2011 NAIAS: 2012 Fiat 500

Although the week is still young, Italian manufacturer Fiat is very busy. Earlier today, it announced it has increased its stake in Chrysler from 20 to 25 percent and now it is focusing its entire attention on presenting the 2012 500 model, as part of the auto show debut of the North American branch of the brand.

In 2010, the main topic in Chrysler's US offices was the arrival of the 500 on the local market. All the details about the car are already known, but the fact that the 500 now enters its first full year on the American market makes for enough of a reason to remind you the Fiat offering.

The Fiat 500 will come in the 2012 model year in three trim levels, Pop, Sport and Lounge, with prices ranging from $15,500 (Pop) to $19,500 (Lounge). The car will be offered with 14 exterior colors and 14 unique seat color and material combinations. All models are powered by a new a 1.4l engine with MultiAir technology. The 500 is currently on display at the North American International Auto Show.

“Detroit is our home base in America,” said Laura Soave, head of Fiat Brand North America. “With our new 2012 Fiat 500 models marking our first North American International Auto Show appearance, we couldn’t have asked for a better way to launch the brand and start the New Year."

“Loaded with Italian style, the new 2012 Fiat 500 provides our customers with the perfect blend of emotional design, rational appeal, high level of standard features and personalization options for our customers’ individuality to be recognized wherever they go.”