Iowa Chrysler dealers won't get Fiat initially

Iowa's Chrysler dealers won't be among 165 to be awarded Fiat dealerships by the company later this month.

Fiat spokesman Ralph Kisiel said Iowa's auto markets didn't meet the criteria as the company set out to identify 119 initial markets for the 165 dealerships.

“The focus in the first round is on dealerships that could exist on the Fiat 500 alone,” Kisiel said. That meant looking at markets that are heavy buyers of tiny subcompact cars that get good gas mileage and fit in small parking spaces.

So, Iowans who want to buy the tiny Fiat with the stylish retro look would be looking at a drive to places like Chicago, Indianapolis, or Kansas City.

Chrysler identified four Fiat markets in Chicago alone.

Chrysler plans to manufacture and market Fiat-designed vehicles as part of a global strategic alliance announced by the companies in January 2009. A major goal for Chrysler of linking up with Fiat was to gain access to Fiat's fuel-efficient small car technology.

Fiat pulled out of the United States market several decades ago after failing to gain widespread acceptance, but industry analysts say the company's technology and styling have improved.

Pat McGrath, president of McGrath Automotive Group in Cedar Rapids, said he's one of the Iowa Chrysler dealers who would be interested in considering a Fiat dealership if Iowa become a designated Fiat market. He says there isn't much like the planned Fiat offerings in the local market.

Chrysler's initial Fiat entry, the Fiat 500, has been described as a cute rounded retro minicar. It is expected to be less expensive and a tad smaller than BMW's tiny subcompact Mini Cooper.

Ultimately, Kisiel said, Chrysler hopes to have about 200 Fiat dealers.