DETROIT - Fiat is coming back to the United States after a 30-year absence, and now Chrysler Group dealers have to decide whether they want to sell the Italian brand that initially will offer just one model, the tiny Fiat 500.

At a meeting in Detroit Monday, about 400 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers who want to sell Fiats were told the exotic minicar at first will be the only 2011 model in their Fiat showrooms.

Chrysler, controlled by Italy's Fiat, was short on specifics, such as price and future models. A larger model was promised, although covered by a tarp.

Chrysler hopes to sell 50,000 of the stylish, bulb-shaped 500s the first year they arrive. Eventually, four versions will be offered, a standard 500, a cloth-top convertible, a high performance version with up to 185 horsepower, and in 2012, an electric version, the dealers said.

Fiat-run Chrysler Group wants the 500 to become a strong contender in the U.S. small-car market, where the Detroit automaker has struggled for years. The car will be sold by about 165 Chrysler Group dealers in 125 mainly big-city markets starting in December. Chrysler hopes the tiny Italian car will help its lackluster sales.

Dealers will be asked to build separate showrooms and have separate sales and service staffs for the cars to help create a distinctive European aura for the 500.

Many dealers were impressed, but some were left with questions about whether it would be worth the investment because future models were not unveiled. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, who also runs Fiat, has said Fiat dealers will get first shot at selling the Alfa Romeo brand when it returns to the United States in 2012.

Dealers were happy for a chance to sell a competitive small car, because they have had little to offer in the segment.

"There's no doubt about it. It's a home run," said Alan Helfman, vice president of River Oaks Chrysler Jeep in Houston. "It's not going to make it from Day One, but it will be a good seller, and it's a market I don't play in right now."

Helfman, whose dealership is near Rice University, said the car will appeal to younger people who care about the environment and fuel economy.

Pricing for the 500 wasn't announced, but it's expected to be around $15,000. That's close to its main competitors, the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta. Dealers were told to expect profit margins of $1,200 to $1,500.

Dealers have until Sept. 22 to apply for Fiat franchises. Chrysler said it will pick its dealers in the fourth quarter.