Fiat News

There are more than 150 carmakers in China, although most are tiny firms producing for local customers. But three of the larger Chinese brands are already established in the passenger-vehicle ranks - Chery, Great Wall and Geely - with Foton and JAC selling trucks, Higer with buses and all looking for future growth. Great Wall is easily the most successful to date, with 4838 sales to the end of May mostly thanks to its utes, with Chery on 696 and Geely not included in the national VFACTS total despite taking a toehold in Western Australia last year. Carsguide has learned of another six contenders and believes they are already negotiating with freelance importers about local distribution. "The Chinese embassy has contacted us about finding local partners for six car companies," a senior source at the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reveals to Carsguide. "We are trying to help. They seem pretty keen." The importer with the strongest Chinese ties, Ateco Automotive, already has Chery and Great Wall on its books and company chief Neville Crichton admits he is looking to spread his influence. Ateco has recently lost the local agency for Alfa Romeo and Fiat, which were reclaimed by their owners at Fiat Chrysler Group, and has previously imported both Suzuki and Kia vehicles before selling the franchises back to head office. Crichton will not discuss his targets but a team from Ateco was one of the Australian groups in China recently for the Beijing Motor Show. There are now seven Great Wall models in Australia but none are passenger cars, at least yet, while Chery has three with the J11 SUV selling best with 374 delivers to the end of May. The Geely importer, John Hughes in Perth, is regrouping before a stronger push with a bigger range of the company's latest models in 2013. Two other brands, JAC and Maxus, are being handled by the import company WMC, which began with Higer buses. JAC is beginning its Australian push with small trucks, planning to follow with vans and a ute in 2013, and likely passenger cars in late 2014. Maxus, which is part of the giant Shanghai Automotive group that includes MG, is starting with vans but has perhaps the greatest potential of all once it commits to a local program with its Chinese cars.  

A new-model armada is being readied across the Pacific for the biggest Chrysler Jeep onslaught in the American company's history in Australia. Fiat is now the driving force at the Detroit brands, after taking a controlling interest during Chrysler Group's bankruptcy, and is planning a consolidation and new-model drive that will sweep through Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat and Alfa Romeo.Some models are already shared - including an ugly Lancia-badged Chrysler 300C in Europe - but the next step is total consolidation that reflects the recent move in Australia to put the operations of the American and Italian brands under one roof at a new corporate headquarters in Melbourne."Chrysler is undergoing a renewal under Fiat. There is a whole lot of product in the pipeline and coming through," says spokesperson, Lenore Fletcher."It's definitely all happening here. We have updates, limited-edition cars and all-new models."The SRT versions of the 300C and Jeep Grand Cherokee are coming up fast and Fletcher says there will be more Fiat models to stretch the appeal of the baby 500 in Australia. Further into the future, Australians can expect a wider choice of cars with more personality and - thanks to Fiat cash - better quality in the American models.Fletcher says recent talk about an uncertain future for the Jeep Compass and Chrysler Town&Country - sold here as the Voyager people mover - that followed comments by Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne might not be relevant for Australia."Those vehicles are just going through their natural product lifecycle. We have not heard anything about them being dropped," she says.There is talk in the USA that Chrysler plans to downsize its people mover lineup, starting with the Grand Voyager, but it showed a full-sized concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January that only reflected a more SUV-type look.Dodge is also uncertain, with a global wind-back on the cards, but even that could change downunder if the macho appeal of the badge can be justified. Fletcher says all product choices for Australia will be made to boost the appeal and sales of the Fiat Chrysler range."There should be no fears that there won't be a terrific lineup from our brands - Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, and Alfa Romeo and Fiat," she says."Naturally we'll be looking at whatever products become available and evaluating their suitability to the Australian market. We are really at the moment looking at the Chrysler and Jeep line-ups - we're just about to launch the Chrysler 300 - and we're very positive about our volume expectations in the next 12 months."She also emphatically denied any showroom stall in May, despite official VFacts sales figures this week that show a zero against the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands."Due to systemic issues which occurred during the changeover from local distributors Ateco Automotive to the Fiat Chrysler factory group, no sales were registered on VFACTS for the Fiat or Alfa Romeo brands during May. The relevant figures will be included in next month’s report," Fletcher says. 

