Autoblog Green

REPORT: Chrysler to bring electric Fiat 500, hatchback concept to Detroit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler, Ferrari, Maserati, Fiat, Detroit Auto Show

Fiat 500C - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just because Chrysler won't be holding a press conference at next month's Detroit Auto Show doesn't mean that America's third-largest automaker is coming to the party empty-handed. Far from it, in fact, assuming there's truth to the rumors that the Pentastar will be showing off both an electric version of the soon-to-be-US-bound Fiat 500 along with a Chrysler-ized version of the Lancia Delta hatchback.

While the Chrysler-branded concept is said to be nothing more than a standard-fare Delta emblazoned with Chrysler's trademark chrome fascia, the electric Fiat 500 is a bit more interesting. We've heard that the automaker's erstwhile ENVI group was disbanded and assimilated into the rest of the company's product development workforce, so we're curious to see the integration of a battery-powered drivetrain into the little urban runabout. Will it be a fully-functional vehicle or just a mock-up of what could potentially be possible?

Not surprisingly, we'll also be treated to the rest of the Fiat 500 lineup, including the 500C Cabriolet (no word on bikini-clad models) and the sporty 500 Abarth. Finally, tucked into a corner of the Chrysler booth in Detroit will also reportedly be such premium Italian machinery as the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Maserati GranCabrio. Hey... if you've got it, why not flaunt it, right?

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Chrysler to bring electric Fiat 500, hatchback concept to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler announces $179 million investment in Dundee plant to build Fiat Multiair engines

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, MPG, Chrysler, Fiat, USA

In a none-too-shocking announcement, Chrysler has said it will invest $179 million to convert its engine plant in Dundee, Michigan, from building the so-called World Engine to Fiat's 1.4-liter Fully Integrated Robotized Engine. Back in September, Chrysler bought out its former partners Hyundai and Mitsubishi so that it could utilize the Dundee facilities to build the new Multiair powerplants.

Both Chrysler and Fiat are likely to use powerplants built at the facility, with the first application being the diminutive Fiat 500 that's slated for North American production by the end of 2010. Fiat's Multiair technology is said to increase power by up to 10 percent while offering a similar reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. Later, a turbocharged unit will be built at the plant that will offer V6-level power using 25 percent less fuel. Multiair technology will eventually be added to the rest of the Chrysler engine lineup, including the new Pentastar V6.

Chrysler promises that the Dundee plant will add 573 new jobs to the local economy, including 155 directly at the Dundee plant for a single shift of engine production. That was enough to earn a series of incentives from the state of Michigan and tax credits from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Village of Dundee that could add up to $4.6 million over the next 10 years. For more, click past the break for a pair of press releases from Chrysler.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler announces $179 million investment in Dundee plant to build Fiat Multiair engines

Chrysler announces $179 million investment in Dundee plant to build Fiat Multiair engines originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia to create the new Ypsilon on the Fiat 500 Giardinera platform

Xavier Navarro — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Fiat, Europe/EU

One of Lancia's achievements with the Y10, later called Ypsilon, was creating the urban chic supermini well before the new Minis or Smarts were on the road. Although not the most successful car in the segment, the Ypsilon has been a Lancia staple since its introduction in 1996. Since the current version is starting to look outdated, the Italian marque is planning to launch an updated based on the future Fiat 500 Giardinera, aka station wagon, that will use an enlarged platform from the current Fiat 500 / Ford Ka. This is a remarkable change, since the current Ypsilon is based on the Fiat Punto model. Expect all the engines installed in the Fiat 500 to appear under the Ypsilon's hood, including the upcoming 0.9 liter Multiair.

[Source: Auto Week]

Lancia to create the new Ypsilon on the Fiat 500 Giardinera platform originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Fiat Doblo may be first Chrysler BEV

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat Doblo - click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this week, Fiat unveiled a new version of its Doblo light commercial van and there has been speculation that it could come to North America as a new member of the Ram brand to challenge the Ford Transit Connect. The parallels to the Ford actually run deeper however. The Transit Connect will be Ford's first new plug-in vehicle next year and the Doblo could well hold the same position for Chrysler.

