FIAT CHRYSLER

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

This month, a fourth Fiat model arrives — the 124 Spider. The name should be a familiar one to Fiat faithful as this roadster was introduced nearly 50 years ago. For 20 years the 124 Sport Spider soldiered on, receiving several updates along the way.

Coupe and convertible versions were sold in the US beginning in 1968. Production ended in 1985, succeeded a decade later by the Fiat Barchetta before the latter was discontinued in 2005.

Some believe Fiat is well-served with a roadster in its product line. However, the current arrangement for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles doesn’t permit such an expensive investment in a risky segment, but that hasn’t precluded FCA from forging a joint venture with Mazda to obtain one. The first model in that venture is the Fiat 124 Spider, a roadster sharing its underpinnings with the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Italian Design and Heritage

There is some risk here for both automakers. On the one hand, Fiat may not enjoy quite the sales lift it desires. On the other hand, a successful 124 Spider could siphon interest from the MX-5 Miata. No matter, Mazda should come out a winner as it recoups some of the cost of building this roadster.

“Our mission at FIAT is to deliver Italian design and heritage in vehicles that are fun to drive,” said Olivier Francois, Head of FIAT Brand, FCA – Global. “The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider brings these elements together and comes loaded with open-air fun, stunning Italian design and the proven turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter engine.”

The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is powered by a 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It comes paired with a 6-speed manual or an available Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission.

Three Trims Available

Three trims are offered — Classica, $24,995; Lusso, $27,495; and Abarth, $28,195. A special introductory Prima Edizione in Azzurro Italia (dynamic blue mica) launch edition with 17-inch, silver-painted premium aluminum wheels will kick things off. Just 124 models will be built with the price pegged at $35,000.

All 124 Spiders are outfitted with 16- or 17-inch wheels. A dual-tip exhaust is standard as is a roll bar, the latter painted in black in the base model. Halogen headlamps and LED taillights are standard. Cloth or leather seats are included, depending on the model.

The Abarth edition receives special exterior colors, front and rear Bilstein sport suspension, quad-tip exhaust, and unique front and rear fascias. This model also gets a very slight boost in performance, 164 horsepower up from the standard 160. All models produce 184 foot-pounds of torque. Available features include a Brembo braking system and Recaro seats.

Additional Joint Models Possible?

There is no word on how much FCA paid Mazda to develop the 124 Spider. Nor do we know if the venture will produce other models. But collaboration in the auto industry is rife and small-time Mazda and suitor-seeking FCA should both benefit regardless where this relationship is headed.

Sales setback is temporary with some surprises thrown in.

US auto sales fell by 6.1 percent last month, but the end is hardly near. Instead, the industry counted two fewer selling days for May, accounting for much of the loss for the month.

2015 Ford F-150

Ford F-150 sales rose in by 9 percent in May.

US Manufacturers: Only FCA Rises

As expected, Fiat Chrysler sales rose by 1.1 percent, largely on the strength of its Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivan models. Jeep was another positive spot and was the only Fiat Chrysler brand other than Alfa Romeo to post gains for the month.

Some manufacturers such as GM posted larger losses than expected. GM sales fell by 18 percent, while Ford’s drop of 6.1 percent matched the industry’s average. GM blamed much of its decline to a reduction in fleet sales.

Had Ford maintained its sales from last month, it would have topped GM. Instead, it closed the gap to about 5,700 units, while remaining ahead of Toyota. The bright spot for Ford was once again its line of F-Series trucks. In May, Ford sold 67,412 units, up 9 percent for the month.

Hyundai Records a Strong May

Every major manufacturer outside of FCA posted losses last month, but there was a noticeable exception from the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group — Hyundai sales rose by a robust 11.6 percent; Kia sales edged up by 0.8 percent.

“Our refreshed CUV lineup continues to exhibit strength in this market,” said Derrick Hatami, vice president of national sales for Hyundai Motor America.

2016 Subaru Forester

Forester and Outback sales continue to pace Subaru.

As for the Big 3 Japanese manufacturers, Toyota sales fell by 9.6 percent, Nissan dipped by 1 percent, and Honda sales were off by 4.8 percent. But there were some bright spots here too — Scion sales rose by 38.6 percent as Toyota continues to wind down its youth brand. Infiniti sales were also up, climbing by 3.4 percent.

BMW Group sales fell by 8.7 percent, Daimler was off by 1.9 percent, while Audi sales rose by 1.6 percent. Volkswagen Group sales fell by 9.5 percent, dragged down by Volkswagen’s 17.2 percent plunge.

Jaguar Propels JLR

Jaguar, with two new products to offer, enjoyed a 79.7 percent increase for the month. Meanwhile, Land Rover sales fell by 8 percent. Thus, JLR sales rose by 8 percent based on Jaguar’s strong month.

“We are very pleased that through five months of the year, we have increased our business for both Jaguar and Land Rover brands,” said Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO, Jaguar Land Rover, North America, LLC. “The Land Rover brand continues its momentum from a record setting 2015, and Jaguar has taken off with the expansion of the Jaguar brand into two dynamic new segments with the Jaguar XE and F-PACE which are now on sale.”

Subaru Breaks a Record…Again

While FCA now has 74 consecutive months of month-over-month gains to its credit, Subaru is not too far behind with a 54-month streak of its own in place. Last month, Subaru had its best May ever, with sales topping 50,000 units. Its Forester and Outback models helped this niche automaker realize a 1.1 percent gain for the month.

And not to be overlooked is Volvo. The Swedish automaker is enjoying a strong rebound this year, largely based on its all-new XC90 crossover utility vehicle. Volvo sales rose by 10.2 percent in May.

“Our refreshed CUV lineup continues to exhibit strength in this market,” said Derrick Hatami, vice president of national sales for Hyundai Motor America.

Crossover sales, including this Santa Fe, lifted Hyundai sales.

“With 10 percent growth for May while the overall industry is down, and now eleven months of double digit sales growth, it is a true testament to the transformation of Volvo in the US,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO, Volvo Car USA.

Mazda sales fell by 4.3 percent, Mitsubishi sales were off by 5.7 percent, and Tesla sales rose an estimated 55.3 percent according to Autodata Corp.

SAAR Still Strong

Despite the sales drop, the all-important SAAR remains strong. SAAR or the Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate takes into account fluctuations, such as a sales calendar with two fewer selling days. For May, the SAAR remains above 17 million units.

Sales data per Automotive News and the car manufacturers.