Fiat rated lowest...

[DUCeditor]

Guys and gals, I love my Fiat. My very first car was a Fiat - a 1500 convertible - and I've owned my present Spider for 23 years. But - dare I say it? - we're seeing a whole bunch of sour grapes here.

That survey was not a survey of the relative quality of current Fiat automobiles. It was a survey of brand perception and brand perception does matter and matter a lot to a cars likelihood of finding success in a new market.

We are car lovers in general and Fiat lovers in particular. Fiat's success here in the N.A. market will not come from us. It will come from people who buy a Fiat instead of a Toyota, a Ford or a Mini.

Recently on Facebook I had an exchange with a fellow Fiat fan that I have known for over twenty years. He had a rare Fiat Dino then and drives a lovely Alfa Spyder now. He was/is truly excited about the new 500 and plans to get one as soon as the Abarth model becomes available here.

When he posted pics of the 500 which he had just seen at a dealer I asked a simple question. "Aside from the Fiat and the 'made in Italy' sticker is there anything about this car that is exceptional - that makes it better than a model from Japan."

I got no answer.

If the public does not find an answer the car will not sell.

That'd sadden me, but it is true.

Can someone here answer my question? Again... "Aside from the Fiat and the 'made in Italy' sticker is there anything about this car that is exceptional - that makes it better than a model from Japan."

I know you can answer it about the Spider, (and so can I!) But about the 500?

-don

[donm]

Hey Don

You won't find a "Made in Italy" sticker on the new 500 'cause they're made in Mexico. I know that because the company I work for makes a part for it. But the car was designed in Italy and has that Italian flair. I think that's what will sell it.

[DUCeditor]

Hey Don

You won't find a "Made in Italy" sticker on the new 500 'cause they're made in Mexico.

Quite right! I Googled the subject and found this video...

http://www.fiatscene.com/forums/Thread- ... -in-Mexico

-don