During Chrysler's recent marathon business plan meeting, SVP Paolo Ferraro showed a slide that made one of the few mentions of Chrysler's electrification strategy. The first pure battery electric vehicle in the severely scaled back program was shown as a light commercial vehicle and the image was of the current generation Doblo. While Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa said at the time that no final decision had been made on which product would get the BEV system, this new Doblo seems a likely candidate, especially if the TC proves popular with fleets.

[Source: GreenFuelsForecast]

New Fiat Doblo may be first Chrysler BEV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Listening to Chrysler's long and rambling 2010-2014 Business Plan, it was clear that the company and its dealerships are very much looking forward to finally getting the fuel efficient Fiat 500 in North America. Much like what happened when BMW launched the Mini brand eight-odd years ago, it's hoped that the cute little 500 will attract a whole new customer to the Chrysler fold.

In order to properly court those new ~~wallets~~ buyers, Chrysler plans to open "specific interior showroom branded salons" in select dealerships, mostly in metropolitan areas. A dedicated set of salespeople will be assigned to sell the Fiat 500 in the States... ya know, since they otherwise wouldn't know how to sell the important car to American consumers.

There will also be a full line of accessories made available to customize the new car, which we would expect will include unique color and stripe packages both inside and out along with a slew of optional wheel designs. Whatever, make ours an Abarth and we're good. Expect all of this to take place before the end of 2010 as the Fiat 500 finally starts to show up in those selected dealerships.

Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fiat and Chrysler working together on electric car

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler, Fiat, USA

While visiting Fiat's gearbox plant in Verrone, Italy the other day, Chrysler board member Alfredo Altavilla let slip that the Italian giant and its newly-acquired Detroit automaker are working together to build an electric car. Chrysler hasn't been talking up its ENVI electric vehicle skunkworks of late and, although they have said they still plan on producing the Dodge Circuit, the silence has served to create speculation.

The statement, which wasn't so much of a bean-spilling as it was a bean-seepage (wow, does that sound unappetizing), was the first word from the company about its electrification plans since sometime last June. Things will be made more clear on November 4, when Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne will present an updated version of Chrysler's business plans. We imagine that any new electric vehicle this Italian-American venture spawns will be somewhat smaller and more realistic than some of those proposed last year. While we'd love to see a Fiat 500EV come out of this, let us know in the comments what kind of EV you'd like to see from the pair.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

REPORT: Fiat and Chrysler working together on electric car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat announces new dual fuel natural gas Qubo Natural Power MPV

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Fiat, Natural Gas

Fiat Qubo Natural Power - Click above for high res image gallery

Fiat is launching a new dual-fueled version of its Qubo van in Europe that can run on gasoline or compressed natural gas. The Qubo Natural Power is propelled by a 70 hp, 1.4-liter engine that should give the van leisurely performance. The new Qubo is intended primarily for use in urban areas where the cleaner-burning methane fuel will provide the greatest advantage. Carbon dioxide emissions are just 119 g/km, meaning the Qubo qualifies for a variety of incentives including exemption from certain taxes and congestion charges. In Italy, for example, the Qubo Active gets a rebate that brings the price from €16,400 down to just €9,950. One of the biggest benefits of natural gas are no particulate emissions and a 90 percent reduction in NOx compared to older diesels. It also costs about half of what gas or diesel does right now in Europe.

Gallery: Fiat Qubo Natural Power

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat announces new dual fuel natural gas Qubo Natural Power MPV

Fiat announces new dual fuel natural gas Qubo Natural Power MPV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magnetti Marelli signs deal for development and production of batteries

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler, Fiat

Magneti Marelli has just signed a deal with Italian battery maker FAAM SpA to cooperate on development and production of lithium ion batteries. Marelli is a parts-making subsidiary of Fiat and the batteries are being developed for use in transportation applications. In addition to its Italian plant, FAAM also has factories in China and Uruguay.

Now that Fiat is moving forward with product plans with Chrysler, the Italians plan to tap into the electric drive technology developed by the Americans. However, Chrysler has been working closely with A123 Systems on developing batteries. It's not clear how the Marelli-FAAM deal might affect the relationship with A123. It's certainly possible that the partners could move ahead with multiple battery suppliers.

