Fiat USA sees earnings boost on loaded 500 purchases

Fiat's return to the States after a 28-year absence has sent sales of its too-cute 2012 Fiat 500 soaring. Even better for Fiat, more than half of U.S. buyers are shelling out the dough to put higher-end 500s in their driveways.

According to Automotive News, half of the 500s sold to date have been optioned with the Sport package, which commands a $2,000 premium over the base Pop version. Around 20 percent of buyers are going straight for the Lounge models, which start at $19,500.

With the car's enviable spot as a style item adding to the madness, things are looking pretty sweet for Fiat at the moment.