2011 Limited Edition Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf cars wallpapers and reviews

2011 Limited Edition Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf cars wallpapers and reviews
http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/2011/05/2011-infiniti-announced-fx30ds-price.html

2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth cars wallpapers

2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth cars wallpapers
Upcoming 2012 chrysler Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/chrysler

2011 Fiat Punto Sporting Yellow cars wallpapers

2011 Fiat Punto Sporting Yellow cars wallpapers
Upcoming 2012 Jaguar Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/Jaguar%20cars

2011 Fiat Punto Sport cars pictures and previews

2011 Fiat Punto Sport cars pictures and previews
Upcoming 2012 Mercedes Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/Mercedes

2011 Fiat Scudo Combinato prEview and safety features

2011 Fiat Scudo Combinato prEview and safety features
Upcoming 2012 chrysler Car newshttp://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/chrysler

2011 fiat panda 2011 model with features and car wallpapers

2011 fiat panda 2011 model with features and car wallpapers

Fiat 500 by Gucci【Video】

Gucci and Fiat unveiled the 500 by Gucci, the special-edition model is available in a black and white exterior color with Gucci scheme green-red-green stripes. The vehicle will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.The stripes also appears inside on the seats, on the gear shift, the key-cover, the carpets and on the seatbelts. The interior also features chic embroidery, exclusive materials, glossy and

Fiat Freemont Crossover

var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; The star of Fiat's exhibition area at the Geneva Motor Show and the first Fiat-branded vehicle to come out of the partnership with the Chrysler Group is the new Freemont 7-seater crossover. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the Freemont is a re-badged 2011 Dodge Journey, but if for whatever reason you weren't satisfied with

Geneva Preshow: Jeep Adds New 3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel to Grand Cherokee Range

Given that over forty per cent of all cars sold in Europe are diesel-powered, any brand that wants to be successful in the market must have diesel options in its range. Following the presentation of its new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel on the Chrysler 300's European clone, the Lancia Thema, the Fiat Group is now introducing the oil-burner to the Jeep Grand Cherokee range for Europe and other diesel

Abarth Scorp-Ion Sports Coupe Concept by IED Turin Students to Debut at Geneva Motor Show

Even though Fiat executives have been coy on a stand-alone sports car for the Abarth brand, the Italian firm went ahead and collaborated with the Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin (IED) for the creation of design study that will receive its grand premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in about a week's time. The sports coupe is named Abarth Scorp-Ion and it was designed by seven IED students who

Sollers Ends Negotiations with Fiat Group for Joint Venture in Russia, Then Signs Deal with Ford

Italian automaker Fiat SpA and Russia's Sollers OJSC, backed out of a potential partnership today following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in February 2010 for the launch of a Russian joint-venture to produce passenger cars and SUVs. Fiat, which controls US automaker Chrysler, and Sollers did not give any explanation for the breakup of negotiations, with both companies

500C Abarth by Romeo Ferraris

The Italian tuning company Romeo Ferraris has released a tuning program for Fiat 500C Abarth.The Romeo Ferraris Fiat 500C Abarth features a chrome plaited two-tone exterior paint job, with chromed side mirrors. At the interior, the 500C features black leather seats with diamond stitching and various chrome accents.The car’s 1.4 liter turbocharged engine has been gifted with a new air filter,

2011 Fiat Freemont

Fiat Freemont, international debut



The next Geneva motor show will host the debut of the new Fiat Freemont, which will go on sale in the second half of 2011.



The Freemont built on the base of the Dodge Journey, is the first Fiat vehicle to come out of the partnership with the Chrysler Group. It will be produced in the Mexican plant of Toluca, where the 500 is produced for the US market.



The very name conjures up a sense of freedom, the pleasure of life in the open air, of adventure and the possibility of facing any situation that arises in daily life with equanimity.



The Fiat Freemont is in fact a 'factotum vehicle' designed to meet the diverse needs of families and those seeking a spacious, comfortable and versatile vehicle to cater for the frenetic pace of everyday life or weekend leisure time.



The vehicle combines flexibility and practicality with its own distinctive and original style. The dimensions (length of 489 cm, width of 188 cm and height of 172 cm) guarantee outstanding interior roominess, aided by the best wheelbase in its category (289 cm).



