Fiat considering 500 minicar for the U.S.

We’re glad to report this on a beautiful Memorial Day today that Fiat is considering selling its 500 minicar in the U.S. However, Marchionne pointed out that selling the 500 minicar in the U.S. does not mean that Fiat will return to the stateside since the 500 is considered a brand in itself.

“I am convinced the 500 with a full range will be a smash (in the United States) if we do it right,” Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said last week at the Automotive News Europe Congress.

Marchionne said that in order to make economical sense for Fiat, the Italian automaker will need to produce the 500 in North America. He said that production of the 500 for the U.S. could take place at Alfa Romeo’s North American plant that the company is currently planning. Fiat is looking to produce cars in North America by 2010.

Starting 2010, Fiat will add a longer-wheelbase 500 and is also considering an SUV with all-wheel-drive. No word as of yet if those models will make it to the stateside as well.

2008 Fiat 500:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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