Fiat has Apple Envy

Wants its Retro Car to be iPod of Autos

In Europe the Fiat Cinquecento, like the VW Beetle and the Mini, was an icon of the 50s and 60s. Eyeing the retro wave and BMW's success with the Mini, Fiat is betting on its future by looking to its past. The redesigned Cinquecento, which means 500, like the original is targeted at the mass market and will be selling for 10,000 Euros ($13,600). Power to the people!

Implications - The car was revealed at a huge event that was televised in Turin, Italy. The little car was out of production for 32 years but it is now back and better than ever. It is a little bit bigger than the original and totally stylish.

Retro Wave in Auto Industry
Fiat's success with redesigned Cinquecento shows potential for other car manufacturers to tap into this trend.
Affordable Mass Market Cars
Fiat's Cinquecento's price point at $13,600 opens up opportunities for other car manufacturers to target a wider audience.
Emulating Successful Brands
Fiat's move to emulate BMW's success with the Mini opens up opportunities for other brands to look to successful companies for insight.

Who This Affects Most

Automotive Industry
Automotive companies looking to tap into the retro wave trend and mass market affordability can model Fiat's approach.
Consumer Electronics Industry
Fiat's move to emulate Apple's marketing strategy with their Cinquecento release could potentially open up partnerships between automotive and electronics manufacturers.
Marketing Industry
Fiat's successful marketing campaign with their Cinquecento release demonstrates the successful use of nostalgia and retro branding, which could inspire other marketers to tap into this trend.
SCORE
2.2 out of 10
GENDER
70% Men30% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe, Asia
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 53%
Activity 5%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X