2014 Fiat 500l Trekking on 2040-cars

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Fiat brings back throwback 1957 Edition for the 500

Fiat is bringing back its retro-styled 1957 Edition treatment for its 500 cabrio and hatchback models, an homage to the original 500, which debuted in 1957 as the Nuova Cinquecento. It's like a Vespa-ization of the little Italian subcompact. For an extra $995 and based on the Lounge trim, the 1957 Edition brings a new, retro fascia with throwback Fiat badging, white exterior mirrors and a choice of white, green or blue 16-inch retro-inspired wheels. You get a two-toned paint job with a white roof on hatchback versions and a black soft top on cabrio models, plus choice of three retro-inspired paint colors: celeste blue, chiaro (light green) and bianco ice (white). Inside, designers have contrasted a mostly ivory interior with marrone brown leather seats decorated with ivory accent stitching on the setbacks, perimeter and cushions. There are also ivory door-trim panels and a marrone brown leather shift boot with manual-transmission models. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and continues the ivory-brown theme. It's accented with a retro Fiat badge. The Fiat 500 comes standard with the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, which boost output to 135 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque and features a sport-tuned exhaust. It's paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic. The 1957 Edition was last available for the 2016 model year in a slightly different guise and price point. You can once again retro-pimp your 500 at dealerships starting this fall. Related Video: Featured Gallery Fiat 500 1957 Edition Image Credit: FCA Fiat Convertible Hatchback

2016 Fiat 500X Long-Term Wrap Up | Exceeds expectations

Compact crossovers are on the rise. Most shoppers are young and the competition reflects that. Everything, from our long-term 2016 Fiat 500X to the new Toyota C-HR or the upcoming Hyundai Kona, sells just as much on style as it does on substance. Our time with the 500X shows Fiat's entry into the segment has plenty of both. It's not as compromised as something like the Nissan Juke and not as sterile as the Honda HR-V. It proved to be a solid if occasionally troublesome vehicle. What were those troubles? A few wiring issues within the steering column sent car alarms blazing in the middle of the night. The same issue turned on the wipers when using the turn signal. The issues were fixed after a couple trips to the dealer. So yes, the local Fiat dealer did indeed have to fix it again. We did not confirm if the mechanic was named Tony. Still, it was charming and exceeded most of the Autoblog staff's expectations. Based on previous experiences with Fiats, we weren't sure how the 500X would fare over a year. Not all of our long-term cars leave a lasting impression, but we were sure sorry to see this one leave. Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore - I always enjoy a night or weekend in the 500X. In fact, it was one of my go-to sign-outs. It's functional. It looks cool inside and out, and it's easy to drive. I dig the small hatchback/crossover vibe. There's room in the trunk for plenty of stuff and the back seat is reasonable for adults. This is the kind of vehicle that could turn Americans on to Fiat. It meets their needs and it's stylishly different. I like driving it. The transmission is a little weird with its shifts, but you get used to it. Sport mode makes the car a lot more responsive and it's a nice feature. The saddle brown interior looks great and held up well, and the exterior is cute with its peering headlights and subtle curves. I actually like driving this car, as opposed to our other recent long-termer, the HR-V, which was dull, slow and lacking in character. You chose the Fiat. You had to take the Honda. Executive Producer Adam Morath - I wanted to love this car, but it just wouldn't let me. First, the good: It's the best looking of the 500 lineup, offers nice utility in a stylish, compact package. The seats aren't going to offer tons of bolstering support, but they are wide and comfortable. Visibility and spacious cabin feel are also pluses. Finally, I love that you can get unique-looking materials to cover the seats.

Work at a Chrysler dealership, get free college education

The cost of a college education in the US can put a student tens (hundreds, in some cases) of thousands of dollars into debt. FCA US wants to give its dealership employees a leg up, though, and the automaker is now offering a completely free education to them through a partnership with Strayer University. The workers can take any of the college's classes online or on campus through program called Degrees@Work. Currently, the offer is only available to employees Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat dealers in the automaker's Southeast region, which includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. However, a national expansion will happen before the end of the year, Strayer spokesperson Cristina Henley tells Autoblog. The program will cover all of the students' expenses, including their books, according to Henley. FCA US sees this partnership as a way to improve the talent of its workforce, retain employees longer and possibly attract people wanting to take advantage of this free education. "Many of our dealers have expressed concern over the availability of talent to fill open positions due to business growth and turnover in their stores, especially in metro markets," Al Gardner, the company's Head of Dealer Network Development, said in the Degrees@Work announcement. Strayer has about 40 programs available, including in business administration, accounting, marketing, and more, and the university offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. It will also give FCA US employees credit for their work experience to get them a diploma even more quickly. FCA US Dealers to Offer Employees No-Cost, No-Debt College Education FCA US teams with Strayer University to develop first-of-its-kind dealer program Degrees@Work program open to all employees of participating dealerships Employees can earn no-cost, no-debt degree through Strayer University All Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and FIAT dealerships may participate First phase of program rollout begins with dealers in the FCA US Southeast Business Center National rollout expected later this year May 4, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Employees of Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and FIAT dealerships will have the unique opportunity to earn a no-cost, no-debt college degree through Strayer University's Degrees@Work program, developed in collaboration with FCA US LLC. FCA US is the only company in the automotive industry to offer the program.