Why not challenge Americans to deal with words they haven't encountered before, and ask questions rather than jumping to conclusions?

I still reckon Fiat would be better selling the Panda as a Fiat. The 500 will arrive as one, so why not the other models? Certainly use the C-EVO architecture to build a Sebring or whatever, but I would like to think that some Americans might actually like to have a Fiat. It isn't 1980 any more, and good advertising would bury any ghosts.

Oh, and there was the video. See, a pretty competent little climber...

well done Hellcat.

Yeah, best sold as a FIAT. I don't seriously think they're really going to sell it as a Jeep, but if they do, they'll probably market it like this:



nice promo shot.

It's a lovely little thing, but its underpowered for here, so it would need work to succeed in the US.

I just hope all this works. Oil is on the up I notice, which is what I expected at the first sniff of an economic upturn. Soon the price of fuel will rocket again, and then Fiat's hand will be even stronger in the US.

Of course, as soon as fuel prices increase again the economy will collapse once more....sad, but true.

Well you're getting the Grande Punto, at least. Which I'm quite surprised about.

PuntoSS said:

Well you're getting the Grande Punto, at least. Which I'm quite surprised about.

Click to expand...

I didn't expect to see it directly, what I expected was that a Chrysler car would be designed on its platform--probably called the 'Argon,' or 'Neon 2.0' or somesuch.

No word on Abarth, hot engines, or sportier FIAT trim levels yet, eh?
I'll be honest, I personally, am interested in a warm/hot car. I've currently got a slug, and the hell if I'm buying another one, no matter how nice they look.

Americans seem to all be dreaming of the fast ones, and I'd be very surprised if Fiat screws up by not offering the fastest versions of their cars.

In fact I'd expect the 500 110 twin, plus the 500 Abarth: the GP Sporting 120 and maybe the Abarth 150, and the Linea 135.

I'd expect faster Alfas.

The new technology will make these outputs commonplace by the time the Fiats hit America. In fact, these figures will be enhanced by then, I hope...

Fiat won't produce faster cars just for the American market. They're trying to drive America into eco-friendly driving hence the agreement on the deal with Chrysler regarding building smaller, more economical vehicles. I suppose they could release a new Coupe model in America, but then you might as well just make a 500 Abarth or Bravo GT or some high spec name like that.

I don't see them taking the likes of the Multipla to the States, but then I wouldn't blame them either!

I know they already sell the Mini Cooper in the States, as I've seen one when I've been over there, as I've said before, releasing the 500 will certainly increase the competetiveness between FIAT and BMW thus BMW will be on a strain to sell more vehicles to try and out-run the 500, although I really do hope that won't happen.

They aren't trying to drive Americans into more economical cars. They will try supply cars that will sell.
This means bigger more powerful cars than sell here in Europe. For instance the Mini is sold in America but I believe only in the cooper S forms.

I doubt America will ever see the 1.2 8V but will bet all the money I have they will see the T-Jet 150.

They won't produce faster cars just for the American market, but they will have these anyway, and combined with the forthcoming technology these fast cars will be economical.

All Fiat's cars will need some modifications to meet statutory requirements, and I'd expect Fiat to take the opportunity to design in more cupholders, and modify the seating where necessary I hope they don't soften up the suspension too much though.

Watch this space, but I think the Linea will do well.

I don't think the Linea will be seen in North America.

The Linea is a small family saloon primarily sold in "emerging markets". It sits in about the same space as the more up-market Bravo. As they have said that they are bringing something based off the Bravo platform (the "C-Evo"), but have not mentioned the Linea, I'm not so sure they will sell it in the US.

It is possible, I suppose, that you'll see the Linea (or something very similar to it) with a Chrysler (or related) badge on it.

chiefpontiac said:

Speaking of names, we won't buy Pandas as the name suggests it is built in China (is it?)

Click to expand...

Poland, which could be worse as Polish jokes were one of the staples of bad US comedy in the 980s...

I think the Linea has been mentioned. It has plenty of rear legroom (unlike the Bravo) and is Fiat's only conventional booted saloon, and it is comfortable - and cars with boots do well in America. In this respect the US is an emerging market; they don't much like hatchbacks

They may well stick a Chrysler badge on it though. I hope they don't do too much of this because we're not fooled, and it diminishes the marque: Fiat in this case.

Why don't they release the Linea in the UK? I'd like to see it here, as a possible replacement to the Bravo - or even the next model up from the Bravo.

I'm guessing FIAT will gradually introduce more models into the States, perhaps the Palio or even other additions of the Panda over the years, although not immediately.
We shall have to wait and see.

Whats being overlooked is the motivating factor in Fiats desire to become involved with Chrysler and GM/Opel. Marchionne went on record saying that without a partner it was unlikely that Fiat would survive the next few years.......read the last paragraph, they are in as much sh** as every other car maker

http://www.reuters.com/article/wtUSInvestingNews/idUSN3045511620090430

The fact of the matter is simple, Fiat needs an alliance with Chrysler/GM to survive!

Fiat Panda 4x4 becomes.... Jeep Phoenix!

http://jeepworld.wordpress.com/2009/05/08/the-2011-jeep-phoenix-4x4-revealed/

http://www.autospies.com/news/Jeep-...ly-Fiat-Can-Breathe-Life-Into-Chrysler-43820/

http://hubpages.com/hub/Revealed-2011-Jeep-Phoenix-Based-On-Fiat-Panda-4x4

Just a photoshop job unfortunately...

would definately work over there badged as a jeep imo

It's a Fiat. It needs to stay a Fiat. Rebadging doesn't work. It devalues both brands.

Give them the 500 to introduce Fiat, and the Brera to bring Alfa back. Then you can start feeding in the more standard and quirky models.

Ah the comments on the american website say it all....1.3 litres??? a Jeep should have a 3.7 at least...
Never mind if that 3.7 could be out run by a turbo 1.4...

Replied.

The guy 'calling it' on MPG.. I hope he's a betting man.

shut down and consign to history the local brands.....what do they have to offer? no one cares anywhere outside americas borders.....

retool the factories, retrain the staff, and start production of the parent brands, fiat alfa and lancia, out there, phase it in, but esentially, what worth keeping of the old chrysler factory network?