Reader Snaps Fiat 500 at Times Square, New York City

Times Square, the most bustling place in Manhattan with more neon lights and taxis than there are grains of sand in the desert, yet our reader Jorge P. managed to snag a Fiat 500 mini that was passing by on the road. There's no way of knowing whether it's a test car, a private import or maybe even a personal vehicle of a Fiat exec, but what we do know is that the Italians are planning to bring the retro-styled mini to the U.S. towards the end of 2010 or early 2011.

According to the latest reports, the Fiat Group, which took a 20% stake in Chrysler earlier this year as part of the automaker's exit from bankruptcy protection, is planning to build the U.S.-bound 500s at Chrysler's plant in Toluca, Mexico.

Here's what Carscoop reader Jorge Prudencio had to say about his encounter with the Fiat 500:

"Just wanted to share a picture of a late model Fiat 500 cruising through Times Square Saturday, September 19th. I was walking through the area when I caught it going by. I only had time to snap one picture, and didn't get a chance to see the plates etc. (the crowd was pretty heavy at the time). I can only speculate that it was a local Fiat enthusiast that brought it over from Europe, and it is not a test mule as it was looking like the production version shown at all the major auto shows (my 2 cents)."

Hat tip to Jorge!