Newspaper people know that obits are written in advance – so they’re ready to go when the inevitable does occur.
Fiat is looking a little green around the gills.
Automotive News reports that Jeep – the most profitable arm of the Fiat-Chrysler conglomerate – sells more vehicles in a week than Fiat is likely to sell this year.
There is reportedly a six month inventory of cars awaiting owners at Fiat dealers – which is actually very good news for buyers. Fiat is selling new cars for the price of used ones. You can still find leftover 2018s on many dealership lots – and this means deals.
But it’s not good for dealers to sell new cars for the price of used ones. And it can only go on for so long.
Part of the problem, says the conventional wisdom, is the absence of any new Fiats.
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The 500 micro-car hasn’t been updated since it was introduced back in 2011 – but this is arguably a good thing, given the updates visited upon new cars – most of which now come standard with a number of annoying and distracting saaaaaaaaaafety “features,” including Lane Keep Assist/Steering Assist, which is really steering correct/control. The system tries to force you back into your lane if you don’t signal before you change lanes – or try to turn off the road without signaling first.
Even if there’s no reason to signal – other than mindless genuflection to traffic law totems.
No ASS, either.
The Fiat’s engine doesn’t automatically stop every time the car does – and then automatically – but noticeably – restart when you take your foot off the brake pedal and apply pressure to the gas pedal.
The 500 is a cute – and fun – little car.
It is exceptionally easy to find a parking spot for one and yet it is startlingly roomy inside. Unlike the idiotic SmartCar, the 500 can accommodate passengers and cargo – a lot of cargo for its size. It’s also been around for long enough to establish that it’s a good car – contrary to the Fix It Again Tony stereotype.
