2013 Fiat 500 Pop on 2040-cars

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2013 Fiat Panda Antartica is crossover dressed as a penguin in a tuxedo [w/video]

If the results of our totally informal, completely unscientific poll are anything to go by, Americans are eager to get their hands on small utility vehicles like the Fiat Panda. And it's easy to see why - accessibility, relatively low price and 4x4 capability are traits that ought to work in America just as in the rest of the world. Indeed, Fiat has sold 500,000 or so Panda models over the past 30 years all across Europe.
Based on the Panda 4x4 Rock and updated with a special white, black and orange color scheme (called a tuxedo and inspired by a Penguin, apparently), fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels, the Panda Antartica will soon hit European dealerships in limited quantities powered by either an 85-horsepower 900cc TwinAir engine or a 75-hp 1.3-liter diesel.
Take a look at it in our high-res gallery above, and be sure to scroll down below for a press release and the complete Fiat press conference from Frankfurt on video.

Fiat updates 500 with new display, automatic transmission for turbo models

Just last month at the Geneva Motor Show, Fiat announced some updates for the European-spec 500, including a new dashboard display. Now it's announced that the same updates are being applied to the US-spec model.
Similar (if not identical) to the display in the 500E, the conventionally powered 500 now benefits from a seven-inch high-definition TFT instrument display to monitor data including vehicle speed, fuel level, fuel consumption and remaining range. Data from the infotainment system is also displayed on the panel, and if you spec your Cinquecento with the rear parking sensor, that'll be displayed on there too.
There's a redesigned center console and some new color options as well, but those looking for a turbocharged experience without the hassle of swapping gears themselves will be more interested in the new automatic transmission option. Previously available only with a manual, Fiat is now offering the 500 Turbo, 500 Abarth and 500 Abarth Cabrio with a six-speed automatic transmission supplied by Aisin. Look for the new models to hit your local Fiat Studio this July, and feel free to read the official announcement below.

Fiat Chrysler's London offices will be small, with financial focus

Fiat Chrysler's decision to locate its new corporate headquarters in jolly old London won't herald a sprawling relocation effort. Instead, it's very likely that the FCA outfit will be a small one, primarily focused on finance.
The report comes from Automotive News Europe, which claims FCA's London office will employ about 50 people with backgrounds in finance. CEO Sergio Marchionne and Fiat Group Chairman John Elkann will both have offices at the corporate headquarters, as well.
ANE cites an anonymous source that claims the people employed at the London office will focus primarily on treasury operations. It's unlikely that FCA will take on any additional employees specifically for its UK offices. That said, FCA isn't likely to downsize either its Turin or Auburn Hills offices once London comes online.