click above image for more high-res shots of the new Fiat 500
The new Fiat 500 is one hot little Italian hatchback that is highly anticipated. The revived 500 will go on sale earlier than expected in July, and the automaker expects its little hatch to be sold out through 2008. Yesterday, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed that the 500 may be sold in the U.S. by 2010, stating "sooner or later it is a possibililty."
The new Fiat 500 is based on the Panda platform that will be shared with the 2008 Ford Ka. If the 500 does end up on sale in the States, we're not entirely sure through what dealer network it would be sold and serviced. While the prospects of plunking down some greenbacks for the revived 500 in the U.S. is exciting, it seems even more of a longshot considering that Marchionne also stated such a move would not mean the entire Fiat brand would be reentering the North American market. In other words, the Fiat 500 would cross the pond alone.
Considering that Marchionne has already confirmed that Alfa Romeo, another brand in his stable, will soon be sold in the U.S. through select Ferrari/Maserati dealerships, it's not unreasonable to assume the tiny 500 will one day share a dealer lot in the States with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Maserati GranTurismo and Ferrari F430. Good company, for sure.
Thanks for the tip, DaveC!
The new Fiat 500 is one hot little Italian hatchback that is highly anticipated. The revived 500 will go on sale earlier than expected in July, and the automaker expects its little hatch to be sold out through 2008. Yesterday, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed that the 500 may be sold in the U.S. by 2010, stating "sooner or later it is a possibililty."
The new Fiat 500 is based on the Panda platform that will be shared with the 2008 Ford Ka. If the 500 does end up on sale in the States, we're not entirely sure through what dealer network it would be sold and serviced. While the prospects of plunking down some greenbacks for the revived 500 in the U.S. is exciting, it seems even more of a longshot considering that Marchionne also stated such a move would not mean the entire Fiat brand would be reentering the North American market. In other words, the Fiat 500 would cross the pond alone.
Considering that Marchionne has already confirmed that Alfa Romeo, another brand in his stable, will soon be sold in the U.S. through select Ferrari/Maserati dealerships, it's not unreasonable to assume the tiny 500 will one day share a dealer lot in the States with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Maserati GranTurismo and Ferrari F430. Good company, for sure.
Thanks for the tip, DaveC!
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