Fiat 500 might come to USA

Fiat announced its intention of selling the 500 mini-car in USA by 2010. The USA version could come from the North American plant that Fiat Group is scouting for Alfa Romeo.

"I am convinced the 500 with a full range will be a smash (in the United States) if we do it right," Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said last week on the sidelines of the Automotive News Europe Congress here.

Marchionne also said selling the 500 in the United States will not mean the Fiat brand will return to the United States because the 500 is a brand in itself.

Answering reporters’ questions, Marchionne said the 500 should be produced in North America to be cost competitive.

The 500 debuted as a three-door hatchback. A soft-top cabriolet version will follow in 2009. In 2010, Fiat will add a long-wheelbase, wagon-looking 500. Fiat also is considering an SUV-looking variant that could feature all-wheel drive.