R.I.P: Fiat 500

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That’s right.
Fiat is killing their best selling model in the US, the 500.
Go figure…

Even though it is not a huge hit by any means with only 5370 sold last year (from a high of 47 000 back in 2012), it was their best selling model.
It was even “slightly” more popular than the 500X SUV.

An all-new 500 is supposedly a few months away, at least in Europe. (The current one is over 12 years old!)
But the first version introduced will be electric. Competing, in Europe, with the new Honda E and VW ID3.
And it might not be sold in the US, at least for a while.
The next 500 is rumored to have hidden rear doors like the previous generation Mini Clubman.
A feature that could make it more popular…

But no prototype of the next 500 has been caught yet. So it might not be ready for production soon.

It is a weird move to cancel a car before its next generation is ready. Even weirder to cancel your best selling model.
(which means they are still selling the weirdo 500L in the US.)

I have to mention that the 500 sold in the US is assembled in Mexico, not Europe.
Which could have something to do with the canceling of that model in the US.
Maybe the Mexican factory is scheduled to build another more profitable model?

Who knows…

Conversation 9 comments

  1. Fiats have once again proven to be very unreliable. They're still considered one of the worst vehicles you can buy in the US. I remember when Fiat came back to the US a few years ago, I think within the first 6 months I personally saw one being loaded onto a flat bed because of a breakdown. I'm surprised Fiat is still in the US market at all.

  2. I think the Fiat brand needs to be discontinued in the US. It’s unnecessary and unsuccessful.

    It seems like Fiat Chrysler really needs an innovative leader who can properly sort out the organization. It has the potential to be something great but no one has tapped into that potential yet.

  3. "Wow. Accept my condolences."

    Get stuffed. Both have been perfectly reliable, economical to own, and fun to drive. My Abarth is tuned and modded, and I look forward to driving it with every turn of the key. I also own a Cabrio, which features one of the cleverest designs for a convertible: the body is still rigid, there's no cowl shake, and you can actually see out of it. It's even quiet with the top up.

    This a proven design with millions sold all over the world. In the U.S., after nine years on sale, there have been four recalls, all of them very minor, and none safety related. Compare that to the Audis, BMWs, and Minis which are quality train wrecks.

    Unfortunately, Fiat never fought the quality perception head on, and that's on them. Most cars are built in fully automated factories with little human interaction. The simple design of these cars means there's little to worry about. And you won't need a home equity mortgage if a coil pack ever fails.

    I'm sorry to see the car go, but I'm also sorry few outside the owner community got to know how great these cars are. Americans have really bad taste in personal transportation.

  4. You don't know what you're talking about. These cars are a proven design that sell in the millions all over the world. In 8 years of production, there have only been 4 minor recalls. Units are hitting the six figure mark in mileage, and nothing goes wrong with them.
    You saw one on a flat bed truck, huh? Well, THAT settles it.

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