Chrysler Names 130 Dealers to Launch Fiat 500

In brief:The Fiat brand will be represented by 130 dealerships in the U.S. with the first car released being the sub-compact, efficient Fiat 500.

Vehicle in the news

Make/Model: 500 Manufacturer: Fiat

The word

Chrysler has selected 130 dealers for the Fiat brand with the first vehicle to be sold under the brand in the U.S. the 2012 Fiat 500.

The companies, Chrysler says, are the "first phase" of the Fiat brand re-launch in the U.S. (Fiat has not been sold here since 1983). The 500 will be built in the Toluca, Mexico plant while the engine will be built in the Dundee, Michigan plant.

The initial 500s will appear in dealerships late next year as 2012 models. High performance and four-door versions will follow in 2012 as will an all-electric version.

And so ...

The dealerships will be rebranding themselves as FIAT dealers as part of this setup.

Photo credits: Chrysler