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Monday, July 5, 2010

New Fiat dealers being selected in the US starting today


Fiat 500 "Pop Up Store". Fiat is very innovative in marketing their brand in Europe


The big news today is that Chrysler is beginning to select dealers to sell the new Fiat 500! As I've reported before on this blog, only select Chrysler dealers will become Fiat dealers. The best of the best, these Fiat dealers will be located in key areas targeted for their potential growth in the small car segment.

What I particularly like is the Fiat dealers will have separate facilities with a dedicated sales and service staff.

Chrysler will announce these new Fiat dealers in two months, during September!

Without further delay, check out the official Chrysler press release:


Chrysler Group LLC Begins the Process of Establishing Fiat Dealer Network

Select group of dealers will be chosen for U.S. Fiat dealer network

Fiat dealers to be located in markets targeted to the small-car segment

Fiat dealers will be located in up to 41 states

Dealers in targeted markets will be sent application guidelines and proposal deadlines this month

July 5, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich.

Chrysler Group LLC has begun the dealer selection process for the reintroduction of the Fiat brand in the United States.

The Fiat brand in the U.S. will feature the New Fiat 500, which recently celebrated the 53rd anniversary of its introduction in Europe. Dealers will begin selling the iconic Fiat 500 late this year and the Fiat 500 Cabrio in 2011.

Chrysler Group expects to select dealers in about 125 markets identified for growth potential in the small-car segment. Fiat dealers will be located in approximately 41 states.




“The Fiat dealer network will be appropriately sized to serve the market opportunity,” said Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our vision is to establish a dealer network that will reflect and enhance the brand’s reputation for innovation and fun, and will offer a unique, personalized customer experience.”

Chrysler Group will send Dealer Application Guides to dealers in the identified markets containing specific Fiat dealer requirements and instructions on submitting a proposal. The guide presents details on facility, sales strategy, accessory sales, service and parts departments, training curriculum and financial requirements.

Dealers must demonstrate how they will market, sell and service Fiat vehicles with a new customer service model. Basic guidelines include.

This video is a little bizarre, but check out this Fiat dealer's facility.




Location – The majority of dealerships will be located in the identified markets

Eligible Dealers – Proposals from Chrysler Group’s best performing dealers will have preference in the identified markets

Dealer Performance – Chrysler Group will evaluate interested dealers on volume performance, minimum sales responsibility accomplishment, capitalization and overall Dealer Standards score. In addition, the company will individually evaluate the proposed facility and customer handling metrics.

Fiat Facility – A completely separate facility will be required to represent the Fiat brand.

Fiat Team – A separate Fiat team will be required to sell and service the Fiat brand.

Fiat Standards – Fiat standards will be unique from existing Chrysler Group Dealer Standards.

Financial – Dealer candidates will have to show that they have the financial resources necessary to support the introduction of the Fiat brand.

Dealers in the target markets will be invited to attend a meeting in Chrysler Group World Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Chrysler Group plans to officially announce its U.S. Fiat dealer network locations in September.


With thanks to Chrysler Media

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ooooo...

I just hope Washington State, specifically the Puget Sound area in the Seattle/Tacoma area one of the target markets...

John

Unknown said...

That is great news! I saw the Fiat 500 online and I was not quite sure where to get this new car Fiat model. I wonder if the Fiat dealer network will have locations in Atlanta.

Fiat500USA.com said...

Hi John and Ana,

I don't have any info on this, but I checked and there are Smart Car dealers in both Seattle and Atlanta so I think that's a good sign.

Now, hopefully there is a dealer with some $$$ to build a new franchise;)

Unknown said...

Spring Dodge will be selling the Fiat 500 under the name of Northside Fiat near Houston, Texas!
I would be happy to keep anyone interested in the 500 up to date on any and all information as I receive it. Please contact me at sellmeafiat500@gmail.com

Unknown said...

A quick update from Northside Fiat. Our website is up and running and would love some input on cars to order. Feel free to visit us at www.northsidefiat.com, build a couple of cars and "email a friend" to frank.smario@northsidefiat.com

Thanks for the Help!

Frank