Chrysler to Unveil Electric Fiat 500 at NAIAS

For the first time on US soil, American manufacturer Chrysler will present the entire Fiat 500 lineup at the 2010 North American Auto Show (NAIAS), including the 500C and the 500 Abarth. But the most exciting 500 appearance will be that of an electric version of the 500.

At least this is what some sources told Autoweek, adding that, despite the unveiling, Italian carmaker Fiat has no intention of selling it in the US in the near future. Chrysler officially declined to comment on its line-op for the show, with Gualberto Ranieri, Chrysler spokesman, saying the company will not hold a press conference because it has nothing new to show.

Another striking appearance may be that of a Lancia Delta, wearing a Chrysler grille. Although this car is not part of the immediate future of Chrysler's line-up in the US, NAIAS may prove to be the perfect opportunity to see how the American public will respond to a Lancia-Chrysler mutant. According to some, the CEO of both Fiat and Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne, plans to slowly but surely merge the two brands into one.

Otherwise, the American carmaker already announced the first Italian sourced engines to be build States side, the 1.4l, four cylinder Multiair. The unit will be produced by Chrysler in its Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan. The carmaker announced earlier it will pump $179 million in the facility to fit it with the right equipment for producing the engine. Production will begin in the fourth quarter of 2010.