Fiat 500 Sales Behind Expectations?

Discussion in 'Other Vehicles' started by Gil-galad, Aug 18, 2011.

  1. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    ^ I agree 100%.

    Let us not forget the Mini was an econobox in the beginning too.
     
  2. Angib

    Angib New Member

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    And the original/classic Mini was designed quite intentionally to be 'un-styled' - Issigonis decided that he had overdone the (American-influenced) styling on the previous Morris Minor and so the Mini got as little 'styling' as he could manage.

    Which is one reason why I don't mind the classic Mini guys saying the BMW Mini isn't a 'real' Mini. In looks, it is the exact opposite of the classic, despite copying many details.
     
  3. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

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    I went into the Wawa and came out to this:

    I guess she doesn't know how much I hate these cars.....
    Or she does and is just messing with me!!!!!! :lol:

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Well... A good Bulldog will lift it's leg first.....:D
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    To much hate in this world. Embrace your Mexican/Italian brother. :smilewinkgrin:
     
  6. Rixter

    Rixter Well-Known Member

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    I hate negativity :D
     
  7. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    On the plus side you were at a Wawa. :) I got introduced to those this year since my company HQ is in Cherry Hill, NJ.
     
  8. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

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    They are good for ATMs and snacks, but I never get gas at them.
    I drive all the way to the opposite side of town to the nearest Shell :Thumbsup:
     
  9. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Slow Fiat 500 sales bring layoffs at engine plant

    Source - Automotive News
     
  10. Number Six

    Number Six New Member

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    Good find Nathan. :Thumbsup:

    It's too bad really. The FIAT was, to me at least, an attempt to move to more interesting and fun cars.

    Not that it could hold a candle to the MINI in terms of design and performance, but it was at least a move in the right direction.

    :frown2:
     
  11. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    I saw a white one today & to my twisted mind it looked very nice. Maybe if they badge the 500 as a Dodge Dart it will sell in better numbers.
     
  12. KittyMini

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    My husband informed me one wouldn't get out of the left lane.... then when it was open, he pulled into the right lane to pass it and it sped up.

    Yeah, our Dodge 2500 smoked it :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
     
  13. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    I have a friend who is an account executive at an advertising/marketing agency. He was asked to investigate the Fiat campaign because his firm was among a list (a long one from what I understand) that was asked to bid to take over the entire North American campaign for Fiat.

    He is as much of a car guy as I am and we had a long discussion about how viable it would be to try to take on. I actually pointed him towards our thread to see how a competing enthusiast group sees the brand. He had some interesting thoughts about how they can turn the brand around in the public perception but it wasn't going to be easy or cheap. The partners at his firm are disscussing the viability of bidding this week.

    It would be really interesting if the did bid and got the contract.
     
  14. Norm03s

    Norm03s New Member

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    I saw one going West bound toward Frederic on Rt. 70 sticking to the center lane. Running up on it from behind, not impressed, passed it on his left, not impressed. That thing needs a BIG key stuck on the back like they used to put on VW bugs, then it would be interesting.
     
  15. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    I'd actually like to see Fiat turn their problems around and be successful here in the US. I think it's good to have a little more competition in the small car market. As the gas prices continue to raise, we'll see more small cars enter the market. Yeah, they stumbled, but they need to keep at it until they get it right.
    Just my $0.02.....
     
  16. Norm03s

    Norm03s New Member

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    I would rather see Chevy recover, just my 2 cents.
     
  17. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

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    Ditto
     
  18. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    But they won't make small, fuel efficient cars. :nonod:

    Jim
     
  19. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    I think they tried to follow MINI's marketing methods and models, and didn't appreciate the part the product played in MINI's success!

    I think you'll find these things for sale for 1/2 price or less after one year on the road, like most Chrysler products....
     
  20. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

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    ....it ain't a Mini Cooper.
     

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