Another Italian job: Fiat angles for a US comeback.
The joke used to be that Fiat stood for Fix It Again, Tony! But an alliance with Chrysler and a new generation of safe and stylish cars have positioned the Italian automaker for a comeback in the U.S. after an absence of more than two decades.
Fresh from shedding its reputation for breakdowns and turning around its books, Fiat hopes the financial crisis and an environment-conscious U.S. administration will open doors in America for its compact, cheap and fuel efficient models.
The Turin-based automaker has been looking for a way back into the United States, particularly for its two-door 500 compact - a hit remake of its iconic model.
"I'm sure that many in America will fall in love with the Cinquecento," said Furio Santini, president of a club of 500 fans near Pesaro, on Italy's eastern coast. "A small and efficient car like that is just what they need."
