Fiat 500X coming in early 2015, 'specialty' product later that year

Tue, 06 May 2014

With its name freshly on the mailbox at the Chrysler Technical Center, Fiat took its turn on the stage for Fiat Chrysler's five-year plan. Unlike the other members of FCA, though, the maker of the mustachioed minicars didn't have a great deal to talk about.

The big (and most heartbreaking) news is the announcement that Fiat will begin selling a trucklet. There was no mention of specifics, although we are sad to report that it will be reserved for Latin America alone. Sigh.

For US Fiat consumers, you can look forward to the rumored 500X, which as we've reported before, will be quite closely related to the Jeep Renegade. We can expect the bigger, all-wheel-drivier 500 to hit showrooms in early 2015 after the 500X makes its debut in Paris.

Fiat also mentioned a "specialty" product for late next year. The jury is still out on what this may be, although popular opinion seems to think it'll be a small roadster, potentially related to the next-generation Mazda MX-5, which is being jointly developed by Mazda and Alfa Romeo. That would be dynamite, were it the case (all in favor of reviving the Barchetta name?), although FCA execs were mum on details during the brand's presentation.

Finally, our friends in Europe can expect an all-new Panda in 2018. Sadly, we shouldn't count on the popular hatchback to cross the pond any time soon.

That's all for Fiat. Keep an eye on the Autoblog main page for plenty more from Auburn Hills as the day goes on. Take a look below for a very brief press release on the new FCA sign at the Chrysler Tech Center.

Chrysler Group LLC Sign Change

May 6, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat S.p.A. and Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC, and his leadership team will present the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' (FCA) 2014-2018 business plan to an audience of more than 380, including members of the financial community, dealers, suppliers, labor representatives and members of the media, today in Auburn Hills, Mich.

By Brandon Turkus