Lancia: Lamentazioni

Benvenuti amici!

Over the past few weeks we have shared snapshots of FIAT, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati… the FIAT Famiglia of coach brands. Last, but certainly not least, our gaze falls upon Lancia Automobili S.p.A. With the brand on the life support that is rebadged Chryslers and the lonely little Ypsilon, we figured it is time we put together a short history of the brand and what it meant, and possibly still means, to Italians and petrol heads in other parts of the world.

Lancia was driven onto the map of automobiles by two FIAT race team drivers; Vincenzo Lancia and Claudio Fogolin. From its early beginnings, Lancia & Co. was a firm of innovation. A short look at Lancia firsts (full electrical system, monocoque body, common use of Sliding Pillar suspension, 5-spd gear box in a production vehicle, V6 engine in full production, the V4 engine and pioneering independent suspension for production vehicles, to name a few) clearly illustrates the important role once filled by the automaker. 

Theta

Lambda

Appia

Aurelia

Fulvia

But innovation comes at a steep price that proved more than the Lancia family could sustain over a long period of time. Eventually, the funding well ran dry and the firm needed to find an interested party to take over. The Lancias found one in 1969… FIAT S.p.A. The deal meant the Lancias would continue to exist as an Italian innovative mainstay and the Angellis would continue to cement their place as the Italian auto group. But FIAT did not simply absorb Lancia, they continued to release new exciting product. In the '70s & early '80s, the range would include rally legends, such as; Stratos, Gamma, Beta & Delta. In fact, as is the case with Ferrari, many of the most beloved Lancia models are products of the FIAT-Lancia era.

Rally Royalty

Hot Tease: Hyena Zagato

Through the '90s, as their parent company recovered from the cost of successful & failed global market strategies, most Lancia models became more 'me-too' than 'I-am'. With money tight, the automaker was, once again, in financial straits. The former industry innovator was, now, bracing itself for the slide to little more than a fond memory in the hearts & minds of Italians.

We come full circle to where this story began. In 2004, Sergio Marchionne was appointed CEO of FIAT. This proved to be no dream job situation. His predecessors left little to be desired and much to be done… the FIAT market share fell 21% in fourteen years and the firm was selling pieces of the family business, like sailors dropping weight to keep their vessel afloat. Alfa Romeo was pulled from important foreign markets and the parent company was pouring substantial amounts of cash-flow into newly acquired Maserati. Marchionne was charged with performing industry triage. The Agnellis had to stop bleeding finances and restructure the family business in way that would ensure they would see the next decade.

Marchionne paired Maserati with Ferrari and, later, grouped FIAT's ABARTH division with a new paring of Maserati & Alfa Romeo. This would better maximize the high cost of technological and high performance advancements. The mainstream FIAT range would also benefit from this new grouping, as ABARTHs have traditionally been based on existing FIAT models. In addition, don Marchionne paved new paths to markets FIAT had previously abandoned. 

An Ameri-Italian mixed range for Lancia

One of these paths led to the acquisition of Chrysler Group, LLC. Not only did this business decision ease FIATs reentry into the North American market, it offered another pairing idea. The CEO of FIAT saw an opportunity to marry the Chrysler range with Lancia. In lieu of rushing a fresh line-up for the Italian brand, he could rebadge 'Lancia-looking' American cars… Or could he?

The rebadging of Chryslers was never going to work, in the longterm. True, it is easy to see the stylistic similarities between past/modern Chryslers and some past Lancia luxury models. But one cannot repot over 100 years of Italian roots in a fancy Dodge vase. There is absolutely nothing innovative to be found in such a business decision… which means there is nothing Lancia about it.

The Ypsilon, beginning life as the Y10… last of the similarly innovative Autobianchi bloodline, is the only remaining truly Italian Lancia. It is very popular in Italy, selling somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 thousand units per year and boasting several different production versions. But even that is, now, in jeopardy. Italian production of the last of the true Lancias moved to the Tychy plant (the same plant building the 500 & the Panda) in 2011 and the Ypsilon is rebadged as a Chrysler in most non-Italian markets… while being reduced to something of an upscale FIAT in others (but still bearing the Lancia badge).

