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Fiat Chrysler global HQ lands in London's ultra-posh West End

It seems Fiat is bent on bolstering its image as a global automaker, as word has leaked out that the Italian/American conglomerate has chosen to locate its global headquarters in a rather swanky neighborhood in London. According to Bloomberg, the rental location on St. James Street in London's West End is a 10-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will fill up three complete floors of an office building that also houses The Economist magazine.
As a neutral location between Italy and the United States, the London-based headquarters makes sense, though, at $277 per square foot, this area is said to be the most expensive office space in the world. There's no mention of what FCA has actually agreed to pay for renting the space, but we're certain it isn't coming cheap.
Not surprisingly, Bloomberg also cites research indicating that the largest number of immigrants moving into London from January through August of this year hail from Italy, which makes sense considering the number of Italian executives and workers we'd expect would have to relocate to the UK in order to work at Fiat's new home. The company reportedly plans to be in place in London by the time it holds its next round of board meetings in October.

Recharge Wrap-up: Fiat 500X EV spotted? Senators request biodiesel increase

A group of 32 senators is asking the EPA to approve increased biodiesel volumes in the Renewable Fuel Standard. Delays in approving the RFS for 2014 forward is causing problems for the fuel produces affected by the law. "EPA's delays are endangering our industry," says Imperium Renewables CEO John Plaza. "Biofuel facilities around the nation are sitting idle, workers are being laid off, and some producers have been forced out of business entirely." Producers feel the EPA is underestimating domestic biodiesel production, and are concerned about importing fuel from Argentina. Read more in the press release below. Fiat Chrysler will help Israel develop a natural gas vehicle. The automaker, along with Iveco and Magneti Marelli, signed a memorandum of understanding with Israel's Prime Minister's Office as part of the Israel Fuel Choices Initiative. They are also considering extended research and development relationship with Israeli companies for alternative fuels and smart mobility. Israel seeks to become a hub for alternative fuel technology. Read more at Hybrid Cars. Spy photos suggest Fiat might build an electric 500X as a compliance car for California. The photos, sent by a reader to Green Car Reports, show a camouflaged Fiat 500X that appears to lack a tailpipe, suggesting it could be an EV. It was photographed on its way to Chrysler's SRT Engineering Center, which builds specialized, low-volume vehicles. The gas-powered 500X debuted in North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show last fall, so camouflage seems a bit unusual at this point if it's just a standard powertrain. It's possible the car could be sold mainly in California to comply with the state's zero-emissions requirements for automakers. Read more and see the photos at Green Car Reports. 32 U.S. Senators urge EPA to approve increased biodiesel volumes Imperium Renewables applauds Senators' action SEATTLE, Feb. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A bipartisan group of 32 U.S. senators, including Washington state's Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to move quickly in approving strong biodiesel volumes under the nation's Renewable Fuel Standards. The senators expressed concern about the agency's delays in implementing the RFS standards for 2014, 2015 and 2016, noting that the delays have created tremendous uncertainty for the U.S.

Classic Fiat 500 Abarth, a one-of-a-kind creation, goes on show in Milan

It’s a little car with a big name: the Fiat Abarth Classiche 500 Record Monza '58. Based on the much-revered Fiat 500, specifically the 1970 edition of the “Cinquecento,” this one-off model was assembled by the Stellantis Heritage team to celebrate the centenary of the Autodromo di Monza, the Formula 1 track located in a park just outside of Milan, It was Carlo Abarth who, in 1958, shattered six records at Monza in Abarth's first-ever tuned 500. This miniature classic, colored in a subtle shade of grey/green, was displayed earlier this month at the 12th Milano AutoClassica motor show, an event focusing on classic and sports cars. The two-cylinder engine has been tuned, with displacement increased to 595cc thanks to the Abarth Classiche 595 Tuning Kit. The company says this is inspired by the original kit offered by Abarth in the 1960s. There are several cosmetic applications as well to the car: cream-colored door trim and the single racing seat — another nod to the original — trimmed in a light cream upholstery. An elegant wooden steering wheel and Jaeger dials dominate the dashboard. Besides the display in Milan, Fiat also took to the stage last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing the CinquecentoÂ’s return to the United States in an updated package: powered by battery. The electric 500e hatchback, which will apparently stay true to the CinquecentoÂ’s essence of cute, will likely be powered by a 117-hp electric motor. The U.S. version will be similar to a setup already on sale in Europe, where it carries a driving range estimate of up to 199 miles per charge. Its expected in North America in early 2024. There will even be an electric Abarth version, but whether the U.S. will get that remains to be seen.