NF500 / cutting edge

The new Fiat 500 has proved exceptionally popular, even before launch Fiat proudly proclaimed orders in excess of 25,000 vehicles.

Now Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has stated his aspirations for the little car, suggesting that the new 500, being launched Tonight (4th July), can be for the automaker what the iPod has been for Apple.

In an interview published in Wednesday’s La Stampa Marchionne, who openly seeks inspiration from successful companies, spoke of his admiration for the iPod’s cutting edge marriage of value, function, and style.

I want Fiat to become the Apple of automobiles. And the 500 will be our iPod

Fiat plan to sell 50,000 new 500s before the end of 2007, and analysts are suggesting that the new Fiat 500 will do as much (if not more) for the image of the Fiat brand, as it will do for the coffers of the Italian car company.