2012 Fiat 500 Preview

2012 Fiat 500 Preview

Canadian Special Edition Fiat 500 Prima Edizone

Updated Nov. 23, 2010 -- Chrysler Canada invited drivers to place a reservation for a limited edition version of the new-to-Canada Fiat 500. At 12:01 a.m. on November 23, 2010, Chrysler Canada will open up an online program for Canadians to reserve a Fiat 500 Prima Edizione model. A special production run of 500 vehicles was offered to Canadians at www.fiatcanada.com for a $500 deposit.

The company today announced that the Fiat 500 Prima Edizione models that became available to the public at one minute after midnight were completely sold out in 12 hours. The limited edition vehicles each will have a unique numbered badge.

"I don't think Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Leafs and the Canadiens would sell out this fast," said Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Chrysler Canada. "Frankly, this just underscores the interest Canadians have in a youthful, stylish and highly fuel-efficient car. The 2008 European car of the year, the Fiat 500, is just that."

"This is the first time in history that Chrysler Canada has offered a reservation program for a new vehicle," said Ed Broadbear, vice-president - marketing, Chrysler Canada. "This initiative is in response to the high level of interest surrounding the launch of the Fiat 500, and the large number of Canadian consumers who have become passionate Fiat Followers on our Fiat Canada website, Facebook page and Twitter channel."

The Fiat 500 Prima Edizione models are collector vehicles with a unique numbered badge. The Prima Edizione is exclusively available in three colours: Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) and Grigio (Gray). Two equipment levels will be offered, and the vehicle features the state-of-the-art 1.4-litre MultiAir engine coupled with a manual five-speed transmission. The MultiAir system significantly reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power delivery by up to 10% when compared with similar engines. MultiAir is a special system made available on vehicles being shipped in North America (it's not on the European models).

The North American Fiat 500 is being built in Mexico starting in December 2010. It is due to reach Canadian showrooms in Spring 2011. A total of 58 dealers have been selected to represent Fiat in Canada. New Fiats were previously sold in Canada in the early 1970s, but because they could not withstand Canadian winter driving conditions, the company gave up and abandoned Canada as a market. (The Fiat 128 models rusted and some became dangerous to drive in as little as 18 months, mostly due to corrosion).

Buyers can take delivery of their Prima Edizione at the Fiat dealership of their choice. The Prima Edizione reservation deposit will be applied toward the final purchase price of the vehicle, and is fully refundable at any time up to the date that the vehicle purchase agreement is completed.

Interested Canadian consumers can register to receive updates on the Prima Edizione by signing up to become a 'Fiat Follower' at www.fiatcanada.com.

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