Fiat 500 Manual Transmition on 2040-cars

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Fiat 500 gets unique leather trim for charity auction

It may or may not be to everyone's liking, but the Fiat 500 definitely has a style all its own. This particular example, however, takes it even further. What you're looking at is the very first example of the freshly facelifted 500 to roll off the assembly line. But it's not just the serial number that makes it special. The convertible model is painted in Bossa Nova white with a red roof and the 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine with a modest 69 horsepower. What sets it apart, though, is the unique treatment applied by Stefano Conticelli. The Umbrian master craftsman has hand-applied honey-gold leather trim, but not inside where you'd expect it: the exterior has been decked out in the buttery-soft hides, including the wheel arches, along the quarter panel, on a stripe running down the flank nose, and around the head- and taillights. The leather trim is outlined with a blue stripe reminiscent of Riva yachts. The wing mirrors, meanwhile, have been done up in mahogany wood, and a picnic basket is affixed to the tailgate. The result, even more than a standard Cinquecento, may not be everyone's cup of espresso, but it's certainly unique – and from the photos, at least, looks rather finely crafted. The one-of-a-kind retro city car will be auctioned off in Monte Carlo at the I Defend Gala to raise funds for the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Europe organization. Related Video: A Fiat showcar for auction, for a noble cause The New 500 will be a leading light in Montecarlo at "I Defend Gala 2015", the first edition of the charity gala supporting the "Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Europe" Foundation, which champions human rights. On 16 July, in Montecarlo, in the spectacular setting of the Riva Tunnel, the "I Defend Gala 2015" will take place: an evening devoted to defending the universal values of basic human rights, in aid of "Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Europe". The organization's central priorities are focused on the power of the individual to generate change, and involve supporting defenders of human rights via strategic partnerships. FCA has long been committed to various urgent issues such as sustainable mobility and education, both of which it supports through numerous projects. At "I Defend Gala 2015" it will participate with its New 500: a global icon sold in over 100 countries, a perfect emblem for the worldwide corporate charisma of FCA, based on the harmonious collaboration and different nations and cultures.

Fiat Chrysler CEO says final merger talks with Peugeot going well

BRUSSELS — Fiat Chrysler's chief executive Michael Manley said on Wednesday that merger talks with Peugeot owner PSA  to create the world's No. 4 carmaker are progressing well and he hopes to have a deal within 12-14 months. Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of an industry meeting, he said he doesn't expect any major obstacles that could delay a final agreement. "Talks are progressing really well," Manley said about negotiations with the French carmaker ahead of a briefing by the European automotive association (ACEA), of which he is president. His comments come a month after the two carmakers agreed to a binding deal worth about $50 billion to combine forces in response to a slowdown in global demand and mounting costs of making cleaner vehicles amid tighter emissions regulations. Manley's timeline for completing the deal by early 2021 is in line with a forecast made by the companies in December. Fiat and Peugeot are now getting into the details of how the merger will work, including choosing which vehicle platforms — the technological underpinnings of a vehicle — will fit which products in a combined company. Because customers in different locations still prefer vastly different cars, there is room for multiple platforms in a combined group, Manley said. "That global platform is an elusive beast," he added. "This concept of a massive global platform in my mind is almost a myth, but that doesnÂ’t mean to say weÂ’re not going to recruit significant volume." Related Video:    

Renault delays decision on merger with Fiat Chrysler

PARIS — Renault has delayed a decision on whether to merge with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a deal that could reshape the global auto industry as carmakers race to make electric and autonomous vehicles for the masses. The deal still looks likely, but faced new criticism Tuesday from Renault's leading union and questions from its Japanese alliance partner Nissan. The French government is also putting conditions on the deal, including job guarantees and an operational headquarters based in France. The French carmaker's board will meet again at the end of the day Wednesday to "continue to study with interest" last week's merger proposal from FCA, Renault said in a statement. A Renault board meeting Tuesday to study the deal was inconclusive. The company didn't explain why, but a French government official said board members don't want to rush into a deal and are seeking agreement on all parts of the potential merger. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government policy, told The Associated Press the conditions outlined by France's finance minister still "need to be met." France and Italy are both painting themselves as winners in the deal, which could save both companies 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) a year. But workers worry a merger could lead to job losses, and analysts warn it could bog down in the challenges of managing such a hulking company across multiple countries. And a possible loser is Japan's Nissan, whose once-mighty alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi is on the rocks since star CEO Carlos Ghosn's arrest in November. Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa cast doubt Tuesday on whether his company will be involved in a Renault-Fiat Chrysler merger — and suggested adding Fiat Chrysler to the looser Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance instead. Saikawa said in a statement that the Renault-Fiat Chrysler deal would "significantly alter" the structure of Nissan's longtime partnership with Renault, and Nissan would analyze its contractual relationships to protect the company's interests. If Renault's board says "yes" to Fiat Chrysler, that would open the way for a non-binding memorandum of understanding to start exclusive merger negotiations. The ensuing process — including consultations with unions, the French government, antitrust authorities and other regulators — would take about a year. A merger would create the world's third-biggest automaker, worth almost $40 billion and producing some 8.7 million vehicles a year.