Nobody seems to get the point that if this is "a learning exercise" for Chrysler engineers, then how many potential customers will pay good money to become a guinea pig or lab rat? I vividly remember the "second generation" Fiat 500 Nuovo from the late '50s. A truly wretched tiny car (actually an enclosed motorcycle, 2-seater with 1.5 HP 2-cylinder air-cooled engine complete with a cable clutch). Topped out at 59mph with a strong tailwind and a 100 lb. driver!
Yes, the problem with Fiat is that they - look like a Fiat. I think their style designers have found the fountain of youth or something - they are still there after 113? years.
Here is what the Detroit Press posted this morning for November Gains:
Chrysler ^ 14.4% // 10.7%
Ford ^ 6.4% // 15.5%
GM Co. ^ 3.4% // 16.3%
Remember when it was 50%, 25%, 13% ? It was that way for years.
Chrysler will exceed their prior place because of great product.
Did you watch the Superbowl?
Oliver Fracois pulled it off 2 times in a row. Need an imported car to show your "sophistication"? Think Detroit.
Sergio and his team know Precisely what they are doing and it is interesting and delightful.
The Fiat is genetically Italian and you'd be surprised about the beautiful, sophisticatd women who love them and their kikkyness. And if you have seen an original 500, these are giants. My neighbor has 2, red and yellow.
If the Chrysler chief's statement "It's an electric vehicle that doesn't act like an electric appliance" is true, how come the controls look like those of a blender?
"retro-futuristic design"? Does a picture of George Jetson come standard, or is that an option? Holy cow.
My son just came from the LA auto show yesterday with camera pics of cars like a stunning new Lexus electric and the sexy BMW i8 hybrid. And Chrysler introduces this? I'm underwhelmed. I've seen cuter zits on a hog. The Fiat 500 itself looks like someone did a poor job of photoshopping the BMW Mini. Then they brag about time in a wind tunnel... What direction did the wind blow, I wonder?
Unless the car's price tag is going to be somewhere around free, I'll pass. We've already got an electric skateboard.
GT, I think you've pegged it. At least for now, the 500e appears to be a compliance car. It is also most likely a learning excercise. A necessary, but unprofitable step on the road to the future. I doubt they expect to sell more than a handful of cars. Perhaps a totally new EV design is in the works at Fiat.
First, I'm not buying your comments and the contrarian view today would be one arguing in favor of electric given the environmental ignorance being perpetrated on the public by big financial interests. Even if you deny climate change effects, when you flush your toilet the waste doesn't go into the river. It's processed. The same should be true with regard to what we do with the air. It's part of the commons and unless you manufacture your own, conserving the quality is a TRUE conservative position!
Second, the bottom line is one of matching the application coupled with high volume production. You match the car to your need and high volume production will reduce the price. It's simple and has been demonstrated ad nauseum!
The value and success will depend on the price. If it was priced commensurate with a no-frills economy car, then it might have a chance. As a $40K or whatever showroom ornament and enviro-weenie status symbol, it's DOA.
If it's like any other BEV out there today, the CEO is only half lying. It's a compliance car *and* it will never turn a profit.
GT, oho, they are introducing the vehicle only to CA market. Any idea, when they are planning to introduce to other US markets. I think, they are introducing only a limited edition to CA for a market review or to collect user feedbacks.
Charles, finally Fiat also joints with the EV sector by introducing Fiat 500e. Any test drive result data sheet is available for reference. What about the market opinion and how fiat is distinguishing their product from other competitors.
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