03-05-2011, 08:58 PM | #1 |
New Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 20
|
What's the response so far to the Fiat 500
Wondering what the response has been like at Chrysler dealers that are going to be selling the Fiat 500, both on the customer side as well as the dealership/service side? is there a technician's revolt in the works similar to what was seen @ Mercedes when the Smart ForTwo first showed up? I know that locally the Prima Edizione has sold out, although they've had at least one person back out of their deposit.
|
03-06-2011, 09:54 PM | #2 |
Administrator
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,869
|
I think it's still too early to tell. As I understand it Chrysler's running a little behind schedule and the first Fiat 500s available for retail delivery are still a week or so away.
Personally, I liked the Fiat 500 when I first heard about it and I still like the car today. That said, I think Marchionne's demand for a separate dealer network is INSANE and it's really clouded my perspective. If 100% of Chrysler's dealers had access to the Fiat 500 I'd be hoping for the cars success. As it stands, I've mostly lost interest in the vehicle and I wouldn't shed a tear if it got crushed in the marketplace. |
03-07-2011, 10:06 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 290
|
how many fiat based products are being built& sold by CHRYSLER dealers today vs how many chrysler products are being built& sold by
fiat/ lancia dealers today??? |
03-07-2011, 11:51 AM | #4 | |
Administrator
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,869
|
Quote:
Marchionne slaughtered all of the dealers in Europe who had dealer agreements with the old Chrysler and now he's exporting the Jeeps, Chrysler 300 and Chrysler Town and Country to his Fiat/Lancia dealers. In fact, Automotive News had an article a week or so ago indicating that Marchionne needs these vehicles to reverse the sales slide his brands have been experiencing in Europe. As I recall, the first Fiat based vehicle for ALL the Chrysler dealers won't arrive until the end of this year - I think it's a small car that will be branded as a Dodge. |
|
03-07-2011, 01:09 PM | #5 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 136
|
Quote:
The stand-alone C/J dealers must LOVE their product line-up so far. |
|
03-07-2011, 02:48 PM | #6 | |
Administrator
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,869
|
Quote:
Based on this quick review it's possible that Europe's Fiat Dealers will have five re-badged Chryslers to sell before the U.S. Chrysler dealers receive their first Fiat based vehicle. In fairness I've read that it's easier to certify a U.S. vehicle to meet Euro specs as opposed to the other way around, but I still don't think Chrysler's made much of an effort to fast-track new product for the U.S. dealers. Maybe I'm wrong - time will tell... |
|
03-07-2011, 03:17 PM | #7 | ||
Administrator
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,869
|
Quote:
According to the report the vehicle will be built in the U.S. and equipped with the Fiat 1.4 liter engine. It will be smaller than the Caliber and Chrysler will offer a version that gets at least 40 MPG so Fiat can get a 5% equity bonus from the U.S. Government. Quote:
Initially it was Chrysler's plan to limit the brand offerings to force dealers to consolidate to Genesis - I don't know if that's still their strategy or not? |
||
03-08-2011, 07:36 AM | #8 |
New Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 20
|
Its definitely an interesting time for Chrysler as a brand... and it sure shows that the times are changing. the enthusiasm I've heard regarding the new Fiat has been widespread, whereas I cant remember the last time i heard speaking enthusiastically about a Chrysler. Hopefully the old line of "Fix It Again Tony" doesn't come back to haunt.
|
03-08-2011, 10:26 AM | #9 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 224
|
Quote:
Sure, the Service Manager isn't too thrilled about the Special Tools and I'm not to thrilled about a 450+ part number initial parts shipment with no room to put the stuff..... but itz k. We'll figure it out as usual. Hopefully the little bastard will sell great and we'll stay busy. |
|
03-10-2011, 06:15 PM | #10 |
New Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 20
|
i wouldn't be surprised to see it do well. after all the bad luck and bad press the Japanese market has seen, and how little there is on the market in that micro-car segment other than the Japanese, this seems like it would be an easy alternative for many.
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
I saw my first Fiat 500 commercial on TV last night | XDCX | Sales | 13 | 09-13-2011 06:18 PM |
Fiat 500 in auction | gingersnap | Sales | 11 | 07-18-2011 09:11 AM |
Details on the Fiat 500 Abarth | XDCX | Sales | 3 | 08-04-2010 03:40 PM |
Chrysler restores FWS program in response to National Dealer Council request | XDCX | Service | 3 | 07-29-2010 09:47 AM |