The Fiat Freemont guarantees maximum roominess, comfort and versatility due to its 7 standard seats with a genuine third row of roomy seats that is easily accessible because the doors open to 90°. The seats of the third row may be folded down with one simple movement to disappear completely below the floor and create a regular load platform. The seats of the second row are fitted higher than those at the front while the third row is raised in relation to the second allowing all occupants maximum visibility.



The second row can also be fitted with the innovative child booster system: booster seats are used to make sure that children on board are sitting correctly, optimising the seatbelt geometry and guaranteeing greater protection, practicality and comfort.



On-board comfort is also assured by a high driving position, new roomy and ergonomic seats, a host of storage compartments, a generous luggage area with two compartments and a flat load platform for an overall capacity of up to 1461 litres.



The vehicle's very individual design includes muscular, decisive lines that are expressed in a front end with brand new bumpers and grille. The rear end has been redesigned with the adoption of a new bumper and LED tail lights.



The all-new passenger compartment features an up-to-date design and soft touch materials. Features include a wrap-around dashboard with chrome elements, a brand-new instrument panel, a strikingly good-looking central console and an innovative infotainment system with a large colour touchscreen.



To simplify the selection and purchase process, only two outfits will be provided that are aimed at different customer types. The equipment level for both outfits is extremely comprehensive and all the main content items comply with the 'Fiat fair price' strategy.



Both outfits will offer 7 seats, triple-zone automatic climate control system, keyless entry system, cruise control, advanced trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), fog lights and touchscreen radio with colour screen and controls on the steering wheel. The more metropolitan version will include 17" alloys, touchscreen radio with 8.4" screen, SD card and DVD reader, Bluetooth system, rear parking sensors, fold-down door mirrors, automatic headlight activation, darkened rear windows and roof bars.



The Freemont will have front wheel drive with turbo diesel power units (140 HP or 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet) combined with a manual gearbox. Later, the vehicle will also be available in 4x4 versions with 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet and 276 HP 3.6 petrol V6 engines, both with automatic transmissions. With the exception of the powerful 3.6 litre unit from the Chrysler Group Pentastar family and its automatic transmission, all power units are produced and developed by FPT- Fiat PowerTrain.

The vehicle's dynamic performances have also been improved with the aid of Fiat engineering, which has developed and introduced a special suspension and steering configuration for greater accuracy and directness. Driving comfort is further guaranteed by significant improvements to passenger compartment soundproofing.



Safety is top level with 7 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill-Holder and electronic roll mitigation (ERM) as standard on all vehicles.

2012 Fiat 500 Review

The road snakes steeply upward as we zip from corner to corner, whipping up gravel on the road’s edge, the local greenery fluttering in the car’s tiny wake as we nearly miss larger chunks of rock jutting out on the tightest of curves. Tuscany comes to mind, but this is not Italy. No, we’re in California.

FAST FACTS

1. The Fiat 500 marks the return of the Fiat brand to North America, with plans to introduce more models this year.2. Powered by a 101-hp 1.4L 4-cylinder, the 500 gets 30/38-mpg (city/hwy) with a 5-speed manual and 27/34-mpg with a 6-speed automatic. 3. Fiat insists there is no ‘base’ model 500, with all trim levels getting power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, an Electronic Vehicle Information Center, 7 airbags and an auxiliary input jack. 4. Pricing starts at $15,500.

The car, however, is Italian. A Fiat no less. In fact, we’re one of the lucky few to sample the very modern, yet fabulously nostalgic experience of piloting the first Fiat to be sold on these shores in 27 years.
A sign of the changing times, the Fiat 500, or the more fun to say ‘cinquecento’, might be evidence of America’s changing perceptions of small cars. More practically, however, it has come to market as the result of Chrysler’s savior Fiat, which took over the American auto giant and ensured its bankruptcy did not end in liquidation.

Did you know we have a community of Fiat 500 enthusiasts? Check out Fiat500Owners.com!

Gathered together at the Culy Warehouse in downtown San Diego to introduce the 500, the folks at Fiat North America are seemingly unaware of the brutal irony that this place could be mistaken for a mechanic’s garage.

MORE THAN JUST A LIFESTYLE VEHICLE

Along with the usual breakdown of specifications, it’s surprising to learn just who Fiat intends to target with this new model. On the one hand, there’s the obvious lifestyle competitor, the MINI Cooper. On the other hand, there are cars like the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris.
Spending a day behind the wheel reveals that while pricing is a factor, with the 500 bridging the gap between these two disparate types of small cars, there are numerous other ways the 500 delivers a compelling halfway point between the transportation you need and the fun car you really want.

