Fiat will again be on track in the U. S. after its absence for 26 years, through a chain of 200 outlets by the end of the year. The dealership for this will be with the Chrysler. They will have separate showrooms and employees but the dealerships will be located on the same property.

According to a Chrysler spokesman, Ralph Kisiel, the company wished to have Fiat dealerships in 125 markets in about 41 states. They will be more concentrated in Metropolitan areas where the demand is expected to increase as people have a craze for small cars there. Mr. Kisiel wants to give franchises to their performing dealers.

This week, letters have been sent to all 2,320 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealers, inviting them to apply for a Fiat franchise. As told by Chrysler, a fewer than 10% will be selected, and the locations will be announced in September.

Erich Merkle, an automotive analyst and president of Autoconomy. com in Grand Rapids, stated that interest of Chrysler dealers towards Fiat 500 is quiet high and the Company is expected to attract more than enough bids, though the small number of outlets will be get selected.

Alfredo Gulla, a Chrysler dealer in suburban Westchester County, NY, opened a Fiat dealership at the age of 19 and sold that brand for more than two decades until Fiat abandoned the United States in 1984 due to quality problems.

Mr. Kisiel said Chrysler are positive that dealers will make good returns on their investment in Fiat 500.