Fiat CEO Tells Customers to Not Buy One of His Cars, But Which One?

Posted by George Kennedy 

@ BOLD RIDE                               

 

If you are looking to make a purchase on an electric vehicle, it is a big step if you have never owned one before. It is a vehicle that makes a statement about your concerns about the environment and also requires some sacrifice in the way of driving range.

 

 A lot of pressure is on the buyer when making the jump– especially when the CEO of a company tells you not to buy one of his EVs!

 

According to AutoExpress, Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne basically told prospective Fiat 500e customers that he would rather not them not buy the diminutive electric car. Marchionne made the comments at a recent conference in D.C.

 

 

 

“If you are considering buying a 500e I hope you don’t buy it,” said Marchionne, “because every time I sell one it costs me $14,000.” Basically, California’s Zero Emissions policy means that Fiat needs to offer the car there in order for it to sell its other vehicles. But that sort of practice could expand to other states or countries.

 

 

 

It leaves one wondering what Fiat-Chrysler’s strategy is for dealing with impending fuel economy regulations. Is the automaker merely “dealing with CA” and has a strategy, or is this sort of logic endemic of an issue with the brand adapting to the industry and regulations of the future?

 

In the meantime, it sounds like Fiat 500e buyers are getting a good deal. The 500e starts at $32,300, but $13,000 in rebates and incentives are offered, bringing the price to as low as $19,300. Not bad for an EV with 111 horsepower, an 87-mile range, and a car that Road & Track’s “Best Electric of 2013.”