CUTE, OR TOO CUTE?

Described by its designer Roberto Giolito as resembling a baby’s sneaker, the 500 is undeniably cute. Certain to make the car a hit with women, it’s less likely to resonate with a male audience – young or old. But don’t worry guys, just hold out for another year when you’ll find the Abarth-tuned model far more appealing thanks to more than a 50 percent boost in power.
Even the manliest of men can, however, appreciate its originality, which helped the 500 win the 2009 World Car Design of the Year award.

NO BASE MODEL

Three different trim levels, Pop, Sport and Lounge are available with differing content. The Pop model ($15,500) is the most basic, but Fiat representatives will tell you there is no ‘base’ model with every trim level getting power windows and locks, power heated mirrors, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cruise control, an Electronic Vehicle Information Center, 7 airbags, an auxiliary input jack and a paint-matched dash.
Upgrading to a Sport model ($17,500) will get you stiffer springs and shocks, 16-inch aluminum wheels, a more audible exhaust note and special bodywork, plus sportier seats with upgraded material, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, handsfree voice controls and an incredibly high-quality 6-speaker Bose audio system.
Further up the list is the Lounge ($19,500), with many of the Sport’s amenities, a few more high-grade trim bits and the 6-speed automatic transmission standard. Add on the Luxury Leather Package (complete with heated seats and park assist) and the interior now resembles the more premium MINI. It also starts to cost like one too.

SMALL BUT NOT TINY

Diminutive it may be, but the 500 isn’t ridiculously compact like the Smart fortwo, stretching almost three feet further. It’s easy to get into and out of thanks to a high-up seating position, an immediate contrast with the low-slung MINI. The Fiat is undoubtedly a European-style city car, designed to give excellent mobility in urban areas with a solid view of your surroundings. You won’t feel intimidated on the highway and the car actually holds up to gusts of winds on open stretches of roads far better than expected. There is, however, an excessively large over-the-shoulder blind spot.
Both the seats and the suspension are softer than the MINI, which delivers a setup perfect for an autocross, but hardly ideal for the majority of buyers. A thick steering wheel feels good in the hands, although the soft surfaces on the doors are about as thin as can be, meaning that it doesn’t take long to develop a sore elbow.
Inside, Giolito says it’s “naked but refined” which is true in many ways with a simple yet stylish paint-matched dash drawing your attention away from the significant amount of hard plastic on the doors.
The car’s sporting pretensions are hampered by the upright interior, with pedals that you step on, rather than push against. There’s a tilt steering wheel, but not a telescopic one, which means taller drivers will have to move a little further up than they might like, with knees to a near 90 degree angle as though you’re behind the wheel of the world’s smallest bus.
There’s plenty of room inside for the driver and passenger, although anyone around 6-feet might want to think about not getting a sunroof and anyone taller won’t have much choice. Rear seat space is utterly useless; same as in the MINI. As for cargo room, it’s a reasonable 9.5 cubic feet, which won’t fit the groceries for a family of five, but will hold overnight bags for two.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the Lounge model. Located at the front of the dash, rather than on the floor, it’s in the perfect place. The shifter does feel more like an economy car than a premium small car, and doesn’t line up with the likes of the MINI or the Honda Fit. Ultra-fast shifts it wasn’t made for, and you can feel the interruption in power every time you grab a gear.

IMPRESSIVE NEW ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Each of the gears is likely to get a workout as you’re required to rev out the tiny 1.4-liter 4-cylinder. Torque isn’t bad though at 98 lb-ft so it’s zippy enough around town.
Helping to produce that power and hit some pretty impressive fuel economy numbers is the application of Fiat’s Multiair technology, also known as Fully Variable Valve Actuation. If you don’t care about engine technology, skip to the next paragraph. If you’re even remotely interested, we’ll say that essentially this system works by replacing the intake cam with four electrohydraulic actuators that allow the ECU to control how much air is entering the cylinder, rather than by using a mechanical system. The result is a 10 percent increase in peak power, a 15 percent bump in low-end torque and a 15 percent improvement in fuel economy.
Lifestyle buyers aren’t likely to care too much about fuel economy, but it may be a factor in winning over some traditional small car buyers. The 1.4-liter engine is rated at 30-mpg city and 38-mpg highway for a 33-mpg combined number. That’s for the manual, with automatic models a less impressive, but still very good, 27/34-mpg.
Helping to further improve the urban scoot is a Sport button (included on all trim levels, not just the Sport). Pushing it firms-up throttle response and tightens the steering on manual models, delivering a significantly more engaging driving experience. When pushed, the car really hops forward in urban driving, although the benefits are gone once you get beyond 3rd gear.
Automatic transmission models also get more sensitive steering and better throttle response in Sport mode, plus the transmission holds on to gears longer to keep you in the power. We were genuinely shocked that the slushbox doesn’t kill the fun.
A solid amount of fun in base trim, the Sport model’s stiffer suspension and 16-inch wheels with wider and lower profile 195/45 series tires deliver plenty of grip, allowing you to sail around corners. The 500's design may make it look a bit tippy, but it’s incredibly solid and begs to be tossed around, aided by responsiveness and feedback from the wheel. The engine, however, doesn’t deliver the same emotion, feeling a bit strung out and unhappy at higher revs.
Targeted as a car that can be used for all your needs, we’re tempted to think a lot of buyers will be packing up the Cayenne for longer trips. Approach a steep grade on the highway and the lack of grunt is evident. If you’re in a spirited mood, you’ll be happy to drop gears, but for more normal driving the 500 can feel a bit winded.

RE-ENGINEERED FOR AMERICA

Quiet on the open road, the U.S.-spec model gets improved sound deadening in the pillars, added door seals and an acoustic dampening engine cover, bringing it from the back of the pack, to ahead of class-leading cars like the Honda Fit.
Other U.S.-spec upgrades include a reworked chassis with new, stiffer bushings, revised front suspension geometry designed to reduce dive and a new front sway bar to minimize body roll. And the list goes on. Fiat even intends to adopt all these U.S.-spec changes to its European market models in the future.
Inside, drivers will appreciate small items like the addition of an armrest, plus more comfortable seats. And due to the harsher extremes of the North American climate, the car is designed to start at temperatures as low as -40 degrees.
This attention to the unique demands of the U.S. market does seem to show a more reliable and durable product that what Fiat attempted to sell here in the past, although only time will tell.
To attract those driven by their right brain, the Fiat 500 can be treated like a fashion accessory with 14 exterior and interior colors, plus 30 seat covers and 50 accessories. And to appease the left brain in the land of big-cars-are-safe-cars is a 5-start Euro crash rating, 7-airbags, standard stability control and a 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, plus a 3-year/36,000 mile complimentary maintenance plan.

THE VERDICT

When stacked up against the MINI Cooper, the Fiat 500 doesn’t deliver quite the same level of driving performance, but that’s not to say it’s any less fun. In the lifestyle segment, it’s arguably got more cache, and when it comes to the urban dwellers who are likely to find it appealing, it’s easily more livable on a daily basis. And for those in need of a small car for basic transportation, the Fiat delivers modest practicality for two, excellent fuel economy and a price that isn’t out of reach.
In the world of small urban transportation, the Fiat 500 might just be the perfect pairing of efficiency and practicality with performance and style.

Novo Uno Sporting 2011

Fiat Lança Uno versão Sporting Para 2011uno SportingNovo Uno sporting

Novo Uno Sporting 2011

Fiat Lança Uno versão Sporting Para 2011uno SportingNovo Uno sporting

Novo Uno Sporting 2011

Fiat Lança Uno versão Sporting Para 2011uno SportingNovo Uno sporting

Fiat Group Seals Mirafiori Deal with Unions, Marchionne Criticizes Nay-Sayers

Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne’s key productivity deal won narrow backing from workers of the historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, with 54% of them voting in favor of the groundbreaking contract that limits strikes and absenteeism in exchange for investment.

The agreement enables the automaker to start building Jeep models in Italy and it’s also considered as a crucial step in Alfa Romeo’s U.S. launch. The deal was fiercely contested by a more hard-line Italian union, which threatened the deal with strikes. Fiat said last week that it’s ready to pull out altogether from the country if an understanding is not reached.