Last Lancia Standing: Ypsilon 

I dig the Ypsilon… I wish it was available in our market. The updates, over the years, that integrate design cues from the 1939 Ardea as well as the famed Delta have been welcome enhancements to the already upscale runabout. Features, such as; state-of-the-art engineering & build quality, park assist, Start & Stop, ultra-luxury interior materials and many iconic collaborations, help set it apart in its segment. But this fan, and it seems I have company, desires more. Maybe, if we keep our fingers crossed tightly and avoid ending up on Santa's 'naughty list', Marchionne & the Agnellis will find a way to restore the brand that taught us a red elephant can be a symbol of unmatched road course agility & speed. Yeah… just maybe...

Ypsilon HF Integrale Martini: Dream On

Ypsilon HF Integrale Alitalia: Dream On

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Maserati: L'Aumento

Benvenuti amici!

As mentioned last week, we are continuing our look at the current affairs of FIAT Famiglia of brands. FIAT has experienced their struggles with maintaining the legendary status of Alfa Romeo and failed to hold Lancia to high standards after the 1980s… a period when Lancia ruled rally Motorsport and produced models enthusiasts and other brands, alike, lusted after. Ferrari has always been something of a free range stallion, able to hold its own on the FIAT ranch.

That, of course, brings us to Maserati S.p.A. Maserati's tagline is Luxury, sports and style cast in exclusive cars and it's mission statement is Build Ultra-Luxury Performance Automobiles With Timeless Italian Style, Accommodating Bespoke Interiors, and Effortless, Signature Sounding Power. So, you may be wondering how a coach builder best known for creating affordable runabouts manages such a company? If that is the first question that comes to your mind, you do not ponder alone. Let's take a look.

The Evolution of the Trident

Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati began their collective career in the automobile industry as many Italians of their time did… building race cars (in their case, for Diatto). When Diatto retired production, in 1926, Maserati was effectively born. Mario Maserati created the Trident of Neptune logo, pictured above. But the brothers sold the company (to the Orsi family) in 1937 and returned to engineering cars, something they were better suited to do. The evolution of the firm was interrupted by WWII and began anew shortly after the war ended. Maserati resumed what it knew best… racing. That is, until 1957 when the renowned race coach builder began privateering. This period saw a continued focus on performance, albeit in luxurious models such as; the Sebring, the Mistral, the Quattroporte and the Ghibli. These models, in retrospect, were the basis for the definition of the Maserati standard.

Inspired Italian Heritage

Between the late '60s through the early '90s, Maserati ownership changed hands several more times… the most significant change being the FIAT takeover of 1993. Having purchased controlling Ferrari stake in 1969, this meant the two long-time rivals now roamed & grazed on the same range. By 1999, Ferrari controlled Maserati… it's, then, luxury division… and effectively began the Maserati renaissance period. 

Rebirth of the Cool

The Ferrari Enzo-based MC12, helped convince Ferrari to completely retool the Maserati factory in 2001. The super car and high tech facility have led to great global success for the firm. In 2005, FIAT… separating the Trident from the Prancing Horse… began considering the next step in the evolution of the 'Modena Muscle'. Expansion of the range, to create a more lucrative campaign, worked for competitors. So, the modern Maserati range includes; the Quattroporte, the Ghibli, the GranTurismo & the GranCabrio (with the Levante SUV and a new Alfieri on the way). Each new model broadens consumer appeal, while maintaining the allure of the exclusive luxury-performance nameplate… and the turn of fortune for the once questionable future of the marque has not escaped the notice of the Italian builder of runabouts. 

Timeless Italian Style

In 2010, FIAT (already successfully using Alfa Tech in new FIAT models) officially announced a partnership group for Maserati, Alfa Romeo and ABARTH. Sergio Marchionne cites the shared heritage of performance as the basis for this decision. Since the birth of the partnership, the parent company has released or announced several exciting new models, including; ABARTH upscale editions, the FIAT 500L (fitted with an ABARTH engine), the FIAT 500X (an AWD/performance expansion of the 500L range), an upcoming new FIAT model (rumored to be a Spider originally meant for the Alfa range), the Quadrifoglio Verde luxury updates of the Alfa Romeo MiTo & Giulietta and the Alfa Romeo 4C. The list, my friends, is still growing.

Good for Maserati = Good for Alfa, ABARTH, FIAT

Thanks, in part, to the modernizing of Maserati while partnered with Ferrari, the brand has proven itself a very profitable investment for FIAT S.p.A. The sharing of technology + materials will continue to improve future concept as well as production models for each brand. That equates to more smiles by the mile for all fans of Italian coaches. 

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Alfa Romeo: il Ritorno

Benvenuti amici!

Our two most recent blog entries were focused on the current affairs of FIAT and Ferrari, arguably the two most important brands of the FIAT Famiglia. We will continue the trend by taking a peek into the latest happenings of the other siblings from the land of the boot (Alfa Romeo, Maserati & Lancia). This week, Alfa Romeo is under the looking glass.

The mark of luxury & performance

Alfa Romeo, founded 24 June 1910, was born in 1906 as SIAD… a Franco-Italian automobile company. SIAD never really got off the ground. The firm began experiencing financial issues early and the Italian contingency took it over renaming the company Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili (A.L.F.A.).  Led by head designer, don Giuseppe Merosi, and entrepreneur, don Nicola Romeo,  the firm became known as Alfa Romeo in 1920. 

As is the case with many early coach builders, Alfa has its roots in racing and paved the way for other legendary automakers. In this case, we have a very specific example… don Enzo Ferrari began his career in the automobile business as a driver on the Alfa Romeo race team. In fact, Scuderia Ferrari began life as the official Alfa Romeo team (led by don Enzo).

Don Enzo Ferrari: Alfa driver & race team chief

After the exit of don Ferrari, Alfa Romeo continued to win races and build its name among the motorized elite. Don Nicola Romeo exited in 1928 and the Mussolini-led Italian government took over the company soon afterward. It was during the time the company was government held it fully established itself as a national treasure. After WWII, Alfa turned the racing world on its ear and... as is usually the case with a winning thoroughbred… a legend was in the making.

Quadrifoglio Verde: Original mark of performance

Alfa Romeo: Former ruler of the road & track

In the 1970s, despite many automotive innovations, the Alfa Romeo brand was… again… in financial trouble. The Italian government entertained many possibilities, before finally approaching FIAT. The deal seemed to go sour, and even Ford Automobiles put in a bid to purchase a percentage of Alfa, when FIAT offered a complete takeover of the brand responsible for creating a prototype for what could have been the first contemporary front wheel drive car (had the Tipo 103 seen production in the mid '50s).

Tipo 103: 'Groundbreaking coach that never was

The offer from FIAT S.p.A. was quite attractive to the Italian government. This would mean the Alfa Romeo brand would not be controlled by a foreign entity. Thus began a new era for the Milanese coach builder. Alfa Romeo was merged with Lancia in 1986. When one considers the historical beginnings of Alfa & its rival from Torino the merge makes a fair bit of sense. But, as time passed, Alfa Lancia Industriale S.p.A. became more of a luxury brand than track & rally  luxurious gods. Unfortunately, this led to the parent company all but ceasing production of new Lancia models and reducing Alfa Romeo to essentially two models… the MiTo and the Giulietta.

The MiTo & Giulietta: Definition of 'Hot Hatch'

Despite the MiTo, a Supermini, and the Giulietta, the small family car replacement of the 147, being stylish and innovative hatchbacks available in Quadrifoglio Verde versions, they are not captivating or performance-focused enough to carry the brand forward. To be honest, it was not until FIAT purchased Maserati, from Ferrari, that Alfa (now, partnered with the Trident) seemed to gain some promising direction.

The Elkann-Agnelli/Marchionne led FIAT had been toiling over how to best present Alfa Romeo as a global brand again. One thing, this fan believes, Alfa has always gotten right is the emphasis on tradition. A popular model from one era will often spring up at another point. The Giulietta is an example of this practice… as is the 8C Competizione. Marchionne decided this model would be available in the US, at over $250k, but too exclusive to put the brand back on the map in the way it deserved.

