Announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November, the return of the Fiat 500 to North America, scheduled for 2024 in exclusively electric form, is taking shape a little more at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas this week in which the little Italian is present in both the real and virtual worlds.
First, we find the new Fiat 500e – dressed in a special rose gold color – in the Free2move section of the Stellantis booth. Free2move is a division of the car manufacturer that offers a car rental service for short periods ranging from a few minutes to a few months, through a mobile application.
Although it operates in several countries in Europe and America, including the United States, this company is currently absent in Canada.
Photo: Stellantis
Foray into the Metaverse
Then, on the side of the Microsoft kiosk, CES visitors can discover the Fiat 500e in what is called the “Fiat Metaverse Store”. It is basically a showroom and online store. Already in service for Fiat customers in Italy, this solution will make its debut with us in the winter of 2024 when the 500th goes on sale.
The virtual environment is said to be user-friendly and accessible by computer, tablet or smartphone without any other equipment. It therefore does not require a virtual reality headset. A product specialist is available at all times to answer questions and guide consumers as they explore the car inside and out. The brand’s goal is to reinvent the automotive shopping experience, as many others are doing.
Photo: Stellantis
The official unveiling of the Fiat 500e North American model will take place at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show (November 17-26) and technical details will be known at that time.