Fiat’s U.S. rollout is a ‘tiny bit behind’

Chrysler Group LLC is a little bit behind schedule in opening up Fiat dealerships in the United States and expects most of the 130 showrooms to be open and operating by September. According to Laura Soave, the head of Fiat brand for Chrysler, about a dozen Fiat franchises have started up and a total of 20 may be open by the end of February.

“It’s a tiny bit behind,” Soave said today.

Soave said that about 30 to 40 will be open by the middle of March. Chrysler originally wanted Fiat dealers running by the end of February.

Soave said dealers should start getting inventory of the Fiat 500 by the end of next month.

Click here for more news on the Fiat 500.

Refresher: Hitting dealerships in spring 2011, the North American version of the Fiat 500 is powered by Fiat”s 1.4L in-line 4-cylinder engine featuring MultiAir technology. The system delivers an increase in power up to 10 percent and a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions up to 10 percent when compared to competitor engines. Prices for the Fiat 500 will start at $15,500.

2011 Fiat 500 (North America):

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News