Fiat has recently rolled off the 1 millionth 500, after starting production almost 5 years ago. The Italian company has been producing the Fiat 500 since 2007 at its Poland manufacturing facility and has taken 69 months to reach the 10 lakh production milestone. The Fiat 500 has always been an eye candy since it was first introduced in 1957. Owing to its incredible eye-catchy looks and peppy design with the added thrill of several engine options to choose from, resulted in acquisition of over 40 international awards. The appraisal list does not end here, thousands of trim and body colors, different variants and customization options are offered to diversify almost every single car in itself.
Fiat has sold number the ‘9,99,999’th 500 to an Italian customer, in S version powered by a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine, while the next consecutive unit of the vehicle is a light blue 500C, Lounge trim level, equipped with the 69 BHP 1.2-litre motor delivered to a German customer, which is an evident by the customization options provided by the company.
The story of the Fiat 500 began back in 1957, when the European market desired for an economic car which was easy on the pocket for daily commuting. At that time, Fiat launched the 500 with rear wheel drive installation, based on the Volkswagen Beetle platform. The car had emerged as a boon in the industry and the company sold 38,93,294 units in different variants till its production stopped in 1975. In 2007, Fiat restarted the production of the 500 at the occasion of 50 years celebration of the earlier model, in a new avatar which is built from scratch.
Presently, the Fiat 500 production takes place at Tychy situated in Poland and Toluca, Mexico (commenced in 2011) and company exports the vehicle to more than 83 countries including US, Italy, Brazil and South Africa which holds the major share of its total sales. To celebrate the milestone, Fiat has released new body color options and trim level to continue the game plan of making each 500 unique in itself.
The midget car is offered in 6 different trims, 5 engine options and two body shapes currently. Fiat is looking forward to cross the milestone they achieved in the previous innings and will enter into new markets across the world. Fiat had launched the 500 in India earlier, but poor brand awareness and high pricing (Rs. 17 lakhs for the diesel model), led to poor sales and eventually discontinuation of the retro car in our country.
