Chrysler to Sell Fiat Models in the U.S.;

Chrysler has partnered with Italian automaker Fiat to produce a new Fiat 500 electric vehicle. The Fiat 500 was shown last March at an auto show and features an electric powertrain and up to 100 miles of range on a single charge. The Fiat automaker is a popular Italian brand that has sold many models throughout Europe. The Fiat will compete with the Volt which will be found at a local Cincinnati Chevrolet Dealer. GM's luxury Buick line has yet to see a hybrid model, however current Buick models can be purchased at a local Buick Hartford dealership.

Volkswagn will release a hybrid Jetta that will be found along with other current models at a Peoria VW dealership. The Fiat 500 is a very small vehicle, and there are debates on whether or not this type of vehicle will do well in the American market. Chrysler has big plans for selling this model in the United States and their expectations are that the model will sell very well. However, this remains to be seen as other models such as the Mini and Smart car have certainly done well, but this does not mean that new models will also do just as well in the competitive small car market.

Chrysler is designing the vehicle exclusively on its own and will engineer the vehicle in its Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters. The price tag for the model has rumors of being around $32,000 which is a quite hefty price for a two seater model. Chrysler is putting a lot of effort into marketing and designing the model that will compete domestically with the Volt and the Nissan Leaf.

The Leaf will be available for a similar price. The Volt is going to be priced much less initially, and Chevy does not anticipate making a profit from the Volt initially.