Essentially a Fiat 500 under the skin, the new Abarth 695 Maserati comes in a very limited edition of just 499. The high-performance supermini follows in the footsteps of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari which sold here for $70,000. The 695 Maserati looks like it would be at home on the track. The engine pumps out a 132kW/250Nm from a 1.4 litre turbocharged unit. Acceleration is expected to be less than 7 seconds for the 0-100km sprint. The chassis has also been engineered to cope with this extra power. Front brakes and suspension setup have been upgraded as well as the ‘dual mode’ exhaust which Abarth is saying “delivers an inspiring sound above 3,000 rpm”. It will only be available in the Pontevecchio Bordeaux colour which Maserati also uses in their GT cars. The electronically controlled soft top is made of grey fabric. On the inside it gets beige leather upholstery, while the dashboard and gearbox trim have matt finish carbon lining with the 695 logo. Buyers will however get a carbon fibre kick plate with customised Abarth 695 Maserati Edition graphics, and a plate with the car’s series number from 1 to 499. In the UK it retails around £32,000 and that’s a lot of money for a small car – especially when it’s bound to be more expensive if it hits Australia.  

The advertisement created by the Leo Burnett agency in Argentina hinges on diving -- literally -- into a giant cleavage. Developed as part of the campaign for Fiat's small Palio, the tagline is "The car for the best time of your life." Fiat apparently thinks the best time of a man's life will be when his girlfriend announces she's signed up for breast augmentation. The ad doesn't denigrate women, but viewers are bound to wonder how far you can go in objectifying them. And one thing's for sure, it certainly doesn't focus on the car -- which suggests that Fiat isn't confident of selling the Pialo on its own merits. Or of selling the car to women. It follows a string of recent ads from the Fiat brands that used the undeniably sexy Catrinel Menghia to promote the Abarth 500. The first Menghia appearance for the Abarth was full of double entrendes, another played on Charlie Sheen's house arrest, while a third for The Fast Show featured Menghia supposedlty at the wheel giving the Abarth a real caning. But has Fiat gone too far with this one, and is it likely to alienate female customers? The Leo Burnett agency in Sydney could not be reached for comment today. However, it's unlikely the ad would be screened on Australian television.  However, it's unlikely the ad will be screened on Australian television, says the director of corporate affairs for Australia’s Chrysler Group headquarters, who have just taken over responsibility for Fiat following the Italian and US companies merging. “I think it’s highly unlikely we’ll see that ad campaign here in Australia,” Fiat spokesperson Lenore Fletcher says. “Because we’ve just taken over we are having look at all the different marketing and advertising assets available around the world. “And there are some sensational assets that Fiat has out there. The ads with Catrinel Meghia and the ones with Charlie Sheen are fantastic. Fiat has a lot of quirky approaches – full of personality. However we are aware of the cultural mores of the Australian market, so it’s doubtful we would go with (the breast implant ad).” So, what do you think...is the ad sexy, or is it just plain sexist? Take our poll.  

Fact – towering Romanian supermodel Catrinel Menghia manhandling the Fiat Abarth, dominating the gear lever and whispering sweet threats in Italian. The World’s Fastest Car Show persuaded Fiat to hand over an Abarth – and the glamourpot Menghia – to star in a commercial for their new season. The long-legged beauty’s car career went wildly viral when she first featured in the ‘Seduction’ ad for the Fiat 500 Abarth – a bit of footage deemed too scorching for mainstream TV. The sexually edgy commercial was aired during the 2012 Super Bowl game.  By the way, this latest ad for The World’s Fastest Car Show also features Justin Bell. We’re telling you that because otherwise we don’t think anybody will notice him.  