However, the positive outcome means that Fiat and Chrysler can go ahead with their €1 billion euro ($1.32 billion) joint-venture, with 60% of the investment to be covered by Fiat which wants to build around 150,000 Alfa models a year at the plant. Chrysler will provide the rest in order to get an annual quota of about 100,000 units of the next generation Jeep Compass/Patriot, due to launch in 2013.

Aside from being the catalyst for further development, the new labor contract was also necessary if the Fiat Group was to improve its productivity.

In 2009, Mirafiori workers built 178,000 cars, less than a third of the 600,000 vehicles their Polish counterparts of the Tychy plant managed, with both factories employing roughly the same number of workers. That means productivity at Mirafiori averaged 30 cars per employee a year, compared with almost 100 at Tychy.

It’s clear that this is “an industrial scheme which needs to be reformed”, said Gianluca Spina, dean of the business school at Milan's Polytechnic, before the referendum result was announced.

While Fiat Chairman John Elkann said that “controversies and contrasting positions” have to be put aside and future challenges faced in “a constructive manner”, CEO Sergio Marchionne issued a much more aggressive statement, heavily criticizing the opposing union. The full statement is available below.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Fiat & Autonews

Statement from Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne

We are pleased that the majority of workers at Mirafiori have understood Fiat’s commitment to transform that plant into one of international standing. We are pleased because their vote demonstrates their confidence in themselves and their future.

They have chosen not only to say “yes” to a new opportunity for Mirafiori, the opportunity to work and compete with the best. They have also chosen to take their destiny into their own hands, to take an historic step and become the architects of something new and important.

In a country such as Italy, which has always been tied to the past and reluctant to change – and yesterday’s referendum was in part a demonstration of that – those who voted yes showed vision.

Their vote represents a desire to achieve rather than being resigned to decline. It represents a courage to overcome the inaction of those who just talk and expect things to happen.

I have always been extremely proud of what Mirafiori represents for Fiat, of its role as custodian of our Group’s and our nation’s industrial heritage, and of the capability it has always demonstrated.

Mirafiori and those who work there did not give up when, in 2004, many were predicting the plant would close. Together we brought the plant back from the brink of despair, giving it back its dignity and future.

The majority of our workers have not allowed themselves to be conditioned by the many accusations and attacks of those that sought to gamble with their future. They have chosen instead to commit themselves, to dedicate their abilities and passion to making a difference. This is the best response to the lies and provocations of recent months.

By saying “yes” to the agreement, they have closed the door on extremism, that creates nothing but chaos, and they have opened the door to the future, to the privilege of transforming Mirafiori into a factory of excellence.

I hope that those who voted no, putting aside their ideologies and preconceived notions, will realize the importance of the agreement in safeguarding the future of all workers.

The plan for the Mirafiori plant is very ambitious. The company to be created in partnership between Fiat and Chrysler will enable establishment of a new platform at Mirafiori for the construction of large SUVs for distribution under both the Jeep and Alfa Romeo brands worldwide, including in the United States. This will allow us to achieve very high production levels, of up to 280,000 vehicles per year, and also open the way for the potential creation of jobs.The sole purpose of the agreement that serves as the basis for achieving all of this – the same agreement that has been at the center of so much conflict – is to ensure the plant works more effectively, without infringing on any rights.

It doesn’t penalize workers in any way. Rather, it maintains unchanged all conditions of the national collective agreement which are in their favor, as well as all those conditions which Fiat has over time extended to its workers directly. The work organization is, in fact, the same that has been experimented with at Mirafiori for more than 2 years and takes account of the level of fatigue associated with the type of work performed. The introduction of 18 shifts includes a Saturday evening shift which is the most problematic. Accordingly, it has been agreed that, even though workers are still compensated, it will only be activated if there is a real need and, in any case, will be treated as overtime. Full utilization of the 18 shifts would also enable an increase in annual pay of around €3,500 per year.

We have also taken account of other needs relating to overtime. As employees cannot always be available, we have instituted the option of substituting up to 20% of those workers who are unable to work overtime. By revising the system of breaks, reducing them to 30 minutes and monetizing the difference, we have also brought ourselves into line with standard practice at factories throughout the rest of Europe and the world. For sick leave, in relation to which many absurd things have been said, the agreement simply provides for monitoring of the rate of absenteeism, to avoid potential abuse. A commission operated jointly with trade unions will evaluate, on an individual basis, cases where the company is not liable to cover absences.

