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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

New Fiat dealers must be up by Feb 28...



Here's the latest Fiat dealer news; All Fiat dealers are expected to be up and running by February 28, 2011. Then in March, a full scale marketing campaign will ensue.

Fiat 500 production will begin in December with some cars making their way to dealers already able to handle the new cars before the February date. This time frame will enable Fiat to build up inventory and supply the growing dealer body.


Deadline Near



Back on August 30, Fiat NA met with about 400 Chrysler dealers to outline the requirements to become a Fiat dealer in the United States. Prospective Fiat dealers must submit a competitive proposal for a Fiat franchise by Sept. 22.



These plans must include a detailed facility proposal including a letter of intent to meet Fiat's facility expectations, construction site plans, a budget and a construction time line.

As posted here before, dealers can start off with a showroom, but must have plans for a separate facility. This will be warranted as new Fiat models, such as the 500c and Abarth, will be coming shortly.

The Fiat Studio


Showrooms will be called The Fiat Studio and will be "inspired by modern Italian design." Each store is expected to have 20-37 Fiat specialists, with a service area between 5 -11 stalls.



Fiat NA believes its clients will be individuals with a strong appreciation of design, style and fashion and a strong appreciation of Italy and Italian culture. (I think they're correct, don't you?)



In October, the company expects to name about 165 dealers, mainly located in metropolitan areas chosen for their high concentration of small-car registrations.



Sources: Compiled from Internet, Chrysler Media

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice images as always. Thanks Chris.

Finding out where the dealerships are going will be key for many of us who don't live in LA :)

Other big news I would like to know soon:

Price. MPG. What the Primi edition looks like inside and out. etc etc. Also, what is the MSRP on the Primi and how does Fiat keep the dealers from going over that number (Nissan has spoiled me with the LEAF roll out...When you put down a deposit with Nissan you own the car and are just using the dealer for delivery...so no mark up...I hope Fiat does the same as mark up above MSRP will have me thinking long and hard about waiting a while.)

I kinda fear in this economy that Albuquerque won't be getting a Fiat dealership...but I can easily get the car in Phoenix and drive it home...much easier than buying a LEAF in Phoenix and driving it 450 miles to Albuquerque...that would have taken a few days with having to recharge.

Gavin

FRF said...

On a lark I called 8 of the biggest Chrysler dealers where I live (1 hr east of NYC) and asked if they were going to become a FIAT dealer. The lack of knowledge from the management that I spoke to was shocking. Not a single manager knew when they were going to set up the FIAT area. Several said the cars would be in sometime in 2012. Most did not have any clue about the recent announcements from Chrysler nor did they have any idea how I pre-ordered one. I was told "the customers know more then we do" to which I replied "it's in the Chrysler press releases and on the internet". Is there any wonder why most of these dealers are suffering? I hope FIAT makes sure the dealers they choose are interested in the product. It may make for less dealers but it will make for a better buying experience.

Drivers Ed Georgia said...

Good move by Fiat, what ever may be the number of dealers your adding to the network, Just make sure that dealers aware of the product well and also look into the dealers interest of selling the product first else you will lose the customers like "F R Frey"

Anonymous said...

Good to hear that, thanks Chris for this info. Cann't wait to get my hands on this beauty.

Fiat500USA.com said...

Anonymous said...
Nice images as always. Thanks Chris.

Finding out where the dealerships are going will be key for many of us who don't live in LA :)

Other big news I would like to know soon:

Price. MPG. What the Primi edition looks like inside and out. etc etc. Also, what is the MSRP on the Primi and how does Fiat keep the dealers from going over that number (Nissan has spoiled me with the LEAF roll out...When you put down a deposit with Nissan you own the car and are just using the dealer for delivery...so no mark up...I hope Fiat does the same as mark up above MSRP will have me thinking long and hard about waiting a while.)

I kinda fear in this economy that Albuquerque won't be getting a Fiat dealership...but I can easily get the car in Phoenix and drive it home...much easier than buying a LEAF in Phoenix and driving it 450 miles to Albuquerque...that would have taken a few days with having to recharge.

Gavin

Hi Gavin,

We'll have to all wait and see. I'm thinking that the new dealers have really had to work hard to get the Fiat franchise and are suppose to be the best. I am hoping for a great dealership experience.

I'm really excited about picking up a Prima Edizione and want to document my dealership experience ie., delivery, accessories, service for all to see.

Fiat500USA.com said...

F R Frey said...
"On a lark I called 8 of the biggest Chrysler dealers where I live (1 hr east of NYC) and asked if they were going to become a FIAT dealer. The lack of knowledge from the management that I spoke to was shocking. Not a single manager knew when they were going to set up the FIAT area. Several said the cars would be in sometime in 2012. Most did not have any clue about the recent announcements from Chrysler nor did they have any idea how I pre-ordered one. I was told "the customers know more then we do" to which I replied "it's in the Chrysler press releases and on the internet". Is there any wonder why most of these dealers are suffering? I hope FIAT makes sure the dealers they choose are interested in the product. It may make for less dealers but it will make for a better buying experience."


Hi F R Frey,
The goal is to pick the best and brightest so I'm optimistic.

I would bet (hope) many of the dealers you called are not applying for a Fiat franchise. And if they are, there is a selection process and a LOT of money that needs to be come up with. Until all this happens, you probably won't get a lot of info from a Manager.