Ex-VW exec named head of Fiat North America

She helped put together the 50th Anniversary Barbie New Beetle and is now in charge of reintroducing Fiat to the United States as they make a return after 25 years to the land of the free. Fiat’s return to North America is something several critics question? Do they think that they can do well in the car market that is already pretty saturated? Even though American car companies seem to be dying out, Fiat somehow thinks that they can do well here. I am sure they are not going to be as cheap as our local cars. They don’t seem to have better sales figures in Europe as compared to Toyota and Honda. I guess time will tell how they do in North America.

Soaves’ will have an official title as Head of the Fiat Brand for North America. That puts her in a very “high” position as she will answer directly to Servio Marchionne. Full Press Release below. Read more

BREAKING: Mini Countryman official photos leaked [w/video]

Here is your new Mini Countryman, the latest model from the ever expanding Mini range. As you can see, the Countryman (also sometimes called the Mini Crossover) is a bit bigger than other Minis, and sports four doors – five if you count the hatch. You’ll also note the “All4″ badge on the back, indicating that the Countryman is AWD, a first for the brand. Which means it will be great in the snow!

I don’t know about you but I know I am excited for the new mini. It is a little chunkier, it feels like a tiny SUV. There’s definitely a bit of baby Porsche Cayenne going on up front and in the stance, though it’s clearly still a Mini. Read more