The purpose of this clause is to call attention to the problem, by provoking individual conscience and sense of responsibility, and I hope that it is never invoked.

Finally, we have simplified the compensation structure which will make pay-slips easier to read and also have a positive effect in the case of overtime or shift work, with supplements being applied to basic pay, which is higher than current minimum contractual values.

As the majority of our workers have understood, there is nothing exceptional in the Mirafiori agreement, other than the opportunity to relaunch the plant and give it the profile it deserves internationally. The criticisms leveled at us have been unjust and often frustrating. When you see your efforts being misrepresented, you sometimes ask yourself if it is really worth it.

The majority of workers at Mirafiori have given the clear message that commitment to building something better is always worthwhile.

Fiat Group Seals Mirafiori Deal with Unions, Marchionne Criticizes Nay-Sayers

Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne’s key productivity deal won narrow backing from workers of the historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, with 54% of them voting in favor of the groundbreaking contract that limits strikes and absenteeism in exchange for investment.

The agreement enables the automaker to start building Jeep models in Italy and it’s also considered as a crucial step in Alfa Romeo’s U.S. launch. The deal was fiercely contested by a more hard-line Italian union, which threatened the deal with strikes. Fiat said last week that it’s ready to pull out altogether from the country if an understanding is not reached.

However, the positive outcome means that Fiat and Chrysler can go ahead with their €1 billion euro ($1.32 billion) joint-venture, with 60% of the investment to be covered by Fiat which wants to build around 150,000 Alfa models a year at the plant. Chrysler will provide the rest in order to get an annual quota of about 100,000 units of the next generation Jeep Compass/Patriot, due to launch in 2013.

Aside from being the catalyst for further development, the new labor contract was also necessary if the Fiat Group was to improve its productivity.

In 2009, Mirafiori workers built 178,000 cars, less than a third of the 600,000 vehicles their Polish counterparts of the Tychy plant managed, with both factories employing roughly the same number of workers. That means productivity at Mirafiori averaged 30 cars per employee a year, compared with almost 100 at Tychy.

It’s clear that this is “an industrial scheme which needs to be reformed”, said Gianluca Spina, dean of the business school at Milan's Polytechnic, before the referendum result was announced.

While Fiat Chairman John Elkann said that “controversies and contrasting positions” have to be put aside and future challenges faced in “a constructive manner”, CEO Sergio Marchionne issued a much more aggressive statement, heavily criticizing the opposing union. The full statement is available below.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Fiat & Autonews

Statement from Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne

We are pleased that the majority of workers at Mirafiori have understood Fiat’s commitment to transform that plant into one of international standing. We are pleased because their vote demonstrates their confidence in themselves and their future.

They have chosen not only to say “yes” to a new opportunity for Mirafiori, the opportunity to work and compete with the best. They have also chosen to take their destiny into their own hands, to take an historic step and become the architects of something new and important.

In a country such as Italy, which has always been tied to the past and reluctant to change – and yesterday’s referendum was in part a demonstration of that – those who voted yes showed vision.

Their vote represents a desire to achieve rather than being resigned to decline. It represents a courage to overcome the inaction of those who just talk and expect things to happen.

I have always been extremely proud of what Mirafiori represents for Fiat, of its role as custodian of our Group’s and our nation’s industrial heritage, and of the capability it has always demonstrated.

Mirafiori and those who work there did not give up when, in 2004, many were predicting the plant would close. Together we brought the plant back from the brink of despair, giving it back its dignity and future.

The majority of our workers have not allowed themselves to be conditioned by the many accusations and attacks of those that sought to gamble with their future. They have chosen instead to commit themselves, to dedicate their abilities and passion to making a difference. This is the best response to the lies and provocations of recent months.

By saying “yes” to the agreement, they have closed the door on extremism, that creates nothing but chaos, and they have opened the door to the future, to the privilege of transforming Mirafiori into a factory of excellence.

I hope that those who voted no, putting aside their ideologies and preconceived notions, will realize the importance of the agreement in safeguarding the future of all workers.

The plan for the Mirafiori plant is very ambitious. The company to be created in partnership between Fiat and Chrysler will enable establishment of a new platform at Mirafiori for the construction of large SUVs for distribution under both the Jeep and Alfa Romeo brands worldwide, including in the United States. This will allow us to achieve very high production levels, of up to 280,000 vehicles per year, and also open the way for the potential creation of jobs.The sole purpose of the agreement that serves as the basis for achieving all of this – the same agreement that has been at the center of so much conflict – is to ensure the plant works more effectively, without infringing on any rights.