The 8C Competizione: Worthy of the badge

The 8C 2900A: Definition of luxurious sports car

In the next few years, FIAT continued to tease us with hints at what the near future may bring (and remind us of the glorious Alfa past) with the introduction of the TZ3 Stradale, built on a Dodge Viper platform, and the TZ3 Corsa, built on an 8C platform. The nods to the Giulia TZ & Giulia TZ2 of the '60s were very limited productions meant only to celebrate 100 years of Alfa Romeo.

TZ3 Stradale & TZ3 Corsa: Road & Track Beauty

Giulia TZ: Luxury sports car

Giulia TZ2: Luxury track car

With the teasing & celebrating out of the way, FIAT needed to get down to the business of introducing something with the mind of the 8C & the glorious spirit of the TZ3 Corsa, albeit with a more reasonable price tag. Enter the Alfa Romeo 4C.

4C: Future four cylinder road ruler

4C: Future four cylinder track torcher

The 4C manages to check off all the boxes on what the Alfa brand needs. It is a true successor to the throne… a luxurious road & track coach… and priced just right. At $60k, the 4C costs considerably more than the MiTo and Giulietta. But the price tag will not discourage the sales numbers the brand desperately needs to establish it as a viable global entity and proper competitor with various German luxury sports brands.

FIAT has also hinted at a plan to follow a similar path, with Alfa Romeo, to that of its Maserati neighbor. That means at least one D-segment entry… to include a possible SUV. Considering how spot-on the flagship offering is, I am eager to see an entire range of Milanese coaches on USAmerican roads & tracks.

The future, my friends, is now.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Ferrari: Italiano Puro

Benvenuti amici!

As mentioned in our last blog entry, FIAT S.p.A. has officially gone global. Every move the company, led by John Elkann & Sergio Marchionne, makes causes shockwaves through the automotive community and is covered by every news outlet. The latest move to rock the FIAT world is the resignation of Ferrari Chairman, don Luca di Montezemolo. His resignation comes only five months after the resignation of Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari's former Formula One (F1) Chief. Domenicali resigned as a direct result the failure of Team Ferrari to secure a title since 2007 as well as struggling to keep up with Mercedes powered competitors… steadily losing ground for four seasons. He was replaced by president & CEO of Ferrari North America, Marco Mattiacci. As unnerving as that news was, nothing could prepare Prancing Pony fans for Montezemolo's exit.

Standing on the Shoulder of a Giant

I could regurgitate everything you have, no doubt, read one hundred times in as many different places. But I prefer to tackle a statement made by don Montezemolo… namely regarding his fear Ferrari will become an American company (under the leadership of Sergio Marchionne). Is he referring to future possibilities of Ferrari creating estate coaches/station wagons? He couldn't be. The FF was introduced under the guidance of don Montezemolo. 

An AWD, utilitarian performance Italian beauty

Is he referring to Ferrari merchandise stores and Ferrari (German multinational) sneakers & other brand apparel appearing on the racks of shoe stores in USAmerican cities? No… we've had those for years. Is he referring to affordable, not exclusive, timepieces available to the general public… rather than a short list of individuals owning no fewer than five Ferraris (two of which must have been purchased new)? Of course not, Movado has been creating/selling Scuderia Ferrari sport watches for two years. I am a proud owner of one and look forward to purchasing at least one more.

Ferrari Boutique

So, to what is Montezemolo referring when he communicates a fear his beloved Ferrari... a company he's devoted most of his adult life to successfully growing… may become American? My guess has been mentioned in the same articles reporting the resignation news. Don Montezemolo is concerned with the FIATCHRYSLER New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) move. Many executives have amassed indecent mounds of currency from the vision/s of Vincenzo Lancia, Nicola Romeo, the brothers Maserati & Enzo Ferrari. All of these great men made their dreams reality.

