Too Much Of An Ugly Duckling? Fiat 500L Production Halted Due To Slow Sales

If you go to Europe, notably Italy, you’ll quickly discover the local rental car companies’ new favorite family carrier: the Fiat 500L. But in the US, sales of Fiat’s only other model aside from the 500 itself, haven’t been all that wonderful. Clearly the 500L isn’t much of a looker. In fact, it’s downright awkward looking. It’s not ugly like, say, the Pontiac Aztek. Perhaps it’s just too funky - even for Europeans. And now word has come out that Fiat has temporarily halted 500L production at its factory in Serbia.
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nguyenvuminh - 9/11/2014 2:05:51 PM

+6 Boost

IMO, the Fiat 5000 and the Austin Mini were good looking in their original form couple of years ago when they were first re-launched. However, their modified versions (aka "larger") versions are hideously disproportionate and are out of character. Having said that, I see plenty of them on the streets so there are quite a few people that don't agree with my sentiment. Just my two cents since the title of the article mentioned "ugly".

TheSteve - 9/11/2014 2:18:16 PM

+3 Boost

I don't think it's ugly. I think the Fiat brand is not well embraced in North America.

mini22 - 9/11/2014 4:25:58 PM

+5 Boost

TheSteve-How many units of Fiat's have to be sold to consider it "well embraced"? I take it then that you would have to say that Mini is not "well embraced" either. In the latest year to date sales figures Mini is less then 3,000 units ahead of Fiat. That is with more than twice as many models that Fiat offers. I do think that Fiat needs to offer an AWD model as well as a 5DR version of the 500.This items are being addressed. Next yr. the 500X will be out with optional AWD. It also has a more rounded look than the 500 L. The 500L now has an optional 6 speed auto tranny as well.I'm certain there will eventually be a 5Dr 500 with a longer wheelbase. This will help address the lack of space. Finally next year the former Alfa spider based sports car will be sold next year as either a Fiat or Abarth Spider. These changes can only help sales further. Overall sales are still up over last yr.

carloslassiter - 9/11/2014 4:31:29 PM

+4 Boost

That thing is a chick magnet.

40flash - 9/11/2014 11:13:45 PM

+2 Boost

Hopefully the chicks that dig it are better looking than the car. It's definitely a two bagger.

MDarringer - 9/12/2014 12:05:37 AM

+1 Boost

It's pretty ugly and does not have the charm of the 500 nor the cleverness with which Mini morphed the Mini's look. A 5 door 500 would make sense. Fiat should have been put into Dodge dealers and Alfa Romeo into Chrysler dealers. A new Fiat X1/9 would be a good idea and cheap to accomplish.

7msynthetic - 9/15/2014 4:38:07 PM

+1 Boost

NO, this car is UGLY. The back end is hideous and the profile looks like a big ugly shoe. Where is Mrs. Hubbard?