Fiat 500 American Unvieling Promised in 18 Months

If you’ve spent any time covering the international automotive markets, you’ve probably noticed a plethora of articles outlining the fantastically retro Fiat 500’s release in Europe. Styled after Italy’s answer to the classic Mini, the 500 has again entered the vastly popular European small car market as a more upscale alternative to the new Mini with a slightly more sedate interior that’s more luxurious than the sporting style of the new Mini.

For months prior to the collapse of Chrysler, Fiat had spoken of the potential of using Chrysler to bring to 500 and a select few of Fiat’s other products to North America’s shores. And according to Fiat’s vice-president of communications, the 500’s immigration plans haven’t been derailed by Chrysler’s collapse, and American buyers can expect to see the 500 in showrooms sometimes within 18 months. How involved Fiat’s importation plans will be with Chrysler’s restructuring (if at all) has not been discussed, but the news of the 500’s impending sale should be exciting enough to keep small car fans satiated for a few more months.