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Friday, 30 November, 2012 10:48 AM
Fiat
shows off three new models at 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
Olivier
François, head of the Fiat Brand, on stage with the new Fiat
500e at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.
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LOS
ANGELES -- Just two years ago, Fiat came to the Los Angeles
Auto Show and introduced the 500 to the American market. Last year,
the automaker showed a commercial during the Super Bowl and sales
skyrocketed. Fiat returned to the L.A. Auto Show this year with
the 500e, the 500L and the 500L Trekking. The debuts took place
during the automaker's press conference on the first media day of
the auto show on Nov. 27. In addition, the automaker showed some
of its new commercials featuring its sexy models.
The 2013
Fiat 500e will be the Italian automaker's first electric vehicle
in the American market. It is expected to achieve 116 miles per
gallon equivalent (MPGe) and 100 MPGe on the highway of battery-electric
power. Therefore, it will produce zero tailpipe emissions. It will
provide more than 80 miles of electric range on a single charge.
It also produces 111 horsepower and can be recharged in less than
four hours with a 240-volt cord.
"The
Fiat 500e is an electric vehicle that doesn't act like an electric
appliance," said Olivier François, head of the Fiat
Brand. "It brings beauty to the world of electric vehicles,
Italian design, legendary heritage and an electric power plant.
It's proof that you don't have to give up style to be green. It's
one of the elements that will differentiate our electric vehicle.
Who doesn't want performance and stamina? Who wouldn't want a full
recharge in four hours? This type of performance remains stable
across all weather conditions."
Owners of
the 500e will receive a free smartphone app, which will show the
vehicle charging status, manage charging, track the driver's energy
use, help locate the vehicle, find charging stations and help plan
routes. Two interior colors are available -- nero (black) and steam
(white). It also features electric orange highlights on the door
design and head restraints. Look for the 500e to be available at
Fiat dealers in California by the second quarter of 2013.
The 2014
Fiat 500L is the company's first sport utility vehicle to be sold
in America. The "L" stands for large. It adds two more
doors and can hold as many as five passengers. It adds 26 more inches
in length, six more inches in height and 42 percent more interior
space than the 500. The 500L is equipped with a 1-4liter MultiAir
Turbo engine, which produces 160 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.
"Look,
everyone loves the Cinquecento, but many people say Olivier, don't
you have a bigger Fiat," François added. "Bottom
line, our customers, our dealers, keep asking for bigger Fiats.
People want a bigger Fiat, I get it. Here is my friendly advice
to all of them, you can all go to 'L.' The Fiat 500L. They want
something bigger, more capable, I say 'L' yes."
The 500L
also comes with Chrysler's new Uconnect system. That feature provides
handsfree calling, text-message receipt and response and voice-controlled
audio. The new eco:Drive app records fuel savings and reduction
of emissions. It also comes with the Beats by Dr. Dre audio system.
The Fiat 500L is being built in Kragujevac, Serbia. Fuel economy
has not been announced yet.
The 2014
Fiat 500L Trekking comes with a two-tone interior, unique front
and rear fascia designs, flared wheel arches and larger, 17-inch
wheels. It also features a larger, 6.5-inch touchscreen radio with
dealer-activated navigation and intiuitive map graphics. In addition,
there is a premium media hub inside with an SD card reader.
"The
Trekking expands the circle of L," the head of the Fiat brand
explained. "It's not different than having a 500, a 500 Gucci
and an Abarth. All different, but all built from the same sheet
metal. Think about who we can reach with these models--great families
and shopaholics. This is the spirit of the 500L: more room, more
fun, more possibilities. Fiat 500L leverages Fiat's 500 DNA without
losing an inch of what makes it a true Fiat. A b-sized vehicle with
the interior space of a large sedan. An example is our beloved Chrysler
300."
Both the
Fiat 500L and the 500L Trekking will be available in Fiat dealers
or "studios" as they are called in mid-2013.
I think
the new 500L and 500L Trekking will be very popular with consumers.
Most people think of Fiat as a small car maker. These new models
will allow the brand to attract new customers, such as families
or groups of friends.
For
more information or to purchase tickets to the Los Angeles Auto
Show, visit www.laautoshow.com.
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PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
all-new Fiat 500e will come with an estimated range of about 80
miles.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
all-new Fiat 500L Trekking made its world premiere in L.A.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
Look
for the Fiat 500L to hit showrooms in mid-2013.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
2014 Fiat 500L made its North American debut at the Los Angeles
Auto Show.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
Fiat
has grown into a full brand with the addition of the 500L.
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