DETROIT — Fiat is coming back to the U.S. after a 30-year absence, and now Chrysler Group dealers have to decide whether they want to sell the Italian brand that initially will offer just one model, the tiny Fiat 500.
About 400 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers who want to sell Fiats were told that the exotic minicar at first will be the only 2011 model in their Fiat showrooms. Chrysler, now controlled by Italy’s Fiat, was short on specifics such as price and future models. A larger model was promised but was covered by a tarp.
Chrysler hopes to sell 50,000 of the stylish, bulb- shaped 500s the first year they arrive. Eventually four versions will be offered: a standard 500, a cloth-top convertible, a high-performance version with up to 185 horsepower and, in 2012, an electric version. Dealers will be asked to build separate showrooms and have separate sales and service staffs for the cars, in order to help create a distinctive European aura for the 500.
Many dealers were impressed, but some were left with questions about whether it would be worth the investment. Chrysler chief executive Sergio Marchi on ne, who also runs Fiat, has said Fiat dealers will get first shot at selling the Alfa Romeo brand when it returns to the U.S. in 2012. The Associated Press; AP file photo