It doesn’t penalize workers in any way. Rather, it maintains unchanged all conditions of the national collective agreement which are in their favor, as well as all those conditions which Fiat has over time extended to its workers directly. The work organization is, in fact, the same that has been experimented with at Mirafiori for more than 2 years and takes account of the level of fatigue associated with the type of work performed. The introduction of 18 shifts includes a Saturday evening shift which is the most problematic. Accordingly, it has been agreed that, even though workers are still compensated, it will only be activated if there is a real need and, in any case, will be treated as overtime. Full utilization of the 18 shifts would also enable an increase in annual pay of around €3,500 per year.

We have also taken account of other needs relating to overtime. As employees cannot always be available, we have instituted the option of substituting up to 20% of those workers who are unable to work overtime. By revising the system of breaks, reducing them to 30 minutes and monetizing the difference, we have also brought ourselves into line with standard practice at factories throughout the rest of Europe and the world. For sick leave, in relation to which many absurd things have been said, the agreement simply provides for monitoring of the rate of absenteeism, to avoid potential abuse. A commission operated jointly with trade unions will evaluate, on an individual basis, cases where the company is not liable to cover absences.

The purpose of this clause is to call attention to the problem, by provoking individual conscience and sense of responsibility, and I hope that it is never invoked.

Finally, we have simplified the compensation structure which will make pay-slips easier to read and also have a positive effect in the case of overtime or shift work, with supplements being applied to basic pay, which is higher than current minimum contractual values.

As the majority of our workers have understood, there is nothing exceptional in the Mirafiori agreement, other than the opportunity to relaunch the plant and give it the profile it deserves internationally. The criticisms leveled at us have been unjust and often frustrating. When you see your efforts being misrepresented, you sometimes ask yourself if it is really worth it.

The majority of workers at Mirafiori have given the clear message that commitment to building something better is always worthwhile.

Chinese Man Commissions US$666,000 Gold Trimmed Fiat 500 C Abarth with Diamond iPad

An incredibly wealthy Chinese businessman has commissioned Italian tuning firm Fenice Milano to build a one-of-a-kind Fiat 500 Convertible Abarth inspired by the 'La Dolce Vita' concept study we first showed you back in October 2010. The bespoke 500 C Abarth is named "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp" and according to Fenice Milano, the car will cost a breathtaking €500,000 or about US$666,000 at current exchange rates.

The starting point of the build is a Fiat 500 Convertible Abarth. As the car's name suggests, at the unnamed client's request, there is abundant use of gold. On the outside, the golden pearlescent white painting includes 24K gold particles while the precious material also adorns the body trim and wheels. The electric fabric roof top is finished in black.

Inside, Fenice Milano has completely overhauled the 500 C Abarth's interior. For starters, the redesigned steering wheel has the outer ring made of teak wood and comes with 24k gold inserts. The original carpet floor was replaced with handmade teak wood while the center console is embellished with a gold framed instrument panel, more wood and 24K gold inserts.

The redesigned seats are also sewn with the precious material, the interior elements are full grain leather and natural-colored Alcantara with handmade on sight stitching.

One of the most eye catching items is the Apple iPad Supreme Edition made in 24k gold and diamonds by English designer Stuart Hughes. The removable Ipad is positioned on the upper section of the center console and provides a complete interaction of the device with the car. It is fitted with a GPS navigation system, an audio system that can handle MP3 and all Ipod features and also an internet connection run by wi-fi and a appropriate sim card.

In partnership with Romeo Ferraris, the Italian tuning firm also applied some performance upgrades to the car including an engine kit with a new turbine, a complete exhaust system and an ECU tune, lifting the 1.4-liter motor's output from 140HP to 200HP, plus a set of Brembo brakes and a sports suspension.

Being such an expensive build, the handover of the "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp" to its new owner won't be a simple transaction. "The future owner wants the delivery of his new “little treat” to be made in absolute concealment, in a jewelry shop owned by a friend, as depicted in the animation video," said Fenice Milano in a statement. Video and photos follow after the break.

_______________________________VIDEO_______________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________