Prima Edizione Fiat 500 Auctioned at National Italian American Foundation's 35th Anniversary Gala

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ --

• Fiat 500 Prima Edizione auctioned for $69,000 
• Proceeds to benefit the National Italian American Foundation's education and scholarship program 
• A total of 500 Prima Edizione vehicles will be sold in the United States

Fiat North America auctioned off a limited edition Fiat 500, the Fiat Cinquecento 'Prima Edizione,' at the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) 35th Anniversary Gala. The vehicle generated $69,000 and proceeds from the auction will benefit the NIAF's education and scholarship program.  The winning bidder of this special edition Fiat 500 was former EDS Vice Chairman, Paul Chiapparone, who resides in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Americans of Italian descent. The NIAF gala is one of the premier annual events in the nation's capital, attracting more than 3,000 guests from the United States and Italy.

"Fiat North America is delighted to be a part of the National Italian American Foundation's 35th Anniversary gala," said Laura Soave, Head of Fiat Brand North America. "We are honored to auction a special edition Fiat 500 Prima Edizione, knowing that the proceeds will help benefit the foundation's education and scholarship program."

The Fiat 500 Prima Edizione will be exclusively available in three colors: Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) and Grigio (Gray). These limited-edition Fiat 500 models will be equipped with a manual transmission and will feature an exclusive Prima Edizione badge. Each of the 500 Prima Edizione vehicles will feature a sequential VIN and badge according to production order.

The modern generation of the Fiat 500 will be introduced in North America at the end of 2010 and will offer customers uncompromising safety, fuel efficiency from its 1.4-liter MultiAir™ four-cylinder engine, individualization options, quality and advanced technology, all wrapped in iconic Italian style. The Fiat MultiAir technology was recognized as the "single most innovative engine technology" of the year by the International Engine of the Year Awards panel.

Worldwide Success

The modern generation of the Fiat 500 was launched on July 4, 2007, and since its introduction, it sold more than 500,000 units in more than 80 countries around the world.

In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has already won 60 international awards, including being named the 2008 European Car of the Year and 2009 World Car Design of the Year. Also, the Fiat MultiAir technology was recognized as the "single most innovative engine technology" of 2010 by the International Engine of the Year Awards panel.

In the latest stage of its global growth, the Fiat 500 and 500C will be built in Toluca, Mexico, for distribution in the United States, Canada, Mexico and key markets in South America.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC