Top 10 Automotive News Stories of 2011

[AutoGuide.com]

As another calendar year draws to a close it's time to take a look back at the top 10 biggest stories of the year in the auto industry. It's been a busy 12 months, starting all the way back in March when the Fiat 500 officially went on sale, marking the return of the brand to America. The last time an Italian car was sold here that didn't cost six figures (or close to it) was 27 years ago. Since then, Fiat has introduced the 500C convertible model and most recently the Fiat 500 Abarth, aimed at enthusiasts.

The jury is still out on the Fiat brand's success in North America, although the first year has failed to live up to expectations, with Fiat predicting sales of 50,000 units, while according to automotive data firm GoodCarBadCar only 17,444 have been sold in the first 11 months of the year (add 5,000 more if you include Canada). Some of this may be the result of Fiat's marketing initiative with several ads featuring Jenifer Lopez, which the Fiat faithful rejected and many believe cost the brand boss Laura Souve her job. Getting the Fiat dealer network up and running also proved a challenge.

With more models coming, and Alfa Romeo set to return in 2013, Fiat is here to say. More importantly, perhaps, is the Fiat connection to Chrysler – a company it saved from bankruptcy and which it is now slowly rebuilding back into a profitable automaker.

More: Top 10 Automotive News Stories of 2011 on AutoGuide.com

[the evil twin]

Gotta love the EcoBoost! A friend of mine just bought one over the summer. Heck of an engine!
Oh, and the "40 mpg club" thing?!? I guess because some self important politician mandates new standards it becomes "news". VW has been doing it for a while now. Not just the new TDI either. My neighbor still sees >40 in his '83 Rabbit. Yes, an '83 Rabbit with over 500k on the clock. However, he is worried that the UL sulpher fuels out now are going to kill his engine. So much progress