A multicultural compact car with connections to Italy, the USA and China could become Fiat's new star for Australia. The Fiat Viaggio is an Italian rework of a car developed for the USA as the Dodge Dart, which was originally born with Alfa Romeo DNA, and will be unveiled this week at the Beijing Motor Show. It is already being considered as an addition to the local lineup of the new Fiat-Chrysler import operation, which was created when the Italian company resumed control of its local future - previously in the hands of Ateco Automotive - and merged it with its Chrysler outpost. The Dart was high on the shopping list for Australia when it was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January, but since then Fiat-Chrysler Australia has decided to cull the Dodge name and badge from its local lineup. A lack of right-hand drive production is also a major hurdle. Switching to the Viaggio would make more sense and, with the Dart just confirmed with a $15,999 starting price in the USA, it could easily make it to Australia in the second half of 2013 with pricetags starting around $25,000. Fiat-Chrysler admits the Dart thrust has been blunted but will not be drawn on the Viaggio. "The Dart is still a very attractive car. But at the moment it's not made with the steering wheel on the correct side for Australia," says company spokesperson, Lenore Fletcher. "We need to team up with some right-hand drive markets and see what we can do." So, is the Italian connection a more likely link, particularly as the Fiat Fremont - a re-badged Dodge Journey with some extra European flair - is already a near-certainty for Australia. Because the Viaggio has original Alfa Romeo DNA, it would also be easily tweaked for right-hand drive production and Australian design rules and customer preferences. "It's too early to comment on the Viaggio," Fletcher tells Carsguide. The Dodge Dart lineup points to the various options with the Viaggio, with a range of engines including Fiat's 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo, five trim levels up to the R/T at $23,290, and a potential high-performance SRT car. Dart deliveries begin in the USA in June.  

It’s called the Doblo Work Up and is one of several new Fiat commercial vehicles now being considered for sale in Australia.Fiat commercial vehicles have been brought to Australia by independent importer ATECO since 2001, but the local distribution will switch to Chrysler Australia group, now part of the Fiat family, from May 1.Given the local Fiat commercial vehicle arm is now part of a factory operation there is every chance it will be given access to more models than before.Working Wheels understands Chrysler Australia group has started meeting with dealers for the Fiat commercial brand, along with Fiat cars and Alfa Romeo, and is taking on board the models the dealers are especially keen to get hold of.“Their message was that now we are factory backed they are hoping for the supply pipeline to open up,” says Chrysler Australia group spokeswoman Lenore Fletcher. Currently, the only Fiat commercial vehicles sold in Australia are the large Ducato van and slightly smaller Scudo van. More models could now be introduced to the local line up following the change of distributor. Ms Fletcher says Chrysler Australia group doesn’t have anything to announce at the moment as it is far too early, but is “looking very closely at everything”. “We are looking at ways that we could expand the product line-up,” she says.In terms of Fiat commercial vehicles, there are three more models that could be considered for Australian sale including the Doblo Work Up ute, The van version of the Doblo, which is also sold as the Opel Combo and Vauxhall Combo in Europe, could also be added, along with the small Fiorino van.Like the Doblo, the Fiorino is not a Fiat-only model and is also badged as a Peugeot Bipper and Citroen Berlingo. Citroen vehicles, including the Berlingo, are imported to Australia by previous Fiat importer ATECO, so it would not have made much sense for it to bring both the Berlingo and Fiorino to sell against each other.The Doblo Work Ute has just been introduced in the UK, which means Fiat is already producing it in right hand drive. It has a metal flat tray that is 4960mm long and 1870mm wide and has fold down sides and tailgate along with a metal ladder rack that also forms a barrier between the back of cab and cargo area and also features some tie down points.Fiat says the tray holds three Euro pallets, which measure 1200mm by 800mm, or 33 boxes fruit. It is also able to carry a payload of 1000kg. The Work Up features a plastic surround below the tray, with in-built steps on each side. It also has a lockable fold-down flap below the tailgate, which allows access to a compartment designed for storage of long tools up to 2m long.Two four-cylinder turbo diesel engines are available in Europe and both feature stop-start engine technology, which kills the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt and starts up again when the driver is ready to go again.The entry-level unit is a 1.3-litre MultiJet with 66kW and 200Nm and should deliver fuel consumption of less than 5 litres per 100km. A 1.6-litre MultiJet engine is better suited for heavier loads, generating 77kW and 290Nm. It is expected to deliver fuel consumption of just above the 5L/100km mark.The Work Up sits on rear multi-link suspension and comes standard with electronic stability control (ESC), anti-skid brakes and has a hill holder function to make the driver’s life a little easier. Front airbags are standard in Europe. Bluetooth phone connectivity and satellite navigation are available as options. 

According to documents submitted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Fiat is already planning a convertible version of the 500 Abarth, and a turbocharged non-Abarth version of the 500 called the 500T.Good news for fans of high-performance small cars and convertibles everywhere, if it holds up.

