The Apple Car?
A ridiculous statement? I think not. The current iteration of the Fiat 500 appeared at a similar time to the iPhone. Both were highly praised for their sense of style and sheer coolness. Neither were (or are) earth shattering with regard to technology. Both have sold in big numbers.
There are further parallels. In the late 1990's, both Fiat and Apple were on the edge of an abyss. Fiat's cars were lacklustre, anecdotally unreliable and the epitome of cheaply produced and sold vehicles. Fiat, like Apple, was on the verge of bankruptcy. The iPod and then the iPhone helped turn wayward Apple into a global juggernaut within an startlingly short time. So it was with Fiat. The company famed for producing cheap cars has now become a premium brand courtesy of the 500. A brand that could have been swallowed up in a hostile takeover went on to swallow up Chrysler.
More parallels? Consider how the increasing lardiness of the 500L compares with the iPhone 6 plus. Both the 500L and 6+ were relatively late to market and responses to market pressures created by rivals, with the 500L being marginally less hideous than the horrendous Mini Countryman.
It is a testament to the 500's style that it continues to be cool despite being an ageing model. Fiat is quite correct to avoid major changes. Another iPhone parallel?
Having been one of the first to purchase the 500 when it came out, I had to wait for months to receive the car after ordering it. Another Apple trait? Indeed, it would seem that the only thing missing was a Fiat dealership with a fancy store in Regent Street, so that queues of fanbois and fangirlz could camp out in eager anticipation of its arrival. Let us see if this "new" 500 can emulate the success the world is anticipating of the iPhone 6S.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
