First batch of 2012 Fiat 500s to arrive will have manual transmissions

Fans who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of 2012 Fiat 500 in the U.S. are up for another disappointment. After having been delayed, these first units that are set to arrive in late February will have manual transmissions. In addition, only 20% of the 130 Fiat dealerships will be open when the cars arrive, according to Laura Soave, head of the Fiat brand in North America. She also said that production will be ramped up in March and April. Dealerships will start to get the 500s that have six-speed automatic transmissions from Aisin Seiki Co.
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Nostradamus - 1/19/2011 4:39:54 PM

+3 Boost

As well they should!

Icebreaker - 1/19/2011 7:15:51 PM

+2 Boost

"Fans who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of 2012 Fiat 500 in the US are up for another disappointment. After having been delayed, these first units that are set to arrive in late February will have manual transmissions."

I think the correct term for someone disappointed in the 500 with a manual transmission should be "groupie", not "fan". Welcome back FIAT!

Whelan - 1/20/2011 8:07:26 AM

+1 Boost

"are up for some exciting news as the first batch set to arrive will be manual only."

There! Fixed it for ya.

I see nothing wrong with manual only, and considering these cars are small European vehicles, and MOST of the small European vehicles sold are in manual form. It only makes sense that the first batch would be manual since they want to get them over here and on the roads ASAP. I say kudos to Fiat for the manual only batch, Americans have gotten lazy with their automatics. Now just bring us the Abarth.

irishmike - 1/20/2011 7:57:42 PM

+1 Boost

Sweet! Good job, Fiat. Get these early cars out to real drivers and let them talk up the car. Can't wait to see how well the 500 does.

TsKiv - 1/21/2011 10:20:38 PM

+1 Boost

You need to correct this article. There is no delay in providing cars with automatics. The actual first cars sold will be part of the limited Prima Edizione series. These sold out within hours to an enthusiast club and online back in September 2010. The special package includes ONLY a manual 5 speed transmission tailored for enthusiasts. So, yes, the first cars will only be manuals, but that it was intended that way. When cars are ready for the general public, the auto will be available.
BTW, the fuel economy will be 28/37 and the list of safety and other standard features will blow away all other sub $20k cars!