Maserati, Romeo & Ferrari: Last Dreams Standing

As times and fortunes changed, the Agnelli family 'rescued' these coach builders from foreign clutches… allowing space for future dream-like Italian realities. Ferraris, like the other heavyweights under the FIAT S.p.A. umbrella, are the stuff of petrol head fantasy. I can understand a bit of fear & loathing at the thought of their favorite glorious brand becoming little more than a faded memory. But one would need to be blind to miss the truth… Ferrari could never lose its Italian-ness. 

Consider, for a moment, Marchionne's failed attempt at keeping Lancia on life support by rebadging Chryslers. Lancia began life as an innovative force and continued it, early after the FIAT takeover, as a rally dominator. At no time could Lancia have been successful as anything less. Marchionne proved this. With Lancia, the story has always been 'Go big or go home'.

Rally Legends

The Ferrari story is no different… 'Go big or go home'. No one… no one… in the automotive industry goes big like the Italians and it is perfectly exhibited with the Prancing Horse. Where they trade stock does nothing to change that historical fact. In a world that considers one million and counting runabouts sold as unconvincing success, raising Ferrari production to 10k from 7k is hardly diluting the exclusivity of those wonderful coaches. A few more Ferraris sold will allow the firm to continue pouring fortunes into F1, and fine street dreams, while contributing to the corporate account. This may not set well with tifosi. But, then again, boutiques & such may not have set well with il Commendatore. I mean, don Montezemolo was brought in by don Ferrari to win races not strut runways. Remember, friends, I own a Scuderia Ferrari watch. I am not disrespecting the former Chariman. I am proposing an alternate POV to the Soap Opera offered by agencies paid to create drama.

Times change, people change and business certainly changes. But true legends can never lose their glory… that includes Ferrari. The sky is not falling. Go back to dreaming & cheering.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

FIAT: Going Global

Benvenuti amici!

As the title of the entry suggests, this week I am writing about the global phenomena that is… now… FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES (FCA). 

FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMIBLES US HQ

In todays auto market, a company without a desire/plan to grow beyond their homeland and region of the world will most surely fade away. A prime example of an automaker flourishing, as a direct result of having and perfectly executing a global business plan, is Ford Motor Company. Ford currently holds stock in Mazda (2.1%), Aston Martin (15%) and Jiangling (49%) as well as lucrative partnerships in a number of other markets. Ford, no doubt, made a mint when the global giant sold off  Jaguar & Land Rover (in my opinion, the Ford years were the worst EVER for Jaguar & Land Rover design) and Volvo. Ford is no less a 'true blue' USAmerican business for having taken part in money-making with a world domination mindset.

Ford has been so successful with a global business plan of attack one could be inclined to believe Henry & Co. invented the craft, unless one considers companies like FIAT S.p.A.. Most fans of the FIAT brand, provided they are aware, readily accept and brag about the fact their automaker of choice is the oldest mass manufacturer of coaches in the world. There is a certain degree of indescribable pride that comes from knowing ones daily driver or show car is one in a long line of 4-wheelers built for the 'Average Joe'. But there is a contingency of fans & non-fans apparently unable to grasp the fact FIAT has always been a global brand.

Vintage Ad: FIAT Poughkeepsie NY

I can understand a Ford or Chevy guy blowing off the notion of an Italian company, best known for designing & building city cars, being the first or the best at anything. How could a focus on providing affordable to purchase, maintain & park coaches culminate in success (locally, regionally and/or globally), right? What I find utterly impossible to understand is a FIAT guy/gal resisting the fact 'their' brand not only attained local & regional success with this business plan, but has also been on the frontline of taking it global… from the very beginning.

Fact: FIAT S.p.A. opened their first factory on our side of the Pond in 1910.

Although the automaker was not successful doing so until after WWII, FIAT always aimed to design & build fine automobiles for the everyman & everywoman… everywhere. To give you an idea of just how off the mark they were in the early years, a Poughkeepsie built FIAT would run you $4.5k-$5.5k USD. The average USAmerican could purchase 5 or more Ford Model Ts for the same amount of money. FIATs were luxury vehicles… status symbols. 

A look inside the Poughkeepsie Plant

Despite where they were assembled, a coach bearing the badge of the largest automaker in Italy was attractive to affluent USAmericans. They could slide behind the wheel of a slice of the Land of the Boot without a lengthy and potentially life threatening cruise across the Atlantic.

Truth be told, had it not been for the United States of America entering WWI, FIAT would not have closed that Poughkeepsie plant in 1917. FIATisti can get a flashback to this time in FIAT history by visiting the Marist College Campus.

Fact: FIAT S.p.A. has been building FIATs in Poland since 1920. A large percentage of EU FIATs are still built there.

Fact: FIAT S.p.A. helped establish SEAT in Spain… 1950.

Fact: FIAT S.p.A. eyed the Argentine market in 1954.

Fact: FIAT S.p.A. entered a business relationship with Serbia-based Zastava in 1955. Contemporary 500Ls are currently built there.

Fact: FIAT S.p.A. helped the USSR open AvtoVAZ Lada in 1966.

Fact: FIAT S.p.A. began production of the 147 in Brazil circa 1975.

Fact: FIAT S.p.A. also helped lead the way for automakers in Asia & Africa.

Should a FIAT, designed in Italy and assembled in Mexico come as any surprise to any self-proclaimed 'FIAT Nut'? I think not. Does a Mexican-assembled FIAT 500 (Pop, Sport, Lounge, T or ABARTH) look or feel any less Italian than one built in Poland or Italy? Apart from the DOT-regulated additional side markers & passenger side wiper… Nope. Is the soul FIAT magically gifts their runabouts missed, if FIAT decides to advertise their range with JLo, Charlie Sheen, Catrinal Menghia, Sean Combs, Godzilla, some techie's insane Memes or some animated forest friends? I know I cannot stop smiling when our Sombrita is in my line of vision… the ads are as a original as is the fleet.

Italian Style… From the Street Up

Is a FIATista any less crazed by Italian machines, because his/her first FIAT was assembled outside Italy and/or built after 1980? I know the absurd amount of time I devote to the brand is inspired by my 2012 Pop and 2013 ABARTH 500… and I am not alone in the 'New Wave' of FIATisti. We are growing in numbers everyday. Our clubs, blogs, forums and Facebook pages are spreading, like a virus, throughout the internet. We put as much or more time into promoting the brand and supporting its fan base as the most seasoned 'FIAT Freak'. 

Still, I have read and heard longtime FIAT fans, like some teenage boy selling off his kick-ass record collection because his favorite indie band enters heavy rotation on mainstream radio, denying FIAT S.p.A. the headline the company has always desired and earned on the front page of every auto magazine…

Tiny Terror Takes The World By Storm…  Italian Style!

Why? Why would any person claiming to love Italian automobiles not want to see FIAT enter the modern era? Why would any aficionado of this wonderful family of runabouts not want to see the lifelong vision of the founder realized by his grandsons?

Three years into the first successful (for any foreign automaker) re-entry into the US market, FIAT S.p.A. is dominating newsflash rotation with only three, four if you count the limited 500e, models available in our market. THREE! Since the Italian legend rescued Chrysler LLC ~ the USAmerican icon, stock has risen and the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM (CDJR) range looks better than it has in at least 3 decades. But the celebration does not end there. Rather than reduce Chrysler to another page in their portfolio, FIAT S.p.A. changed their automotive corporate name to FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES. Effectively, the Italians recognized the value of the international relationship as well as made a promise of continued & equal prosperity for Italian & American coaches around the world. What other automaker, with even remotely close to the pedigree of FIAT S.p.A., has made such a move? Is that not a reason for FIATisti to get fired up? That, faithful readers, is the Italian way.

Make way for Italian Automotive Excellence

Fact: The Agnelli dream is finally our reality.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

CC5C: Family Life

Benvenuti amici!

As most of our readers know, by now, we are based in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Although not the state capital, Milwaukee a/k/a Città Crema a/k/a Cream City a/k/a Brew City a/k/a Mil-Town is the largest and arguably the most culturally diverse city in Wisconsin. But, situated as it is in the northern part of the country, Milwaukee is cold, snow-covered & salted throughout most of the winter months. So, what driving/car enthusiasts refer to as 'driving season' is usually clearly distinguishable.

