Fiat News

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."'

The Fiat 500 has been morphed into a full-sized family car - provided the family is small and get on well. There is also a very good chance that the upcoming 500L will eventually be put to work on all sorts of European errands as the new five-door 500 wagon is boxed into a van. The 500L - which stands, predictably, for large - is being revealed next month at the Geneva motor show as Fiat grows the 500 family up from the hatch, Abarth and cabrio models. The company says is creation was inspired by the 600 Multipla from the 1960s, and not the cute little 500-based wagon - and delivery van - called the Giandinera. "The Multipla was a five-door car with six seats. The new Fiat 500L is along those lines," says Edward Rowe, spokesman for Fiat in Australia. The 500L replaces the Fiat Idea and moves into a crowded class of baby family wagons that includes the Citroen C3 Picasso, Ford B-Max and Opel Meriva. They have not worked in Australia, where SUVs are far more popular, but Fiat believes the 500L could work. "We'll wait and see what the prices and specifications will be. It won't be released for sale in mainland Europe until the fourth quarter of the year," says Rowe. "That indicates it won't be in right-hand drive until the middle of next year. We won't have final details for quite some time. But he knows Australians will not even consider the 500L without an automatic, and perhaps until there are rivals - perhaps including the C3 Picasso which would also be handed by the Fiat importer, Ateco. "Well need a self-shifting gearbox, suitable engine and suitable pricing. That market segement doesn't really exist in Australia. But by then the Citroen C3 Picasso could be available with an automatic gearbo," says Rowe. The 500L is 4.1 metres long and 1.66 metres high, will be built at the Fiat factory in Kragujevac, Serbia and will be available in Europe with TwinAir and 1.4-litre petrol engines, and a 1.3-litre JultiJet II turbodiesel.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. The worldwide head of the Italian company, which also controls Chrysler in the USA, admits Australia has suffered in the past but promises immediate action on a range of fronts as well as a longer-term commitment to right-hand drive vehicles.  It could even include a change of representation for Fiat. "I think we have to be careful that we come up with an economically viable answer for Australia". "We need to make money out of selling cars in Australia to be perfectly honest," says Sergio Marchionne, the head of both Fiat and Chrysler Group.  "I think we have had relative success in some of our ventures. I know the Fiat side has struggled for a while with this and we are in the process of cleaning up our act in Australia and come up with a unified view of the work to do.  "The fact we have created the Asia-Pacific region with a CEO, Mike Manley, who is running it is now giving the proper focus to Australia. Unfortunately Australia has always been the orphan child. It was the stuff that we dealt with whenever we cleaned up something else and never got a lot of attention."

It’s expected to pick up most of its mechanical package from the cute Fiat 500 but there are strong hints of a hybrid Panda for inner-city electric running.