New Fiat/Chrysler 500 will cost $15,500
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Originally Posted By: BigBuck
Is anyone planning on getting one on here?
Nope. Would not even be on the radar.
Is anyone planning on getting one on here?
Nope. Would not even be on the radar.
Originally Posted By: saaber1
First part of video has some interesting review stuff:
Abarth:
I love Clarkson's explanation of the "the Abarth way".
First part of video has some interesting review stuff:
Abarth:
I love Clarkson's explanation of the "the Abarth way".
Originally Posted By: rshunter
Originally Posted By: AuthorEditor
I like the way it comes equipped for the price--lots of things I might want, and fewer of the things I don't want. If the quality is there I think these might sell, though I'm afraid that the typical Chrysler dealer won't have the sales force to do it. I'm not sure the same guys selling Ram trucks, Jeeps, and hemi Chargers will be able to wax enthusiastic about the 500. Hopefully the service departments will be up to the task too.
Based on what's been said by the guy who'll own my local dealership, it will be a stand-alone FIAT franchise. While the dealers will start out with just the 500, within 18 months there will be other FIAT and Alfa Romeo models to fill the showrooms.
That's just the thing... automakers make great plans and then forget about how these cars are going to get into the garages of people across the heartland. If you're in a major metropolitan area, OK. If you're in Pocatello, you already can't buy 6 of Car and Driver's top ten locally. No VW, no Mazda, no BMW, etc.etc... Do you think there will be a Fiat dealer in every small 'burg across the land? The Pontiac, Plymouth, Oldsmobile, and Merc dealers are gone, but not much action is happening in bringing in the new. I don't want to drive 150 miles to get warranty service.
Originally Posted By: AuthorEditor
I like the way it comes equipped for the price--lots of things I might want, and fewer of the things I don't want. If the quality is there I think these might sell, though I'm afraid that the typical Chrysler dealer won't have the sales force to do it. I'm not sure the same guys selling Ram trucks, Jeeps, and hemi Chargers will be able to wax enthusiastic about the 500. Hopefully the service departments will be up to the task too.
Based on what's been said by the guy who'll own my local dealership, it will be a stand-alone FIAT franchise. While the dealers will start out with just the 500, within 18 months there will be other FIAT and Alfa Romeo models to fill the showrooms.
That's just the thing... automakers make great plans and then forget about how these cars are going to get into the garages of people across the heartland. If you're in a major metropolitan area, OK. If you're in Pocatello, you already can't buy 6 of Car and Driver's top ten locally. No VW, no Mazda, no BMW, etc.etc... Do you think there will be a Fiat dealer in every small 'burg across the land? The Pontiac, Plymouth, Oldsmobile, and Merc dealers are gone, but not much action is happening in bringing in the new. I don't want to drive 150 miles to get warranty service.
I'd look at one for a little fun to drive commuter box.
I don't care how good it is, or whatever nifty Italian history is behind it, but "Abarth" has to be the worst name ever. Especially as a designator of the sport model. If it doesn't get renamed the 500 SRT or something we'll know Chrysler is doomed for good.
jeff
jeff
Originally Posted By: crw
That's just the thing... automakers make great plans and then forget about how these cars are going to get into the garages of people across the heartland. If you're in a major metropolitan area, OK. If you're in Pocatello, you already can't buy 6 of Car and Driver's top ten locally. No VW, no Mazda, no BMW, etc.etc... Do you think there will be a Fiat dealer in every small 'burg across the land? The Pontiac, Plymouth, Oldsmobile, and Merc dealers are gone, but not much action is happening in bringing in the new. I don't want to drive 150 miles to get warranty service.
That reminds me of ATT's cell coverage ad where they say they covers 97% of the population of the US.
Their coverage outside major population areas and off the Interstates is [censored], but they do cover the major population centers.
For better or worse, you don't need the heartland to be a major player.
That's just the thing... automakers make great plans and then forget about how these cars are going to get into the garages of people across the heartland. If you're in a major metropolitan area, OK. If you're in Pocatello, you already can't buy 6 of Car and Driver's top ten locally. No VW, no Mazda, no BMW, etc.etc... Do you think there will be a Fiat dealer in every small 'burg across the land? The Pontiac, Plymouth, Oldsmobile, and Merc dealers are gone, but not much action is happening in bringing in the new. I don't want to drive 150 miles to get warranty service.
That reminds me of ATT's cell coverage ad where they say they covers 97% of the population of the US.
Their coverage outside major population areas and off the Interstates is [censored], but they do cover the major population centers.
For better or worse, you don't need the heartland to be a major player.
Originally Posted By: greenjp
I don't care how good it is, or whatever nifty Italian history is behind it, but "Abarth" has to be the worst name ever. Especially as a designator of the sport model. If it doesn't get renamed the 500 SRT or something we'll know Chrysler is doomed for good.
jeff
Abarth has nothing to do with Chrysler products, or their brands. There isn't going to be a Dodge Challenger Abarth, any more than there will be a FIAT Grande Punto SRT4. I highly doubt that the typical person who'd be walking into a FIAT "Studio" would give two shakes of a "you know what" about an SRT badge, or even know what it means for that matter.
Remind me, where did they get those silly names like Shelby and Saleen from? Yep, same idea, different brand. They just wish they'd had the racing success that Abarth has had...