Driving Season = Yes

Driving Season = Not

Driving season, weather permitting, begins in April and ends in September or October. What this means is many enthusiasts/collectors tuck their prized rides away during the months temperatures, weather & road conditions could potentially cause permanent damage. For a car club, the number of active members coming together decreases severely until the Spring Thaw is underway. So, how does one maintain or grow active membership numbers with this known end to favorable driving conditions?

The growing part is easy… Active Recruiting. Have a plan in place for reaching out to new owners of vintage and/or contemporary coaches. Okay. That's settled. What of maintaining ones current group? How does one keep the fire burning in near, at or below freezing temps?

FIAT Famiglia F-U-N

There are many schools of thought on what one need do to keep a car club going during the off-season. To be sure, there are many well-established institutions (auto magazines, petrol head cable shows & internet programs, online auto communities, national Auto Show tour) to support the automobile industry and fans. But I've heard/seen little on what one need do to keep a Driving Social Club… well... social when a long, leisurely drive really isn't an option. Before we cruise in the direction of that subject, let's define what these clubs are.

Driving Socials, while most certainly drawn to specific coach builders & designers ~ as are the vast majority of other car clubs, are centrally focused on human relationships/interactions (supporting your brand/model at a local motorsport event, enjoying winery, museum and/or gallery tours, invading festivals, attending concerts, Cars & Coffee, Guidare e Gelato,  taking in a movie or gathering to share a nice meal, etc.).

Just another day in the life of FIAT aficionados

Now, with that definition of the way, let's face it. Mother Nature will have her way. We have no say in sun, rain, sleet or snow in the forecast. We have only to plan accordingly. Careful planning is exactly what it takes to keep the Driving Social vibe going strong, regardless of the conditions.

Here is a list of propositions:

1) Your club Facebook page... Keep things light & fun. Keep your readership coming back for more.

• Hold themed photo contests on your page ~ Get people involved
• Post photos to hype your 'followers' up for the upcoming season
• From time-to-time, announce when new 'followers' and/or members

2) Plan activities daily drivers and car enthusiasts can enjoy. One hurdle I never expected to run into is Famiglia members feeling they aren't invited to attend gatherings in any other car but a FIAT. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes… it's true… we are a FIAT club. But I'd like to think we are becoming a group of friends. Not everyone I know is a FIAT aficionado. But everyone I know likes to have F-U-N.

• Indoor miniature golf course
• Ping-Pong/Table Tennis bar/cafe
• Taking in a film or two as a group
• Local museum and/or historic site tours
• Sports Bar/Cafe/Social Club (Formula 1 & other sports)
• Meeting for a cozy lunch or dinner at a local eatery or member homes
• 'Special' club meetings used to plan the upcoming driving season activities… use be sure to include something F-U-N

Whatever you plan for your group, remember to consider what you want most out of the experience. Your choices should support/feed the vibe you promote during the driving season.

3) Visits to your local Studio and/or club partners. This activity can easily be extended to recruiting new partners. That frees up the driving season for… wait for it… driving.

• Have an agenda. Drop in as a small group… just to say 'Hi'. This presents opportunities to build rewarding relationships with your Sales & Service team while checking out new products. If you're visiting a partner, such as a local eatery, it provides the opportunity to give back.
• Ask whether you can keep cars/flyers at the establishment. Make it easy for your Studio and/or partners to support your efforts.
• At the Studio, ask the Studio manager whether there is anything you can to support their efforts… like supplying them with brand-related materials (books, magazines, etc.).

Seasons change, but the importance of making the most of every moment above ground never waivers. Start planning opportunities for good times now. The next opportunity for social F-U-N is waiting to be exploited.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

FIAT MKE 01/2011-08/2014

Benvenuti amici!

I had another theme in mind this week, but recent events led me to put that off to cover a more important pressing subject matter… the transfer of FIAT-MKE Bergstrom Automotive to FIAT-Fox Valley Bergstrom Automotive.

