Fiat 500, in China Too

Following the public appearance at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, Fiat 500 has become a very popular model in the United States, as it marks the beginning of Fiat's return in the country. But the Italian brand won't stop in the US when it comes to this particular model and China seems to be the next destination as far as Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler Group, is concerned.

The US-bound Fiat 500 is manufactured at the Toluca, Mexico production facility, so half of the output could very well go to China and Brazil, Marchionne said according to gasgoo.com.

In the United States, Fiat 500 will be offered 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 colors 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 so, if it happens to be there, pay a visit to the Cobo Center to see what the mini Fiat is up to.

In the meantime, Fiat is also planning to build a new facility in Brazil that would be in charge of the 500 production. The 4.4 million square meters in Suape’s Industrial District will be transformed into a Fiat facility after an estimated EUR1.3 billion ($1.74 billion) will be spent by Fiat. It will all be done in the hope of selling 1 million vehicles in the country by 2014.