km : Aftermarket and Industry News

In Auburn Hills, Michigan yesterday, 400 dealers from 165 metropolitan areas gathered to hear Chrysler officials talk about both the history and future of the Fiat brand in America. While the past is filled with some questionable quality that was likely ignored in the talks, the future is all about the charming little 500, which will go on sale late this year in coupe form with a cabriolet joining the mix in 2011.

“The Fiat brand offers our dealers the opportunity to be part of a unique experience,” said Laura Soave, 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. Our dealers will be the key point of contact with our customers, and thereby, a crucial part of the success of the Fiat brand.”

Having learned all they need to know, each of the dealers invited now has until September 22 to draw out and submit proposals that outline showroom layouts, sales plans, marketing efforts, and after sales organization. It sounds like Chrysler is making every effort to create a strong and serious dealer group for the 500's launch, and that's a great thing.

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