Have a FaceBook, Twitter, or other social networking account?

Link them to your fanatic account!

Add An Account

TAKE ME TO...
New Models
AUTOS: 165 U.S. Dealers Planned For Fiat
Chrylser Group meets with 400 dealers to outline requirements for franchises to sell Fiat 500s.
Bob Golfen  |  Posted August 31, 2010   Auburn Hills, MI
Fiat displayed a new Fiat 500 along with an original during the recent Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan. (Photo: Chrysler Group)
The return of Fiat to our shores will begin with 165 dealerships selling Fiat 500 subcompacts at existing Chrysler Group dealerships, the automaker told dealers Monday at a meeting with 400 dealers.

The dealers met with a Chrysler Group team responsible for establishing a Fiat network in 119 U.S. markets by the end of this year, with dealerships located mainly in metropolitan areas because of their high-percentage of small-car registrations. The invited dealers have stores in those target areas.

During the meeting, the team outlined for the dealers the requirements for adding the Fiat brand to their stores. Competitive proposals for the Fiat franchises must be submitted by Sept. 22, and Chrysler Group expects to name the dealers during the fourth quarter.

The new Fiat 500 would be sold through franchised Chrysler Group dealerships. (Photo: Fiat)
“We have determined the areas of the country where they can succeed and grow,” said Peter Grady, Chrysler Group’s vice president of Network Development and Fleet. “Now they must submit proposals detailing their plan for representing Fiat, from the showroom to sales, marketing and after sales.”

The new Fiat retail network will begin selling the U.S. version of the Fiat 500 late this year, the automaker said, and the Fiat 500 Cabrio model in 2011. The Fiat 500 will be built in Toluca, Mexico.

The retro-styled 500 is the updated version of the tiny rear-engine Fiat 500 that put Italy on wheels in the 1960s and which has becoming an enduring collector’s item in Europe. The approach is similar to the Volkswagen New Beetle and Mini Cooper that also recall popular small cars.

The North American version of the Fiat 500 will be equipped with Fiat’s 1.4-liter, inline four-cylinder Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) featuring the MultiAir system, a system that reduces fuel consumptions and emissions by 10 percent. The engine is manufactured in the United States.

“The Fiat brand offers our dealers the opportunity to be part of a unique experience,” said Laura Soave, H\head of Fiat Brand North America. “Our dealers will be able to interact with a group of individuals that are not part of their current customer base. These are individuals interested in Italian automotive design coupled with fuel-efficient technology.”

Play Fantasy Racing !
bob_golfen's avatar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bob Golfen

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR
Advertising | Jobs | Feedback | FAQ | Terms of Use | NEW Privacy Policy | Ad Choices | Site Map
Fox Sports | FUEL TV | FX Network | National Geographic | IGN | AskMen
The Motor Sports Authority, SPEED and associated logos are registered trademarks of Speed Channel Inc.
All Rights Reserved © Speed Channel, Inc. 2012

All external links will open in a new browser window. SPEED.com does not endorse external sites.