500, the Only Model to Reach the US as a Fiat

We all know by know that, as part of the strategic alliance between Chrysler and Fiat, the Italian manufacturer plans to launch several models designed in Europe in the United States and benefit from Chrysler's large dealership network to reach new consumers. Well, the plans are apparently a bit different as 500 will be the only model to arrive in the United States and to be marketed under the Fiat badge, Autonews reported today, quoting a company official.

All the other models to be sourced from Fiat will be sold as Chryslers, in a move aimed at refreshing the American manufacturer's product range and help it survive the crisis. Richard Gadeselli, vice president of Fiat communications in Italy, said the 500 is projected to hit the US streets in the next 18 months.

"The Fiat 500 - we see that, like the Mini, as a sort of boutique car that we think we can sell in good numbers on the East and West coasts in the same way that Mini has been successful in the U.S.," he was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source.

Additionally, Chrysler will design several models based on Fiat's platforms, including six small or mid-sized cars.

"There is a misconception out there that Chrysler is going to build the Fiat Bravo, just stick a different badge on it. They will be Chrysler products," Gadeselli says. "They will be specific to Chrysler. The vehicle architectures will be based on our stuff, and there will be some powertrains. The vehicles will be U.S. vehicles, designed for U.S. customers by a U.S. company."