Fiat at Detroit: Laura Soave interviewed

If there are any doubts about the appeal of the Fiat 500, a dealer has already taken 80 orders for the car, without even having a car to show. Laura Soave, Head of Fiat North America, was recently interviewed at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and talks about where the Fiat 500 fits into the American driving dynamic and what makes the 500 so attractive.



The 2012 Fiat 500 will be on display at the Detroit Auto Show, January 15- 23. Don't miss it!

Source: Chrysler Media

Sergio Marchionne at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

Sergio Marchionne took some questions and answers from the media at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show on Monday, January 10. In the video below, he takes a question on the Fiat 500, talks about Abarth and explains Fiat's plans for the US:




This was part two of a three part video. Go to my Youtube Channel to see the other parts: Fiat500USA video channel


With thanks to Chrysler Media

Fiat 500 Makes Official Debut at 2011 Detroit Auto Show

The Fiat 500 makes its official debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show this week. The public show runs January 15 thru the 23 and will feature seven 2012 Fiat 500s. If you are in the area, now is your chance to see the 500 in person. Don't miss it!

Below are highlights from the Fiat Press release:


It’s Showtime: Fiat North America Brings Italian Flavor To Its First North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) With New 2012 Fiat 500 Models

* New 2012 Fiat 500 models at the 24th NAIAS display contemporary styling, beautiful craftsmanship and city-friendly proportions combined with intelligent adaptions for American roads
* New 1.4-liter engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir® technology, invented and patented by Fiat Group, delivers power, fuel efficiency and refinement
* Three models, 14 exterior colors and 14 unique seat color and material combinations will allow customers to configure ‘their own’ Fiat 500 at www.fiatusa.com
* Starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,500


January 10, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Fiat North America made its first official debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show today with a colorful display of seven 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) models and one historic model. With beautiful Italian styling, timeless functionality, efficient design and innovative technology – the same attributes that made the original version a timeless icon – the new Fiat 500 is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.


“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.”



Check out more photos of the show at Fiat USA's Facebook page

Chrysler Media Press Release

Customized Fiat 500 on Display at Detroit Auto Show

This MOPAR creation will be prominently displayed alongside the other Fiat 500s at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

A customized Fiat 500 is going to be featured at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, January 10-23. Chrysler's MOPAR parts and accessories division will display over 100 accessories spread over 57 show vehicles. Among these is this heavily accessorized Fiat 500.



MOPAR is legendary for providing exciting performance parts and accessories to automobile enthusiasts. Now MOPAR brings their unique vision to the Fiat 500, displaying a car that highlights just some of what Fiat owners are able to choose from to personalize and tailor their own Fiat 500 experience.



Following is a list of MOPAR accessories that will be featured on the 2012 Fiat 500:



Door-sill guards with 500 logo
Roof/hood decals feature a double-blue stripe
Katzkin leather interior, black with blue accents
Carbon fiber-style hand brake
Carbon fiber-style shift knob with leather boot



Rear window-mount rack
Snowboard carrier
Wheels, black gloss
Chromed exhaust tip



Chromed mirror covers
Chromed fuel door
Chromed grille surround, front and back



Wheel center caps
Key fob cover
Strut tower brace



Fiat says: "A full line of authentic Fiat 500 accessories by MOPAR will offer customers even more personalization possibilities at their local Fiat dealership, including unique striping packages, exterior and interior styling accessories and authentic Fiat-styled merchandise."

View the full size images here!

Images and quote courtesy of Chrysler Media