[Source: Reuters]

Magnetti Marelli signs deal for development and production of batteries originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Fiat Punto Evo

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fiat, Frankfurt Motor Show

Fiat Punto Evo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The already-efficient Fiat Punto will get a stylistic and efficiency upgrade at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. On the outside, the Punto Evo is a bit longer than the Grande Punto, which it replaces, and has different bumpers and lights. Inside, the Punto Evo now represents "the most evolved expression of Italian style," if we believe Fiat PR.

The environmental enhancements, including new engines and lowered emissions, are easier to quantify. The Punto Evo will get the company's line of MultiAir engines that, when compared to conventional gas engines of the same size, produce up to 10 percent more power while reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 10 percent and consuming up to 10 percent less fuel. Particulate and NOx emissions are also greatly reduced. Because it is standard on all of Fiat's Euro5 gas and diesel poweplants, Start&Stop will also be available on the new Punto Evo. LPG- and methane-fueled engines will also be offered. The Punto Evo will also feature the Blue&Me infotainment system (as a brand new "Blue&Me-TomTom" version) which means the eco:Drive driver education efficiency system will be included. More details in the two press releases after the jump and fresh images are available in the gallery below.

Gallery: Fiat Punto Evo

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Fiat Punto Evo

Frankfurt Preview: Fiat Punto Evo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler could ditch Cummins for Fiat diesel power

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:54:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat

For years, diesel-powered Dodge Ram pickup trucks have featured powerful inline six-cylinder engines from Cummins. By all accounts, the partnership has been successful and the Cummins diesel engines are highly regarded in the industry. Therefore, it wasn't exactly shocking to hear that the planned light duty diesel engine for the Ram 1500 pickup would be sourced from Cummins.

Not long ago, Chrysler's bankruptcy allowed the automaker to cancel contracts that were no longer desirable for the automaker moving forward. The deal with Cummins for the light duty diesel was one such contract, though later reports indicated that the deal could potentially be revived. According to an unnamed source quoted by Automotive News (sub. req'd), though, that pairing may be in jeopardy.

In place of the Cummins diesel engine may very well be an oil-burning powerplant from Fiat, the Italian automaker that recently partnered up with the Chrysler. In related news, Chrysler may possibly withdraw from its joint venture with Hyundai and Mitsubishi to produce the World Engine that's currently used in a number of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. As you may have guessed, the replacement powerplants would almost surely be sourced from Fiat.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Chrysler could ditch Cummins for Fiat diesel power originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fiat's fuel-saving Multi-air tech could come to Chrysler

Dan Roth — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat's advanced Multiair technology could be an easy port to Chrysler's powertrains as the companies move ahead together. "It is low-invasive hardware" said Lucio Bernard of Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the division of the Italian automotive conglomerate tasked with developing the parts that make the cars go.

The Multiair system, which uses its sophisticated software and fast-acting electrohydraulic actuation to send the throttle plate off to the annals of history, appears deceptively simple. The system slots into the cylinder head kind of like a Lego brick, and is easily adaptable to most engines. This being the case, adapting it to the Chrysler engines we already know and love wouldn't be too difficult of a task.

The software to run it all is what Fiat is most proud of; the competition is years behind, it says, and the company has patented its rig. Alfa Romeo already has MultiAir out in the wild with the MiTo, and with the need for fuel efficiency gains in Chrysler's lineup, something that's essentially as easy as snapping pieces together seems very attractive.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Fiat's fuel-saving Multi-air tech could come to Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat 500 to be the choice car for British driving schools

Xavier Navarro — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Fiat, UK

When it comes time to get a drivers' license, Europeans usually go to driving schools to get ready to pass the government's exams. Since the driving tests usually include parallel parking, it shouldn't come as a surprise that many driving schools offer small cars for new drivers to learn with. Such is the case with the British School of Motoring, Britain's largest network of driver's schools, which has announced the purchase of 14,000 Fiats, most of them the 500 model.

Aside from being fun to drive, this could be quite a commercial achievement. Fiat has seen studies that show that 70 percent of new drivers choose to buy the model in which they got their license. It's a good deal for BSM, too, as the company gets a discount of £500 on every vehicle purchased. Find full press release after the jump.

[Source: Fiat UK]

Continue reading Fiat 500 to be the choice car for British driving schools

Fiat 500 to be the choice car for British driving schools originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat's electric Fiat Palio Weekend in production in Brazil; estimated cost $70,000 (U.S.)

