International menu.(Fiat Auto S.p.A. and Ford Motor Co. to make small cars)

Automotive News, November, 2005

Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Auto S.p.A. will make small cars for Europe, in Poland.

But don't look for these tiny cars on U.S. shores.

The vehicles will share platforms and powertrains but have different sheet metal. They will be built at Fiat's plant in Tychy, Poland.

Fiat's car, named the 500, will reach showrooms in 2007. Ford's variant, a replacement for the Ka, will follow about a year later. It is smaller than the Focus.

Fiat is first out of the gate because it started work on the 500 several months before it cut the deal with Ford.

CAPTION(S):

A replacement for the Ford Ka, above, is coming with Fiat's help.