2013 Fiat 500 Pop Hatchback 2-door 1.4l on 2040-cars

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America was the unexpected theme at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show thanks to Trump

President-elect Donald Trump was not in attendance at this year's Detroit Auto Show, but it sure seemed like he was the target audience for many of the press conferences and announcements surrounding the event. Several manufacturers chose to play up existing and future commitments to the US in general and American jobs specifically in their presentations to the press, and we're pretty sure that has everything to do with Trump's recent targeting of automakers on Twitter. To us, it seemed automakers were going on the offensive to try and preempt any future tweet-shaming for investing in auto manufacturing anywhere but the US. The pro-America sentiment started the week prior to the auto show, with Ford announcing that it would build several future electrified vehicles at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan and also cancel a $1.6 billion factory planned for Mexico. Ford announced the two items on the same day, but the reality is that they likely have no relation to each other; the Mexican plant is being skipped because the company doesn't need the extra capacity to build the Ford Focus right now. Trump was still happy to share the news on Twitter. Then, on Sunday, FCA announced it would invest $1 billion in manufacturing plants in Ohio and Michigan to produce the new Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Wrangler-based pickup. It's not as though those potential new jobs were on their way out of the US, necessarily, but FCA took the opportunity to mention that plant upgrades at the Warren Truck Plant would allow the company to build Ram heavy duty trucks, which are currently assembled in Mexico, there. CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that Trump and his proposed tariffs had nothing to do with the decision. We certainly believe that, but we also have to believe that the timing of the release, positive outcome for America, and zero gain for Mexico were all orchestrated. Again, Trump sent out a victory tweet as if this had been his doing. Ford then used its press conference at the show on Monday to reiterate the plans for Flat Rock and also confirm that the Ford Bronco and Ranger nameplates will be returning to the US market, and that both will be built at a plant in Michigan. Announcements of manufacturing locations are usually aimed at the UAW, which certainly has a stake in these things, but again this one was broadcast to the auto show crowd in general.

VW's Goodwill Effort, Highlights from Dubai, Fiat's Truck | Autoblog Minute

Autoblog Senior Editor Greg Migliore recaps the week in automotive news. Including highlights from VW's TDI goodwill initiative, the Dubai motor show, and Fiat's new midsize pickup. Fiat Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video dubai dubai motor show

Fiat is hitting the reset button on the 500L Urbana

Fiat is refreshing something most people probably never even knew existed: the "Urbana" 500L. For 2019, the Urbana Edition offers a value-minded black-out appearance package in attempts to jazz up the less-than-jazzy XXL 500. Fiat first introduced the 500L Urbana Trekking style package in 2014 for the 2015 model year. Since its introduction, the included trimmings have slightly changed, but the idea remains the same: a style package that aggregates numerous add-ons for a discount price. On 2018 models, the $395 option offered 17-inch black wheels, a black roof, and black side mirrors. Now called the Urbana Edition, the package is still only available on the Trekking trim but now costs $595. It offers gloss black 17-inch wheels, Miron Black door handle accents, black side-body trim, black fog lamps, black side mirrors, and blacked-out fascias. The Urbana Edition is available in black Bronzo Metallizato, Bianco, Grigio Scuro, Verde Bosco, and a contrasting black roof remains optional. Inside, Fiat only added minor changes. Black leather seats have contrasting copper stitching, and the dashboard features a copper 500 logo to signify the special edition. The updated 2019 Fiat 500L Urbana Edition will be available starting this spring.