Fiat returns to the United States & is expected to be a hit in NC.

After a 30-year absence, Fiat is coming back to the United States and now Chrysler dealers have to decide whether they want to sell the Italian brand that initially will offer just one model, the tiny Fiat 500.

About 400 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers who want to sell Fiats met at a meeting in Detroit Monday, were told that the exotic minicar at first will be the only 2011 model in their Fiat showrooms.

Chrysler, which is now controlled by Italy’s Fiat, was short on specifics such as price and future models. A larger model was promised, although covered by a tarp.

50,000 of the stylish, bulb-shaped 500s are expected to be sold by Chrysler the first year they arrive. Eventually four versions will be offered, a standard 500, a cloth-top convertible, a high performance version with up to 185 horsepower, and in 2012, an electric version, the dealers said.

Fiat-run Chrysler Group LLC wants the 500 to become a strong contender in the U.S. small-car market, where the Detroit automaker has struggled for years. The car will be sold by about 165 Chrysler Group dealers in 125 mainly big-city markets starting in December. Chrysler hopes the tiny Italian car will help its lackluster sales.

Dealers will be asked to build separate showrooms and have separate sales and service staffs for the cars, in order to help create a distinctive European aura for the 500.

Many dealers were impressed, but some were left with questions about whether it would be worth the investment because future models were not unveiled. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, who also runs Fiat, has said that Fiat dealers will get first shot at selling the Alfa Romeo brand when it returns to the U.S. in 2012.

But the dealers were happy for a chance to sell a competitive small car, because they have had little to offer in the segment.

“There’s no doubt about it. It’s a home run,” said Alan Helfman vice president of River Oaks Chrysler Jeep in Houston. “It’s not going to make it from day one, but it will be a good seller, and it’s a market I don’t play in right now.”

Helfman, whose dealership is near Rice University, said the car will appeal to younger people who care about the environment and fuel economy.

Tracy Myers, who owns a used car dealership in Winston-Salem, North Carolina was excited about the opportunity to offer another fuel efficient compact car to his pre-owned car shoppers near Greensboro and High Point, NC.

“I’m going to eagerly waiting for it to hit the used car market. I’m going to do everything I can to get my hands on the first used Fiats to enter the pre-owned marketplace in the Carolinas,” Myers said.

To request information about the pre-owned Fiat when it arrives at Frank Myers Auto Maxx, request information at HERE.