Fiat hasn't sold cars in the U.S. market in more than two decades, but they could be coming back within two years. At least the tiny 500 could be on its way. Fiat was already known to be looking for a location for a North American assembly plant to produce Alfa Romeos for our market. Alfas are scheduled to be on sale here around the end of 2009 and a plant is scheduled to be online by 2010. The same plant could also end up producing the 500. Speaking at a conference in Europe last week, Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne declared that he felt the 500 could prove popular in the U.S. market and could be sold as a stand-alone brand in much the same way that MINI stands apart from parent BMW. Marchionne wants to finish rolling out the rest of the 500 lineup before launching it in the US. Next year a convertible will join the current 3-door hatch and a longer wheelbase model à la the MINI Clubman will follow a year later. If the 500 is built here, the upcoming Alfa Romeo Mi.To could also join the party, making for a fascinating lineup of small cars.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Alfa Romeo Kamal concept

Car-obsessed Americans will get another chance at the historic Alfa Romeo brand soon enough, as the company is planning on a resurgence for the U.S. market. As is the current trend among automakers, along with the beautiful range of automobiles that the Italian marque will be bringing to our shores, it plans on offering a crossover as well. Expect something in line with BMW's current utility vehicle offerings. What's more interesting to us at AutoblogGreen, though, is a possible hybrid system snagged from Fiat, which owns Alfa. Even if the full hybrid drivetrain is left off the docket, at the very least, a mild hybrid system in the form of stop/start will almost assuredly be available.

As an aside, take a good look at the Kamal concept from 2003. Looks a bit like the Subaru Tribeca before its last redesign, wouldn't you say?

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Autoblog]

At Geneva Motor Show earlier this month Alfa Romeo introduced their new mini-car, the Mi.To. Now they've released a cool video showing that just because a car is small and economical, it doesn't mean that fun has to be left behind. Back in my former life before I started writing full-time, I was a controls engineer developing software for ABS, traction and stability control systems. That required spending many winter weeks and months in snowy northern climes like Sault Ste. Marie and Arvidsjaur, Sweden. This particular video takes me back to those days of blasting around on frozen lakes in Sweden. The smaller cars, like Opel Astras, were usually the preferred vehicles for their toss-ability. It looks like the even smaller Mi.To again proves you don't need big power to have fun. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via World Car Fans]

What happens when you stick Alfa Romeo's 2.4 JTDM 20V diesel engine into the Alfa Spider? How about 200bhp, a top speed of 141 mph and the ability to go 52.3 miles on a gallon of diesel (Imperial). Combined cycle is 41.5, and in the city, the Spider gets 30.7. How 'bout them apples?

Thanks to a diesel particulate filter, this Spider complies with Euro IV emissions standards and the upcoming Euro V. For this kind of clean performance, Alfa Romeo will ask you for £28,995. If you're keen on the car but a little short of cash, check out another picture (and the press release) after the break.

[Source: Alfa Romeo]