2014 Fiat 500l Trekking on 2040-cars

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Facelifted Fiat 500 coming to Frankfurt

Previous spy photos already indicated that a refreshed Fiat 500 was on the way, but the latest shots of it in a parking garage have suggested a much more significant update to the little Italian hatchback than we first thought. Surprisingly, the most recent examples to be photographed have started wearing even more concealment than when we last saw one testing. The camouflage for this hatchback and convertible is so all-encompassing that it makes picking out precise details very difficult. As with the previous shots, the refresh is definitely bringing revised front and rear fascias. However, these photos also show the headlights well masked, and the copious camouflage around the rear-side windows suggests possible changes there, as well. At the rear, the taillights are hidden, but they appear slightly altered with a red portion at the top and white area at the bottom. The concealment is just as prevalent inside, but the 500 appears to maintain a two-tone look. Both body styles of the 500 are rumored to debut sometime this year, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

New Fiat Chrysler CEO picks management team to tackle industry in flux

MILAN/DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler's new boss unveiled his management team on Monday, seeking to revive the automaker in Europe, forge ahead in North America and keep the group in contention in the industry's race to develop self-driving and electric cars. Mike Manley took over in July after long-time chief Sergio Marchionne fell ill and later died after succumbing to complications from surgery. British-born Manley has since pledged to carry through a strategy Marchionne outlined in June to keep FCA "strong and independent." "The next five years will continue to be extremely challenging for our industry, with tougher regulations, intense competition and probably slower industry growth around the world," Manley said in a letter to employees on Monday. "Nevertheless, with a laser focus on execution and a continued flexibility that allows us to adjust as circumstances change ... we have a clear line of sight to achieving our five-year ambitions." Manley appointed Pietro Gorlier, thus far chief operating officer of FCA's components business, as FCA's next European chief to tackle a region where profitability is below that of peers, many workers are stuck in furloughs and various plants run at below capacity. The carmaker's previous European chief Alfredo Altavilla left after FCA appointed Manley as Marchionne's successor. As head of the components unit, Gorlier has also led Magneti Marelli, the parts unit that FCA may either spin off or sell. He will be succeeded at Magneti Marelli by the parts maker's lighting division head Ermanno Ferrari. Japan's Calsonic Kansei has been in talks with FCA about buying the unit, sources familiar with the matter have said, but no binding agreement has been reached and the deal could still fall apart. Choosing an Italian as head of Europe might soothe some fears in Italy that FCA could weaken its link to Fiat's roots. In his last strategy unveiled in June, Marchionne vowed to convert Italian plants to churn out Alfa Romeos, Jeeps and Maseratis instead of less profitable mass market vehicles to preserve jobs and boost margins. Europe will also become a big part of the company's electrification drive. FCA will copy in Europe what worked in the United States, where it retooled plants to build pricier SUVs and trucks in a move since emulated by bigger rivals Ford and GM. Manley also named new managers to succeed him at Jeep and RAM, the two brands which have been driving profits in recent years and remain at the core of growth plans.

Swatch unleashes fleet of Fiats to sell MoonSwatches across the U.S.

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most sought-after and iconic watches ever made, so it was no surprise when parent company Swatch got in on the action with a series of unique, entry-level quartz “MoonSwatch” collaboration watches. Buying the hot-selling bio-ceramic watches has been a chore, as Swatch only offers them in its limited number of stores. To help meet demand and promote the watches, the company is releasing a fleet of Fiat Cinquecentos to select locations where theyÂ’ll sell the timepieces on the streets. The MoonSwatch retails for $260, but their limited release pushed online resale “values” over $1,000 in some cases. The planet-themed watches arenÂ’t limited, but Swatch refuses to sell them online. The Fiat fleet will feature the same themes and visit cities around the country starting October 22. Swatch's “Mission to Mars” car will start its journey in Miami and hit other cities around Florida, while the “Mission to the Sun” Fiat will tour major metro areas in California. The blue “Mission to Neptune” car will visit locations in the Midwest. Though the tour began in July, the American portion doesnÂ’t start until this weekend. In all, eleven vehicles will travel the globe selling the watch. Swatch hasnÂ’t given out a set schedule and doesnÂ’t plan to, only saying that the cars will cover three regions in the United States. If you live in one of the regions listed, your best bet to snag a MoonSwatch is to keep your eyes peeled. Swatch also hasnÂ’t detailed which watch models each car will offer, so finding one doesnÂ’t guarantee youÂ’ll get the planet/color you want. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Weird Car News Fiat watch