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:42:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Fiat, South/Latin America

Fiat has been working on an electric version of its Fiat Palio Weekend in Brazil for about three years. Back in 2007, Fiat was testing 30 Palio Electricos (converted versions of the standard Palio) that were nearly full-feature vehicles: they could go 85 miles or so on a charge and could reach 65 mph. Now, Treehugger is saying that Fiat's Brazilian subsidiary will produce the EV with similar specs at its Foz do Iguazu factory in the state of Parana. The cost will be an estimated $70,000 U.S. Ouch. Currently, the car is being targeted at fleet sales, but could be made available to individuals in the future. As far as we and Treehugger know, this is the first electric vehicle made in South America.

Gallery: Fiat Palio Weekend Electrico

[Source: Treehugger]

Fiat's electric Fiat Palio Weekend in production in Brazil; estimated cost $70,000 (U.S.) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat launches pricy new special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cars may be getting smaller, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily getting cheaper. As if to prove that point, Fiat has thumbed its nose at the Tata Nano with a special 500 that packs a big price tag in a small package.

Commemorating the first anniversary of Abarth's return to the Dutch market, Fiat's performance division has launched this special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione. It costs nearly $35k and only ten will be made available for exclusive consumption in Holland. The €3,000 premium (nearly $4,200 USD) over the stock 500 Abarth gets enthusiastic buyers a special little hot hatch with a black roof, black 17-inch alloys and matching black graphics, along with special bucket seats inside. The 500 Abarth Competizione also comes equipped with sat-nav, air-con and a premium audio system. Although the Competizione edition packs the 135hp turbo four, buyers can always upgrade with the 160hp EsseEsse kit. For a premium, of course.

[Source: Fiat]

Fiat launches pricy new special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat Eco:Drive coming to Qubo in the UK

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:36:00 EST

Filed under: Fiat, UK

Fiat Qubo - click above to enlarge

Fiat's USB- and website-based eco:Drive driver education system (hey, it's award-winning, too) is coming to the Qubo mini-MPV in the UK. Eco:Drive tracks driver actions, routes taken and other information and then suggests ways to drive better (read: more efficiently) in the future. Read more on the system here.

The Qubo starts at £9,755 and tops out at £12,350. There are two engine options: a 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel that spews just 119 grams of CO₂ per kilometer and a 1.4-litre petrol engine. Eco:Drive is also available in the 500, the 500C, the Grande Punto and the Bravo. We're glad to see things like eco:Drive come to more vehicles, but we'll be even more thrilled to hear when the whole thing goes wireless. Carrying that USB stick around has got to get old fast.

[Source: Fiat]

Fiat Eco:Drive coming to Qubo in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Jeep? Fiat launches Panda 4X4 Adventure

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:24:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Jeep, Fiat, Europe/EU

Could this or something like it be the next Trail Rated Jeep here in the United States? Possibly, if current speculation that Fiat will bring its long-running Panda line to the U.S. in 2011 to fill the hole left by the expected cancellation of the mostly unloved Jeep Compass and Patriot twins.

Fiat's latest edition of the Panda is called the 4X4 Adventure and it's already painted up in a Jeep-appropriate green hue that's supposed to 'emphasize the car's bond with nature and Fiat's eternal special attention to the environment and sustainable transport.' Powered by a choice of four cylinder engines ranging from a 1.2-liter unit with just 60 horsepower to a 1.3-liter Multijet mill with a slightly more respectable 70 horsepower, this Panda is likely to be a fuel sipper.

Drivers in Italy get first crack at the new Panda 4X4 Adventure and Fiat promises to roll the new model out in the rest of Europe in short order. Pricing starts at 14,100 Euros (a shade under $20K in U.S. dollars), though that's not directly comparable to what it may cost if it ever makes it Stateside since it also includes value added taxes.

[Source: DueMotori.com]

Future Jeep? Fiat launches Panda 4X4 Adventure originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Fiat, UK

Fiat 500C - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fiat held a glitzy launch for the convertible version of their super hot supermini at the Whisky Mist in London the other night and swimsuit supermodel Elle Macpherson was the first in the UK to go topless, getting her very own 500C. We're told the Australian-born model and actress received the keys to the latest iteration of the Italian-built model outside her Notting Hill home and was soon overheard telling a friend how cool and sexy she thought it was. Of course, Elle knows all about cool and sexy Fiat 500s, having previously owned the original hard top version.

