Chrysler to Establish Fiat Dealerships in 41 States

As part of its deal to revive Chrysler, Fiat has said it will begin selling its new 500 small car in the U.S., marking the first time since the mid-1980s that Fiats have been sold in America. To reintroduce the brand this fall, Chrysler said this week it will establish a separate Fiat dealer network that will extend to 41 states.

The Auburn Hills, Mich.-based company expects to select dealers in about 125 areas identified as key small-car markets, it said. "The Fiat dealer network will be appropriately sized to serve the market opportunity," said Vice President Peter Grady in a statement.

Dealers will begin selling the Mexican-made 500 late this year, the 500 convertible in 2011, and electric version the year after that. Details about locations will be unveiled in September, Chrysler said.

The Fiat dealerships are expected to have their own showrooms separate from Chrysler's.