I began my relationship with Bergstrom FIAT of MKE on 19 May, 2012. Actually, the relationship began quite some time before my purchase. As you've, no doubt, read on this blog, there was a time of inquiry/discovery with Tony Westley. The period stretched over, maybe, a month or two. The emails were frequent and I'm sure poor Tony (owner of a rosso 500 Pop) thought I'd never be a FIAT owner. That was the first of many fond memories to come.

I purchased, not one, but two FIATs from the Bergstrom FIAT of Milwaukee location. The first was a verde chiaro Pop. You've seen photos on this very blog and our FB page. That was a major score, as there were no other verde chiaro FIATs in the city for a while. I loved it and I loved stopping in and chatting with the staff (Ryan, Tony, Leah, Jim, Mike & Kyle) every chance I could.

I work not far from the Hwy 45 & Good Hope location. So, it is likely I was in the Studio a lot more than made them comfortable. Still, I was invited to visit every time a new color, trim, model or update arrived. I'm not certain of just when, but I met Brandon and, later, Heather. I guess Heather is memorable for two reasons; her sense of style and her immediate purchase of a bianco ABARTH. How cool is that?!

Tony left. Ryan was moved to Chevy. Leah & Heather left. Jim was, eventually, moved to Chevy and Mike quickly followed. For what seemed liked ages, Kyle was the only person woking in the service department. He did it ALL. The guy is a champ… a legend... as far as I'm concerned. Luke made his way into the fold, as did Milton, Kelsey and Jeremiah. Through all those changes, in fewer than two years, my 500 Pop was well cared for and, even, modded!

I felt so good about my Milwaukee FIAT home, I began to inquire about my next purchase months before I paid off my first one. Brandon talked me through that entire process and I slid behind the wheel of a nero puro ABARTH 24 December 2013. Five months earlier, Brandon supported me in the launching of this blog and the Cream City 500 Club. Brandon, Luke and Ryan have championed the CC5C Driving Social cause from day one.

I was knocked off my feet when it was announced there would be a second Bergstrom Studio, FIAT of Fox Valley, in our state. That showroom was erected in Kaukauna, Wisconsin… effectively the Bergstrom's back yard. In hindsight, that was likely more of writing on the wall (for the coming end to their MKE Studio) than it was a play to become the premier auto group for the Italian city cars in the Badger State (especially in Cream City & the MadHouse).

Because it truly blindsided me, I was absolutely gutted when I received word of the Milwaukee transfer. For better than two years. I invested a lot of time & energy building relationships with members of the Bergstrom FIAT of MKE staff. We experienced many ups-and-downs together. I was committed to doing everything & anything I could to contribute to their success. News of the end of our relationship left me down, on an emotional level, but it's a business decision (nothing personal). So, I… we... must wipe the dust from my/our Pirellis and drive on.

Times change… people change… situations change. I am a [US Army trained] student and believer in the 'adapt & overcome' approach to life. It is also part of my leadership style. So, how will the CC5C adapt to & overcome this loss?

There are a few things every FIAT aficionado in the USA has always known:

• With a Sea Change going on their home turf (Italy as well as the EU), FIAT USA would feel some waves from time-to-time. Our faith in the brand would need to come from the domestic auto groups carrying the torch on our turf.
• We were taking a gamble with the purchase of our coaches. FIAT S.p.A. was absent from our market for nearly 30 years. We had little to no idea of the quality, dependability and service availability of our daily drivers.
• The Local Studio experience is a new concept in our country. Never before was there so much emphasis on the pre & post-purchase culture (unless you were in the market for a $60k+ luxury coach). This change cannot be easy for any vendor of economy cars.
• A strong consumer community is, to a large degree, more important to our experience than any given auto group/vendor. That is part of what makes CC5C so special. We get that and we choose to act on that knowledge by pulling together. Why shouldn't we? We do it so well.

But how will we adapt to and overcome the untimely loss of the Bergstrom FIAT of MKE team? There is no magic serum for it, folks. We will take time to mourn that loss and we will grab the reins in establishing an equally strong, if not stronger, relationships with the remaining FIAT dealers. Buon Viaggio Bergstrom & good luck in Fox Valley.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

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