NF500 / automotive industry

This press release hit our inbox Today and we thought we’d pass it on for those interested in the manufacture of the Fiat 500, and where various components are produced. This release focuses on Aunde Italia and the use of CORDURA® fabric, which is also used in many other applications such as clothing, baggage and such. It’s interesting to learn that the same group could produce the materials that make your clothes, don your car’s interior and your airbag. Here’s the full release:

INVISTA is announcing an exciting new collection of automotive seating fabrics, in partnership with AUNDE Italia. The first styles in the AUNDE Italia upholstery range made of CORDURA® fabric were introduced in the new FIAT Cinquecento, which was officially unveiled on 4 July.

By mid-Oct. up to 22,000 units of the highly customized FIAT Cinquecento, which features more than 500,000 possible combinations of styling options had been sold. Both the Sport and Lounge models contain AUNDE Italia’s upholstery made of CORDURA® fabric. The AUNDE Italia upholstery made of CORDURA® fabric is available in two colour options for the Lounge model and a further colour option for the Sport model.

FIAT’S 1950’s models are what inspire the seats of the Cinquecento. They feature a split effect of solid tone fabric at the bottom and an upper lunette and head restraint that match the colour of the steering wheel. Additionally, the upholstered portions of the door panels are made to match the seats. The recently unveiled Cinquecento offers 15 upholstery options, including luxurious CORDURA® fabric styles made by AUNDE Italia SpA.

AUNDE Italia entered into a relationship with INVISTA because we recognized the superior quality of CORDURA® fabric,

says Antonio Brusadelli, CEO, AUNDE Italia SpA.

The fabric’s reputation for long-lasting durability and INVISTA’s successful track record in the automotive industry made CORDURA® fabric the right choice.

CORDURA® fabric is specifically engineered to offer maximum durability and to meet the critical standards expected in the automotive industry.

INVISTA is well versed in the quality standards expected in the automotive industry, due to its No. 1 global position in the supply of fibre for airbags,

says Bill Colven, global business director, CORDURA® brand.

CORDURA® branded automotive upholstery fabrics are tested to ensure 100 percent compliance to automotive specifications.

Products made by AUNDE Italia are meant for the interior of vehicles. In order to meet automotive regulations, all products are required to perform well in extreme environmental influences such as light, humidity and temperature. They must also pass stringent flammability requirements and be easy to clean.

INVISTA has successfully built a reputation of exceptional durability and versatility for CORDURA® fabrics,

says Cindy McNaull, global brand manager, CORDURA® fabric.

We continue our dedication to finding new and innovative applications for CORDURA® fabrics utilizing our core fibre technology expertise.

During a broad ranging conversation held with Fiat UK head of marketing Peter Newton this week, NF500 sought clarification and reassurance for eager fans regarding the release schedule of the new Fiat 500 in the UK and other markets.

This all began with reports that the phenomenal success of the new 500 in it’s début markets of Italy and France, were orders have exceeded 60,000 cars, would lead to the rest of the World waiting longer as the factory in Tychy struggles to meet demand.  Potential 500 customers have understandably gotten twitchy with this news, wondering if their agonising wait could be further delayed by the veracious appetite of continental consumers.

The good news is that everything is on track for a release early next year, and while country specific allocations may be reshuffled and reassessed to best meet demand (as is common practice in the automotive industry) there is no reason to believe that those who have already managed to place themselves on priority lists at their local Fiat dealer should be waiting any longer than expected.

While discussing pre-orders and waiting lists, Mr Newton suggested that order books for UK Fiat 500 customers are likely to open “not before October” of 2007, by which time prices and specifications for the UK market should all be settled and in place, ready for launch. But many dealers already have lists of customers keen to get their hands on Fiat’s new baby as soon as possible, many taking small deposits to ensure you’re ahead of the queue when the books officially open on the reborn 500.