Chrysler to build four versions of Fiat 500 for U.S. market

Chrysler will build and sell four versions of the tiny Fiat 500 in North America starting in 2011: a hatchback, a convertible, a station wagon and a sporty hatchback.

A fifth model--a small, four-wheel-drive SUV--also is possible.

They will wear the Fiat brand. No longer-term plans exist for other Fiat-badged models in the U.S., the company said.

Roberto Giolito, designer of the 500 and head of styling for the Fiat brand, confirmed the plans last week at the launch of the 500C convertible in Italy.

The sporty hatchback is the Abarth version of the 500 hatchback, the popular 2008 European Car of the Year that Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne calls "our iPod."

The 500, which debuted in Europe in 2007, is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the first half of 2011, Fiat brand CEO Lorenzo Sistino said. Production in North America is expected to begin in early 2011 at a Chrysler plant either in the United States or in Toluca, Mexico.

At 139.6 inches, the 500 hatchback is 33 inches longer than the Smart ForTwo but seats four adults instead of the ForTwo's two. The 500 is about 10 inches shorter than Toyota's Yaris hatchback.

On the wagon version, the wheelbase is stretched 3.1 inches, to 93.7 inches.

By Luca Ciferri- Automotive News