I don't care how good it is, or whatever nifty Italian history is behind it, but "Abarth" has to be the worst name ever. Especially as a designator of the sport model. If it doesn't get renamed the 500 SRT or something we'll know Chrysler is doomed for good.
jeff
Abarth has nothing to do with Chrysler products, or their brands. There isn't going to be a Dodge Challenger Abarth, any more than there will be a FIAT Grande Punto SRT4. I highly doubt that the typical person who'd be walking into a FIAT "Studio" would give two shakes of a "you know what" about an SRT badge, or even know what it means for that matter.
Remind me, where did they get those silly names like Shelby and Saleen from? Yep, same idea, different brand. They just wish they'd had the racing success that Abarth has had...
Originally Posted By: Trav
$15,500 buys a lot of small cars. I drove on in Germany this past summer,this is a typical cheap Fiat.
After initial high sales because of the cute good mileage factor I think this will be the final nail in Chryslers coffin not its saviour.
I'm betting against ya!
$15,500 buys a lot of small cars. I drove on in Germany this past summer,this is a typical cheap Fiat.
After initial high sales because of the cute good mileage factor I think this will be the final nail in Chryslers coffin not its saviour.
I'm betting against ya!
Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Is the car going to be built in NA?
Fiat is retooling the PT Cruiser line in Mexico to manufature them for NA.
Is the car going to be built in NA?
Fiat is retooling the PT Cruiser line in Mexico to manufature them for NA.
Originally Posted By: Camu Mahubah
Originally Posted By: Trav
$15,500 buys a lot of small cars. I drove on in Germany this past summer,this is a typical cheap Fiat.
After initial high sales because of the cute good mileage factor I think this will be the final nail in Chryslers coffin not its saviour.
I'm betting against ya!
Vertroue in God en die Mauser
I don't think Chrysler will cease to exist they still have trucks and Government cash to keep them swimming.
This Fiat thing is doomed before it starts.
Vertrauen auf Gott und Mauser. I like it!
Originally Posted By: Trav
$15,500 buys a lot of small cars. I drove on in Germany this past summer,this is a typical cheap Fiat.
After initial high sales because of the cute good mileage factor I think this will be the final nail in Chryslers coffin not its saviour.
I'm betting against ya!
Vertroue in God en die Mauser
I don't think Chrysler will cease to exist they still have trucks and Government cash to keep them swimming.
This Fiat thing is doomed before it starts.
Vertrauen auf Gott und Mauser. I like it!
Im curious about it, but won't be buying one. Buying new cars is a bad idea to begin with.
I find it very odd that Fiat would burden Chrysler dealers with having a stand alone dealership for one model of a car line?
You would think that would be very expensive for dealers, esp after these last few years of poor sales.
Imho I could understand having a Fiat corner of a dealership and when they bring more models to the USA then branch off to stand alone dealerships.
You would think that would be very expensive for dealers, esp after these last few years of poor sales.
Imho I could understand having a Fiat corner of a dealership and when they bring more models to the USA then branch off to stand alone dealerships.
Originally Posted By: duaneb9729
I find it very odd that Fiat would burden Chrysler dealers with having a stand alone dealership for one model of a car line?
You would think that would be very expensive for dealers, esp after these last few years of poor sales.
Imho I could understand having a Fiat corner of a dealership and when they bring more models to the USA then branch off to stand alone dealerships.
Chrysler/FIAT isn't "burdening" any dealer with a new dealership. These are new stand-alone franchises, which have been applied for by those who are interested in being a FIAT dealer. They don't even have to be current Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealers, for that matter.
I suspect that the dealer support won't even be provided by the Chrysler distribution system. FIAT has provided support for Ferrari dealers through their NewHolland system. That was also the stated plan when they began talking about re-introducing the Alfa Romeo brand.
I find it very odd that Fiat would burden Chrysler dealers with having a stand alone dealership for one model of a car line?
You would think that would be very expensive for dealers, esp after these last few years of poor sales.
Imho I could understand having a Fiat corner of a dealership and when they bring more models to the USA then branch off to stand alone dealerships.
Chrysler/FIAT isn't "burdening" any dealer with a new dealership. These are new stand-alone franchises, which have been applied for by those who are interested in being a FIAT dealer. They don't even have to be current Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealers, for that matter.
I suspect that the dealer support won't even be provided by the Chrysler distribution system. FIAT has provided support for Ferrari dealers through their NewHolland system. That was also the stated plan when they began talking about re-introducing the Alfa Romeo brand.
It's a neat little car, and a 16K sticker is not much coin in the current market.
This car is cheap enough and chic enough to bring Italian cars back to the US.
The guy running Fiat (and Chrylser) has an exellent track record.
Let's see what happens.
This car is cheap enough and chic enough to bring Italian cars back to the US.
The guy running Fiat (and Chrylser) has an exellent track record.
Let's see what happens.
The MITSU Colt is due for reentry into the market soon . Should be interesting with all the choices for economy cars . Gas , natural gas , hybrids , all electric . Only if there would be a small pick up out there that gets 35+ m.p.g. in the eco-vehicle market .
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Originally Posted By: odie
The MITSU Colt is due for reentry into the market soon . Should be interesting with all the choices for economy cars . Gas , natural gas , hybrids , all electric . Only if there would be a small pick up out there that gets 35+ m.p.g. in the eco-vehicle market .
Yea, I wish Mahindra diesel were sold here.
The MITSU Colt is due for reentry into the market soon . Should be interesting with all the choices for economy cars . Gas , natural gas , hybrids , all electric . Only if there would be a small pick up out there that gets 35+ m.p.g. in the eco-vehicle market .
Yea, I wish Mahindra diesel were sold here.
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