Fiat screwing up their chances in the US

[AndyS]

No one will buy the entry level stuff if there is a more attractive offering

Car manufacturers may think this, but i do not agree. Maybe the case with a Camaro or some other high performance car, but not with the 500. a lot of people would still have wanted the lower priced, more economical version as an entry level option. No one can convince me Fiat couldn't have sold twice as many cars the first year if they were a bit more organised, and had several versions of power output available. And its really important the first year or so to get the cars on the road and dealerships established.


Bty The way, the 115 HP Cooper and 163HP Cooper S were both available right off the bat as first year 2002 models, and the JCW version was not far behind. I know a few car enthusiast that got the S version as soon as the Mini was released.

http://www.edmunds.com/mini/cooper/2002 ... =100074117

[So Cal Mark]

being more organized and offering different models are two different things. Yes, their launch was horrible and they completely screwed up the dealer network. But if the Abarth was available last year, they wouldn't have sold any Pops or Sports.
Why dance with the ugly girl if the cute one is standing next to her?

[Daniel]

Bty The way, the 115 HP Cooper and 163HP Cooper S were both available right off the bat as first year 2002
models, and the JCW version was not far behind. I know a few car enthusiast that got the S version as soon
as the Mini was released

The fact that Fiat and Chrysler are partnered up may sound like a double negative to most consumers look-
ing for a car I mean the Chrysler name was all over the news just a couple years ago and none of it sounded
good . Plus the bad press and name Fiat has ( past experience ) in general here in the US Market . I
am sure the variables can go on and on when it comes to reasons I do know this when i bring up fiat or people
see mine and know the name I'll hear a story of someone who owned one and most of the time it's not a happy
ending . Out of all the Fiats i've owned over the year none have been bad cars in the mid 90s my driver was
involved in a car accident so i ended up driving my FI Fiat 131 for months no issues not one the car had over
120k it was over 15 years old even went on a couple long road trips . My blue spider left me stranded one
time the factory coil went out which worked for 26 years . One of my first 131 had broke a couple rear ends
another time u joints but this was from abuse . My feelings on Fiat maybe favorable because of my good
experiences with the Brand .
For the people who hear " oh it's a Fiat ? you know what that means right ? Fix it again Tony " or the bad storys
of them breaking down a lot like I've heard many time isn't working in there favor but that is water under
the bridge now . Breaking into a Market during a recession isn't good timing either, i do hope Fiat becomes a
success also would like to see more models or at least some of the cars they have in Europe ...

[baltobernie]

... and if you think we've got it bad, imagine the Alfa guys who've spent megabucks restoring those lovely early duettos. They will soon be seeing Alfa SUVs based on the Jeep Liberty

[Daniel]

Alfa SUVs based on the Jeep Liberty

is this a SUV they plan to launch here ?

[baltobernie]

From the March 2012 issue of Automobile:
"After several fits and starts, Alfa insists it's finally committed to - and is in fact counting on - a return to the US market. The US relaunch starts in early 2013, when Alfa will (introduce) a new crossover that will be produced in Toledo, Ohio by Jeep alongside the next Compass."

[AndyS]

... and if you think we've got it bad, imagine the Alfa guys who've spent megabucks restoring those lovely early duettos. They will soon be seeing Alfa SUVs based on the Jeep Liberty

and a Dodge Dart

[AndyS]

being more organized and offering different models are two different things. Yes, their launch was horrible and they completely screwed up the dealer network. But if the Abarth was available last year, they wouldn't have sold any Pops or Sports.
Why dance with the ugly girl if the cute one is standing next to her?

you forget that most of the people that have purchased the new 500's are not really car enthusiast like we are. They see a cute upscale small car, something a little different from a Yaris or Smart car / Mini. Most people don't even know what engine their car has in it. The other thing about the regular 500's, is I know they are going to be quieter and ride much smoother than the Abarth, which are things a lot of people care about. A few years back I was looking for a newer Audi A4, and the local dealer didn't have a single car on the floor with the sports suspension. "most people complain that they ride too rough" was what the salesman told me. I wouldn't even think of owning an Audi without the sports suspension, so i guess I am not your normal car buyer.

[kmead]

Snip

A few years back I was looking for a newer Audi A4, and the local dealer didn't have a single car on the floor with the sports suspension. "most people complain that they ride too rough" was what the salesman told me. I wouldn't even think of owning an Audi without the sports suspension, so i guess I am not your normal car buyer.

Hell, sport suspension, I can barely find a car around here with a manual transmission at the VW or Audi dealer. Most car buyers only want an appliance, a biege Camry is Americas car. They deserve it.

[geno58]

The Fiat dealer here in St.Louis is in a retired Saturn Dealer ship, that takes a GPS to get to. I stopped in driving my Spider and the sales guy asked if it was an MG. While I was there,I suggested the dealer might consider putting on a Rally or a Car show to get some attention to the brand. Targeting the new Fiat as well as some older Fiats. Perhaps even starting a Factory backed Club, similar to H.O.G., Harley owners group, I think Mini does some thing similar. It would make some good Press, and cheap advertising, so far nothing. Any way maybe we should send Segio or what ever the head guys name is, directing him to some of the Forums out there for our beloved Fiats as well as the Face book following and some Idea's to step up their plan for the U.S. market. Can't hurt!

[Tobi]

The Fiat dealer here in St.Louis is in a retired Saturn Dealer ship, that takes a GPS to get to. I stopped in driving my Spider and the sales guy asked if it was an MG.

How sad is that?! I don't think Fiat deserves a successful come back!

[So Cal Mark]

I disagree about the buyers of the 500. I believe the first 6 months of sales were fueled by former Fiat owners/enthusiasts. The buyers now are not from that category, they're just buying the car since it's cute and fun and fairly cheap. I'm basing this on how aftermarket perf parts sales have been. No Fiat enthusiast has bought a 500 in the last 4-6 months since they knew the Abarth was coming.

[FulviaHF]

...The fact that Fiat and Chrysler are partnered up may sound like a double negative to most consumers looking for a car ...

You know, the sad thing is that I doubt most of the car-buying public has any idea that Fiat owns Chrysler.

[mdrburchette]

What I have noticed in my area is people still look at my car with amusement and very much interest. When I stop anywhere, they still ask me a lot of questions. I rarely hear any negative remarks about Fiat. Maybe my imposing demeanor keeps them from saying anything, but people are genuinely interested in the car.
On the other hand, it seems some that have purchased the car seem uninterested in club or driving events. The car is a way to get from point A to point B. They are not interested in performance or handling capabilities. It's a cute little appliance.
The dealerships in my area are enthusiastic and want to host gatherings. I am very fortunate that they seem to be car people first and salespeople second. I look forward to helping them spark interest in the community.

[AndyS]

Called my local dealer yesterday to see if they had their Abarth sample yet. they had Told me a month ago they expected one late in January. they sounded a little frustrated when I asked them if they new when the sample and first cars to sell would be arriving. Took my number to call me.