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Flea 7:41AM (11/26/2007)
by the way, I think they will wait and launch the new small Alfa in the US to compete against the mini while they find a decent dealer network for the 500 and it's abarth versions.
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welshjr 8:58AM (11/26/2007)
For the record, you CANNOT find a MINI at a BMW dealership (unless it is pre-owned). You can only buy a new MINI from a MINI dealership. Of course, you needed to have a BMW franchise in order to qualify for a MINI franchise, which is why you'll often find them next door to one another - but the dealership networks are separate and distinct by BMW requirement.
Still, no matter how logical the argument, this is unfortunate news. I'd much rather have a cinquecento than a SMART.
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Throwback 9:55AM (11/26/2007)
I also think Fiat's did not have a great reputation when they left the US. The Japanese makes destroyed them on value and reliability. If/when they do come back they better have their stuff together, it is an even more competitive market than when they left, ask VW.
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Jack 9:20AM (11/27/2007)
FIAT past reputation is a really bad legacy, but now production processes have been rebuilt, and current quality standard targets are higher in Fiat plants than in Japan.
Rumors are suggesting next class "A" car from Mercedes-Benz will be built in FIAT plant in order to increase quality.
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hyperlexis 11:03PM (11/29/2007)
I want one! Since 1982 we have been waiting for Fiat to get its act together and come back to North America! The 500 looks wonderful and I will get one from Britain if need be.
Fiat needs to be more open minded and think in more expansive terms than just Alfa. I think the American driver would love the 500.
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