Fiat is contemplating on expanding its 500 range in the American market after realizing that the US is a crucial market for the 500 small car. The Fiat 500 sold 43,772 units in 2012, higher than the sales achieved in Fiat’s home country, Italy. With intentions to add a few additions to the 500 range, Fiat decided to promote it as a separate sub-brand. A host of body-types from the 500 family is expected to be launched in due time. The Fiat 500L, a 5-seater mini-MPV was launched in the US in June this year. Besides, some product planners also want the next generation 500 small car to be longer and wider for the American market.
The work on the next generation 500 is ongoing at Fiat’s plant in Turin, Italy. While the size of the original two-door 500 remains in debate, Fiat is planning a 5-door subcompact 500 car, which in the European market will be the replacement to the Fiat Punto. Another addition to the 500 family is the 500L Living, a 7-seater MPV. It will be launched in the American market soon. Already present in the European market, the Fiat 500L Trekking could also soon be launched in the US. The Trekking has practically more ground clearance and is slightly longer than 500L.
Fiat is working in collaboration with Jeep on a crossover. The crossover will be based on the same platform as that of the 500L. The product will be shared between the two brands, the Jeep version of which will first go into production. Codenamed as Fiat project 520, it will enter production in mid-2014, followed by a Fiat version called as 500X. The crossover will be up for sales in the US by early 2015 while an India launch will happen in 2016. The new 500 small car will be launched in 2015, interestingly followed by sporty derivatives like the 500 Abarth and the 500C convertible.
