Fiat Brand's 'House Arrest' Exceeds 1 Million Views on Brand's YouTube Channel

AUBURN HILLS, MI--March 8, 2012:

'House Arrest' to make its broadcast debut during the NCAA Basketball Tournament

In less than one week since its debut on the Fiat Brand's YouTube channel, "House Arrest" has hit more than 1 million viewers. The Fiat brand unveiled the new commercial for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth online the afternoon of Thursday, Mar. 1; this morning the spot exceeded 1 million views. The spot is set to make its broadcast debut on Thursday, March 15 during the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

"This commercial was designed to generate brand awareness and capture interest for the Fiat 500 Abarth in a manner that is intended to be edgy and fun, said Olivier Francois, Head of Fiat Brand worldwide and Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC. "We are overwhelmed and thrilled with the interest generated for this spot and we are excited for its debut on evening and late night programming."

"House Arrest," features iconic bad boy and actor, Charlie Sheen and marks the return of Catrinel Menghia, the sensation from "Seduction" the brand's first Super Bowl commercial. In the spot, a crowd cheers on Sheen as he races through a luxurious home in a Fiat 500 Abarth. Screeching to a stop, Sheen exits the vehicle, sporting an ankle monitor, as the same woman featured in "Seduction" flirtatiously approaches him.

"House Arrest" was created in partnership with Doner of Detroit and can be viewed at the FIAT brand's YouTube site, Fiat USA YouTube.

About the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

Building on the excitement of the new 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), the new Fiat 500 Abarth is designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving purists who want the ultimate high-performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic.

With its all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design and technology features not traditionally included on a small car, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth unleashes the brand's legendary performance heritage to American streets. The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $22,000 (not including destination).