And it looks like it will hold up.The documents, sourced via Car and Driver, show a pretty clear chart of upcoming 2013 models, and the Abarth is clearly listed under the "2 Door Convertible" group, while the 500T Sport is added to the standard Pop, Sport, Lounge, Abarth, and Electric lineup.

Having wrung out the hardtop 500 Abarth at Spring Mountain in the US earlier this year, we know it delivers on many levels where the standard 500 doesn't. Whether the similarly-powerful, but non-Abarth 500 will show similar fun potential remains to be seen.The convertible version of the Abarth is sure to win fans, however, as many of you commented that a soft top was the only thing holding you back.Of course, it will likely be the retractable-cloth-roof  (a la 500C) sort of convertible, rather than the whole-top-comes-off kind, but even so, it means more sun in the cabin with (hopefully) all of the benefits of the Abarth. www.motorauthority.com.au 

From May, the two European makes will no longer be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by the independent Ateco Group in Sydney, headed by entrepreneur Neville Crichton. Ateco also holds the rights for Citroen, Lotus and the chinese brands Chery and Great Wall. Sister company European Automotive Imports has the distribution rights for Ferrari and Maserati. The move follows the Fiat Group's takeover of Chrysler. The new Group is combining its distribution arms in all major markets and concentrating on those, such as Chrysler Australia, that are factory owned. The changes to Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Fiat commercial vehicle distribution will have no effect on the distribution of Ferrari and Maserati, which remain with European Automotive Imports. All existing Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealers will move with the brands to Chrysler, while arrangements for staff at Ateco who worked exclusively on Alfa Romeo and Fiat will be made on an individual basis. At one time Volkswagen, Audi, Suzuki and Kia have all spent periods under the guiding hand of Ateco. "There is no doubt that without Ateco, the Fiat Group could not even consider returning Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Fiat Commercial Vehicles to factory distribution," chairman Neville Crichton said. "Ateco has proven to them that all three brands have a long term place in the Australian and New Zealand markets, that there is consistent and growing demand for their products and that Australia and New Zealand have, once again, got a key role to play in the companys global aspirations." Crichton is noted for rescuing and restoring a unique part of Alfa Romeo's heritage when he purchased the last remaining Alfa Romeo G1 in the world, the model that has the distinction of being the very first Alfa Romeo. Believing that all Alfa Romeos must be a driveable, not museum pieces, Neville Crichton carried out a ground-up restoration that was so thorough the restored car won its class in the worlds leading classic car event, the Pebble Beach Concours in the USA. During Alfa Romeos Centenary Year, the G1 toured Australia successfully competing in classic car events across Australia. "Ateco is a constantly changing and evolving company," Crichton said. "As we say good bye to Alfa Romeo and Fiat we will be welcoming into our company new brands and businesses that will benefit from the unique skills and talents we have to offer." Managing director of the Chrysler Australia, Clyde Campbell, confirmed the takeover of the iconic Italian brands. "We are delighted to be named the official distributor of Fiat, Fiat Commercial and Alfa Romeo, and we look forward to re-energising these brands in the Australian market," Campbell said. Under the new agreement, the current Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealer group, which numbers 17 passenger dealerships with 22 commercial vehicle outlets across the country, will report into the Melbourne-based Chrysler Australia group. Sales for the Fiat, Fiat Commercial and Alfa Romeo brands during 2011 were recorded by VFACTS at 2,635 vehicles.

The ad campaign called 'House Arrest' plays on Sheen's reputation for fast cars, fast living, fast women and hot parties.  The advertisement also marks a return for Catrinel Menghia, the stunning model and actress who made such an impact, cappuccino foam and all, in 'Seduction' the first American Abarth TV commercial that became an internet sensation before becoming the hot advertisement during the Super Bowl. The advertisement shows Sheen blasting his Abarth 500 around the inside of a Hollywood mansion during a party full of glamorous women before exiting the Abarth wearing an ankle monitor bracelet and announcing that "I love being under house arrest," before turning to Catrinel Menghia and saying "What do I get for good behaviour?" "The Abarth 500 is the `small but wicked' personality of the Fiat family and this spot captures that attitude and spirit," said Olivier Francois, Head of Fiat Brand worldwide. "The Abarth 500 is the bad boy of the Fiat vehicle line up and Charlie Sheen personifies the edgy and fun attributes of the Abarth 500 in "House Arrest."'