Chrysler dealerships to bid on Fiat 500

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 6 (UPI) -- U.S. automaker Chrysler said it had invited its dealerships to bid on rights to sell the Fiat 500 and that only 125 outlets would be approved.

Potentially, 2,300 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram truck dealers could bid on the option to sell the small Fiats, which are scheduled to go on sale in the United States in December, the Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday.

In addition to a general investment in the brand, Chrysler is requiring dealerships arrange for showroom space that is separate from their Chrysler brand vehicles, company spokesman Ralph Kisiel said.

The four-cylinder vehicle is scheduled for construction in Toluca, Mexico, using engines made in Dundee, Mich.

The company has said half of the 100,000 Fiat 500s would be sold in the states, while the other half would be targeted for South America.