Other convertible-celebrating celebrities up in da club with Edoardo Agnelli, the nephew of Fiat's co-founder included Tesla Roadster buyer and Black-Eyed Peas guy, will.I.am and Sugababes' Amelle. Feel free to check out the gallery below of Elle's famous friends posing with her new ride. Americans lusting after a topless model for themselves may have to wait until 2011 before they are able to satisfy their desire. Hit the jump for a couple bonus vids of the 500C in action and the official UK launch press release.

Gallery: Fiat 500C UK launch

[Source: MS&L London]

Continue reading Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch

Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat's eco:Drive wins award for defining new car-driver relationship

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., Fiat

Click above for a high-res gallery of Jodie Kidd with the Fiat eco:Drive

Ever hear of an advertising award given to a piece of software that helps drivers save gas at the pumps? That's what Fiat's eco:Drive recently did, and the organizers of the Cannes Cyber Lions, a major event in the advertising industry, didn't praise the software's ability to analyze driver habits wins but instead the way it established a new kind of relationship between consumer and car. The prize was one of the three Grand Prix awarded during the Cannes Cyber Lions.

Since the eco:Drive concept was the object of praise, the organizers set aside the technological side of eco:Drive, including the way it gathers information from the vehicle and how it has been driven into a USB drive that is then plugged into your computer. Using this information, the system gives a detailed analysis of the driver's performance, along with suggestions on how to improve efficiency even further by changing driving habits. Models like it, too.

Gallery: Supermodel Jodie Kidd with Fiat Eco:Drive

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat's eco:Drive wins award for defining new car-driver relationship

Fiat's eco:Drive wins award for defining new car-driver relationship originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: U.S. to get four versions of Fiat 500 by 2011, no word on hybrid

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hybrid, Manufacturing/Plants, Fiat

2010 Fiat 500C - Click above for high-res gallery

Fiat is confirming that the U.S. will be getting four versions of the Fiat 500 by 2011. The tiny 500 is the only Fiat model that has been officially greenlighted for American consumption under the Fiat banner. Other models will likely show up as Chryslers or Alfa Romeos. The 500 will make up for that by coming in four different flavors when it reaches these shores: hatchback, convertible, station wagon and sporty hatchback. There's also an outside chance that a micro-CUV, Outback-like version of the wagon will be coming along as well, according to an Automotive News piece.

While the news makes no mention of the new Fiat 500 hybrid that debuted last year in Goodwood, it's possible that this version could be part of the offerings, too. What we do know is that the "sporty hatchback" mentioned will be the Abarth, Europe's 2008 Car of the Year. Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne calls it "our iPod." Wonder if it's too late for some co-branding. The 500 family should be in U.S. dealerships by the first half of 2011. The American-market cars will likely be produced at a Chrysler plant in the United States or in Toluca, Mexico. No official word on pricing yet. We can hardly wait.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd.]

REPORT: U.S. to get four versions of Fiat 500 by 2011, no word on hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PETA Alert: Fiat underscores eco-friendliness using unique advertising campaign

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, Fiat, Green Daily, Europe/EU

European Fiat advertising campaign - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've some pretty cool advertising in our time, but the new European marketing campaign from Fiat is surely one of the more memorable efforts from an automaker in recent years. In an effort to underscore the safety of its diminutive 500, both to its occupants and the animals we share our planet with, the Italian automaker has unleashed a new series of images depicting the little hatchback in various crash test scenarios.

The interesting part comes from the car's occupants, which includes a panda bear, a walrus (goo goo g'joob) and a couple of penguins. Equally as clever is the tagline, "Engineered for a lower impact on the environment," after which the ad reminds the viewer that Fiat - with an average of just 133.7 grams per kilometer - is the brand with the lowest carbon emissions in all of Europe.

Gallery: European Fiat advertising campaign

[Source: Fubiz.net via Jalopnik]

PETA Alert: Fiat underscores eco-friendliness using unique advertising campaign originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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