Fiat 500 Named Hottest Sport Compact at the 2011 SEMA Show

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Contact: Della Domingo
909/978-6723
dellad@sema.org

Fiat 500 Named Hottest Sport Compact at the 2011 SEMA Show

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 1, 2011) - The Fiat 500 was named the Hottest Sport Compact at the 2011 SEMA Show making it the first vehicle to take home honors in the newest SEMA Award category and beating out a dozen competitors. The SEMA Award recognizes outstanding vehicles that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorizing and that showcase this year's coolest products.

"In just its first year, our new Fiat 500 is prominent throughout this year's SEMA Show as it is the perfect canvas for customization," said Pietro Gorlier, Chief Operating Officer Parts & Service (Mopar®), Chrysler Group. "We are honored by the SEMA Award recognition and excited by the creativity and enthusiasm of our fans and the specialty-equipment manufacturers who continue to make the Fiat 500 even more distinctive in the marketplace."

After arriving in U.S. showrooms earlier this year, the Fiat 500 quickly became a favorite of auto enthusiasts, specialty manufacturers and customizers nationwide.

"Each year there are a few vehicle models that emerge and make a strong statement about the future direction of the specialty equipment industry," said Chris Kersting, SEMA's president and CEO. "The exhibitors' hands down favorite sport compact is the Fiat 500. Given its accessory-friendly style, it comes as no surprise that the Fiat 500 has emerged as the one exhibitors identified as the hottest sport compact."

About the 2012 Fiat 500
With beautiful Italian styling, timeless functionality, fuel efficiency and innovative technology - the same attributes that made the original version an icon - the 2012 Fiat 500 is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.

The 2012 Fiat 500 offers a multitude of safety features, fuel efficiency, world-class quality and advanced technology. With its city-friendly four-passenger size, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir® engine with eco:DriveTM Application, state-of-the-art TomTom® Navigation with BLUE&METM Handsfree Communication technology and seven standard air bags, the new Fiat 500 offers a unique driving and ownership experience. This package is further enhanced with new quality and refinement adaptations for the U.S. market, including an all-new six-speed automatic transmission.

Every 2012 Fiat 500 includes FIAT FORWARD CARETM - a standard four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, four years of unlimited roadside assistance and a three-year/36,000-mile maintenance program that includes wear-and-tear items.

The reintroduction of the FIAT brand in North America is led by the modern generation of the Fiat 500, now joined by the Fiat 500 Cabrio.

Presented in four categories - Hottest Car, Hottest Sport Compact, Hottest Truck and Hottest 4X4-SUV - the SEMA Award marks the first time ever that the "exhibitor's choice" was tallied, recognizing the year's top trend-setting vehicles. For more information on the Hottest Sport Compact, the Fiat 500 visit: http://www.semashow.com/hottest-sport-compact.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.SEMAShow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

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