Fiat has made the decision to use an entirely new platform for its tiny 500 model when it debuts in the U.S later this year. The new mini car A platform, which is also scheduled to be used for the upcoming 2011 Fiat Panda and Lancia Ypsilon, is an improvement over the current European offering. Fiat isn’t ready to update its production facilities in Europe yet in order to build the new architecture, but with an all-new production line being set up in Mexico, the Italian automaker has the opportunity to start fresh.
The new A platform has several benefits over the current one, including better crash protection, a quieter ride and a lighter weight. However, the exterior size of the car will not change.
The U.S. Fiat 500 (which may still be called the Cinquecento) is set to go into production this December in Mexico.
[Source: InsideLine]
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