Fiat aims to sell 50k Fiat 500 cars in US in 2011

[jwocky]

via 500FREAKS (http://www.500freaks.com)


A report out of the Associated Press has Fiat’s 2011 U.S. sales target for the Fiat 500 at 50,000 units. Fiat hopes to achieve this though a network of 165 dealers, which will mostly be located in cities with the largest projected small car markets. Ambitious plan? Certainly, considering BMW sells approximately 50,000 Minis annually.

The U.S. version of the Fiat 500 will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November and will be positioned as a direct competitor to BMW’s Mini, according to these people, who did not want to be identified since the briefing is not public. Chrysler also plans to introduce an electric version of the Fiat 500 in 2012, they said. -- http://www.500freaks.com/?p=26599

I really think that's a way lofty goal. AFAIK this car doesn't perform as well as the Mini, nor as famous of a heritage. Maybe price is the only thing going for it. Anyone think they'll actually sell 50,000 of these cars in the first year alone?

[Disoblige]

If it is significantly cheaper than the Mini, then it could very well meet their target, or damn close to it.

I know I certainly don't want to spend 25k for a base mini at 118 hp. Or even 30k for the Cooper S! Pfft.

[Redlyne_mr2]

The fiat 500 is much smaller than a mini.It's a lofty goal I wish them luck especially since people don't buy small cra in the US.

[slinkie]

wasn't mini the least reliable brand out of like 110 brands. who buys those things anyway.

[jsn]

I know at least two people who did :rofl:

[pyroza]

I'd totally buy a 500 over a Yaris, Versa, Fit, etc. any day

[corsvette]

Originally posted by pyroza
I'd totally buy a 500 over a Yaris, Versa, Fit, etc. any day

I'm with you 100%, the 500 so much more unique than any of its competition.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Seems like a pretty lofty goal.

[AndyL]

MMmm.... I'd go for a 500 over say the mini/fiesta/fit/etc...

Not so sure about the 1.3L or the 2cyl hybrid but it's got a neat look to it...

http://www.tuningnews.net/news/080513/novitec-fiat-500.jpg

[dino_martini]

Originally posted by pyroza
I'd totally buy a 500 over a Yaris, Versa, Fit, etc. any day

Too bad it will not be as reliable as any of the competition.

Lofty goal...I agree.

[Drsuce]

fix it again tony.... all jokes aside, i think the 500 will do pretty good if its priced low enough. im sure just like everything else we get stuck with the crap powertrains and we wont see the wild 160hp turbo models :P

[cort@urbanX]

^^^^ Word!! Saw one on top gear, they look like super fun little cars. If they bring the turbo here and it's priced lower than the cooper S I think it will definitely put a dent in mini sales but 50,000 is a little ambitious IMO. Being half Italian I wish them success tho.:thumbsup:

[n1zm0]

so i assume these ones will be made in the mexico plant rather than poland?

[Xtrema]

Yaris sells @ about 3000 (36k/yr) a month (including Sedan)

Mini sells @ about 5000 (60K/yr) a month.

Selling 50K 500 will be a freaking tall order.


Originally posted by n1zm0
so i assume these ones will be made in the mexico plant rather than poland?

Yes

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0820757920100209

[SRT]

Lofty indeed, 50,000 will be a challenge for America, Mexico, Canada and all of south america..let alone just the US.

Thats 4166 cars a month, where MINI does 2500 on a good month. Who knows, maybe the estimated $14,000 dollar entry fee will make up the difference in units sold?

They are also looking to do around 12,000 in Canada through 50-125 Fiat Centers.

[911fever]

that's pretty high of a goal for a company that isn't even established yet in North America

[Pollywog]

Someone renting a flat in the same building as I in London has a brand new one in red - and even I would buy one. It isn't that much smaller than a mini, and it sure has a cool little interior. It certainly would be more efficient than my pig Mercedes.

[nixrx8]

Not to mention the awesome purchase experience to be expected picking these up from your local Chrysler Dodge Jeep retailers :thumbsdow (Calgary area anyways...)

[whiskas]

It's an achievable goal... if the price is right.

[nine5ej1]

Originally posted by Drsuce
fix it again tony.... all jokes aside, i think the 500 will do pretty good if its priced low enough. im sure just like everything else we get stuck with the crap powertrains and we wont see the wild 160hp turbo models :P

Chrysler has already stated that the Abarth version (160hp turbo) will be coming to North America back in 2009.

link link (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-fiat-500-to-launch-in-the-u-s-with-abarth-performance-m/)

[Vanner]

Very lofty for Fiat to say upfront about the goal in selling 50,000 units of this model! Yes, quite VERY lofty... I'd say :rofl: It'd be a miracle if that do happen.

Seriously, aside from my liking on this design - I'd be doubtful if Fiat would do the success of selling the whole 50,000 units. It's risky for that company to go ahead build the full total then send them to all the dealers ... THEN expect them to be sold all?? I would have to say maybe half would sell - who knows?? It's just a guess, that's all.

Fiat sure like to gamble, eh?

The question begs to be asked how many units would be coming to Canada - the one called Abarth model? I like the look and the Canadian price is likely about $25,000 maybe?

[Disoblige]

According to WardsAuto, the Fiat 500 Abarth – complete with 133-horsepower turbocharged four, upgraded suspension and all the sporty touches that make an Abarth an Abarth – will arrive at Chrysler dealers in 2011 with an $18,000-$19,000 price tag.
I hope it's upgraded in performance with a similar price tag. I'm a sucker for these kinds of cars. I would pay 25k for this, then have another car with more HP.

Cmon! I want to see it revealed! Built in Mexico ain't too appealing though..

Edit: Well, from further research, it looks like they are very likely going to stick with the 1.4 L engine. Read in a thread a guy spoke with a rep in February and said it would be released with that engine first. We'll see soon hopefully.