Fiat 500 to get more than 40 mpg in the U.S., Fiat engineers and execs in Detroit setting up launch

We already know that the Fiat 500 will be the only Fiat badged model that will be sold at Chrysler dealerships when Chrysler is officially handed over the Italian automaker. According to people familiar with the plan, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has been leading a team of several dozen engineers and executives in finalizing plans to cut costs on purchasing parts and to pave the way for the introduction of the 500 minicar to the U.S. market.

The Fiat 500 will make it to the U.S. showrooms by the end of 2010 – so if you’re looking for a reliable, good looking, fuel-efficient compact car, just wait because the 500 is expected to get more than 40 mpg as measure by the U.S. regulatory standards.

The group of engineers and executives are working hard to get the compact hatch ready to meet U.S. safety standards.

At the 2009 New York Auto Show in April, Chrysler’s vice chairman Jim press was heavily promoting the 500 by driving one onto the stage.

– By: Kap Shah

Source: Reuters