Fiat introduces line of branded cellphones

In yet another example of an automobile manufacturer leveraging the brand to release a distinctly non-car product (see: BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini), Fiat has announced that it will begin selling a line of cellphones conspicuously emblazoned with the company's logo. Suggesting that this lineup values fashion over function, no specs are immediately available for any of the individual models, although we do know that all will feature cameras, MP3 playback, Bluetooth, and the usual suite of Internet functions. Crafted out of "cold" aluminum, the handsets were designed to be displayed in engine piston-like cases that are meant to invoke the good times you can only find by tooling around the European countryside in your Fiat Panda Monster. The new models -- which were built to easily pair with the Microsoft-powered Blue&Me in-car Bluetooth system -- will be available in chichi Italian boutiques later this month, with a general European rollout to follow this summer.

[Via textually and Autoblog]

[Wetsleet @ May 15th 2006 10:31AM]

won't these phones rust?

[riffola @ May 15th 2006 10:32AM]

FIAT is more than an Automobile manufacturer.

[Ben @ May 15th 2006 10:38AM]

When I spent some time in Italy I was told that FIAT stood for "Feeble Italian Attempt at Technology". I'd be careful of those cell phones... =)

[Ladderless @ May 15th 2006 10:52AM]

No, no, no.... FIAT Stands for "Fix It Again, Tony!" - That's the FIAT Owner's mantra!

[karmaghost @ May 15th 2006 11:33AM]

Are those the phones? Damn they're ugly.

[Chris Roberts @ May 15th 2006 11:50AM]

Here in the UK, Fiat is seen as a joke and even driving a Fiat car will get people in the street laughing at you. I can only imagine that if they brought these phones out here people will be spat at.

Well it could be worse, Apple could bring out a phone. Apple are thieving bastards!

[Perrey Z. @ May 15th 2006 11:51AM]

I like the package design...

[madhouse @ May 15th 2006 12:02PM]

Uses it five times then trow it away since it will not be able to phone out!

[macona @ May 15th 2006 12:59PM]

The cars were "Feeble Italian Attempt at Transportation" Here is "Feeble Italian Attempt at Telecommunication"

[strider_mt2k @ May 15th 2006 1:27PM]

There are electrical and cooling problems with my X1/9 phone!
...and is that OIL??

[Joe @ May 15th 2006 2:21PM]

If their cars were any good... I might consider buying one. But the sad truth is that Fiat make crap cars. Who would want to be walking around with a mobile with a massive FIAT logo on the side? If it was Aston Martin or Jaguar then I would buy one!

[rust bucket @ May 15th 2006 2:38PM]

What do you mean the chassis is about to fall off. Damn cheap Russian steel!

[Rymix @ May 15th 2006 2:46PM]

Ooo...Fiat.

:rolleyes:

[kobayashi @ May 15th 2006 2:58PM]

I think they will target low cost-low quality phone market with this new phones. This seems their main policy . But maybe they will change this... :)

[Lorenzo @ May 15th 2006 4:29PM]

Guys, I'm italian and I can tell you that Fiat has developed a quite particular marketing strategy based on his storic brand. It is centered on high quality non-automotive products, like sweaters, plush or shoes, and now cellphones too. Here in Italy Fiat and Alfa Romeo sweaters costs over 200 Euros, and shoes costs about 300 Euros. And, you know what? They have a huge success! People looking good or stylish spend a lot of money on this things! (and many others try to buy illegal imitations)

For this reasons, I can tell you that probably those cellphones are going to cost a lot too!

If you want to take a look, search "felpa fiat" or "scarpe fiat" on google images.

p.s. sorry for my english! ^_^ )