2012 Fiat 500 No Reserve on 2040-cars

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Fiat to reveal new 500 on July 4

Fiat has announced that it will reveal a new 500 on July 4 – now just a few weeks away - and just one day after we saw spy shots of the prototypes undergoing testing. The date is not only significant for the American side of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, but for the Italian one as well. In 1957, Fiat rolled out the original Cinquecento in Turin on July 4. Of course a lot has happened since then, and several generations of the 500 have followed. The current model was introduced in 2007, and has since reached over 100 markets around the world with over 1.5 million sold. Since the introduction of the current 500 hatchback, Fiat has rolled out the 500C with an opening roof panel, the 500L for hauling families, and the 500X crossover – to say nothing of the Abarth performance models. As the 500L and 500X aren't directly related to the hatchback, however, they'll likely carry over in their current form after the three-door model is replaced next month. Fiat will be introducing the New 500 on 4 July The countdown to 4 July, the birthday of the iconic 500, has started. It is an important anniversary and this year there will be a great surprise for the millions of fans all over the world who drive it, want it or just admire it. The New 500 is coming and it will be revealed precisely on 4 July, during an unforgettable event. Born in Turin on 4 July 1957, the 500 was revamped in 2007 and since then it has offered the public something new every year. Marketed in more than 100 countries in the world and with more than 1.5 million registered vehicles, the iconic Fiat never ceases to amaze and surprise people with its countless versions and interpretations. Turin, 10 June 2015 Related Video:

Fiat 500 Abarth made from models in body paint [w/video]

Fiat has taken an interesting approach to its advertising for ESPN The Magazine's annual Body Issue. Rather than just hiring an athlete to stand next to a car or sit in a car, it's actually built a car out of athletes. (And not unlike some naked-lady-motorcycles we've seen before.)
Using body artist Craig Tracy and more than a dozen very talented, very muscular, and very flexible models, Fiat has developed an interesting ad that is, according to the head of Fiat Brand North America, Jason Stoicevich, "as visually unique as the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio." We can't really argue with that statement, as we've never seen an ad quite like this before.
If you aren't interested in picking up a copy of ESPN The Magazine, then at least take a look at this (slightly NSFW) video, which shows the effort that went into the ad and the degree of talent from the models. We've also posted the actual ad in the gallery, so you can get a closer look at what's at your local newsstand. Check out the video down below.

Weekly Recap: Marchionne's Manifesto again calls for industry consolidation

Sergio Marchionne isn't taking no for an answer. Despite public rebuffs from General Motors and Ford, the leader of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles continues to push for consolidation within the auto industry. His latest assertion came Wednesday when he said a combination of FCA with another automaker could net savings of $5 billion or more annually. No, this isn't about selling his company, he claimed, it's about cutting costs. Put simply, the auto industry wastes money, Marchionne said during FCA's earnings conference call. Companies invest billions to develop basic components that all cars use, but many consumers don't care how they work or recognize the differences. "About half of this is really relevant in terms of positioning the car in the marketplace," he said. "The other half, in our view, is stuff which is neither visible to the consumer nor is it relevant to the consumer." In 2014, top automakers spent more than $100 million on product development, FCA estimated. Marchionne said consolidation could save up to $1 billion on powertrains alone, noting that almost every automaker offers four- and six-cylinder engines. Not everyone has to make their own, he contended. "The consumer could not give a flying leap whose engines we are using because they are irrelevant to the buying decision." That's pretty provocative for enthusiasts, but less so for average consumers. Still, there are major differences in power and efficiency ratings, even among similar engines. Skeptics could argue consolidation would also weaken competition and reduce choices for car buyers. Marchionne stressed his presentation, curiously entitled Confessions of a Capital Junkie, wouldn't require closing factories or dealerships. It's not his final "big deal" as CEO, intent to sell FCA, or a way to elevate his company up the automotive food chain. He claims he wants to fundamentally change the industry and its habit for burning cash. "The horrible part about this, and the thing that I find most offensive, is that the capital consumption rate is duplicative," he said. "It doesn't deliver real value to the consumer and it is in its purest form, economic waste." Other News & Notes Ford Profits dip in first quarter Ford profits fell $65 million to $924 million in the first quarter, hampered by slight dips in revenue and sales.