Felice Anno Nuovo amici!
The first entry of the year is typically the most difficult for me. In 2014, I covered my personal observations regarding the differences between the 500P and the A500. I covered forthcoming CC5C activites in the January 2015 entry. What should I write for 2016? Let's see...
In the blog entry introducing the Mighty Mouse Militia (MMM or M3), we established; (1) the original 1936 standard 500 is called "Topolino" or "Mickey Mouse", (2) a feisty 500 is a "Mighty Mouse", and (3) militia is defined as a body of citizens enrolled for military service, and called out periodically for drill but serving full time only in emergencies. In this entry, we will examine a very important function of the M3 for 2016 and beyond.
By-and-large, the M3 idea is simply about fun. It's an extension of the CC5C Vivere | Amare | Guidare motto, albeit slanted in the direction of FIAT's racing history. The M3 logo pays respect to Karl 'Carlo' Abarth and Attilio & Domenico Giannini… the pioneers of tuning runabouts a/k/a city cars a/k/a economy cars. But there is more to life than the track. I'm sure that last line had do Enzo spinning fast & furiously.
The M3 logo also offers a borderless banner fans of this blog and it's sister FB page [everywhere] can rally under. The rallying, off track, is the "very important function" this blog entry will discuss.
I'm sure it would come as no surprise to you I frequent a few fan forums. Over the years I've paired down the sites/forums I visit daily to FIAT Tech and FIAT 500 USA. As the name suggests, FIAT Tech is the one of the very best FIAT-specific technical sites/forums on the 'net. FIAT 500 USA offers some technical help and is a fantastic source of FIAT news. I consider both to represent [online] community in the best sense of the word.
Adding to the daunting task of taking part in the reintroduction of FIAT in North America is the limited product line available at launch. Remember, the European automaker was working toward a complete takeover of the Chrysler Group LLC when they arrived on our shores. The EU range offering was due a major refresh, but FIAT S.p.A. was focused on the global future of the brand. Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram (CDJR) was in need of even more work. Not only was the Daimler-era product line showing it's age, the manufacturing facilities were in need of total retooling. So the entire success of the forward thinking business plan rested on the success of the iconic Cinquecento.
As cool as many North Americans know the 500 is, building an entire business on three trims of the same B-spec 2-dr/3-dr runabout is a lot to ask -- even with the looming relaunch of the 500 ABARTH (a 2-dr/3-dr hot hatch version of the 500). Dealers were gambling big. Knowing this, FIAT sweetened the deal by announcing a major bonus to high performing studios… a license to sell Alfa Romeo. Wow! Dealers went to work. Some did a great job of playing brand ambassador to a truck and sedan loving public while others didn't fair so well. This is where we come back to the "dealer closing" subject.
One of the few drawbacks of the standalone studio format is the post-purchase service limitations such a business model naturally creates. In order to help lure dealers into the fold, FIAT USA guarantees those studios will have a protected hedge from stiff sales competition. This works great when 500s are the new kid on the block, but it means the only 'centos found on North American roads are those the select dealers sell. Couple that with another reality… Communities are left without a local service center if/when said dealers decide they no longer need/want to be brand ambassadors. Who will "Fit It" if/when something does go wrong? That's right, I went there.
Any FIATista-ABARTHista worth his/her salt will inform you there are more FIAT studios than there are MINI showrooms. But many, if not all, MINI showrooms & service facilities are attached to BMW gallerias & service facilities. Getting one's MINI serviced becomes exceedingly easier as the ever-enlarging runabouts share more-and-more technology [platforms] with their higher end parent marque. According to what I have learned, after hours upon hours of phone calls into FIAT/Chrysler Cares, FIAT USA has not yet chosen to entertain this kind service solution for their city car pioneering marque.
This can and does become a hard sell for a would be and/or all-in new owner. Despite peddling what amounts to a large fleet of relatively inexpensive economy cars, FIAT S.p.A. is always at the cutting edge of engineering and styling advancements. Any truthful auto reviewer will tell you the innovators in their industry suffer the natural pitfalls associated with breaking new ground. Reasonable consumers also "get" that fact.
When FIAT decided to import the utilitarian 500L we knew there could/would be proper "flash" challenges. We knew there could/would be a learning curve… and acceptance hurdle… associated with the introduction of the forward-thinking Euro Twin Clutch transmission. Suffering the could be/would be issues is justified with the sticker price and fuel savings. But driving/towing 50-180 miles (80 to nearly 300 kilometers) for a "reflash" or other "working out the glitch" services is not likely something that is mentioned when selling a consumer on taking that pioneering leap with the automaker.
FIAT S.p.A. and Chrysler Group LLC became FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) when the Italian industrial leader fully absorbed the USAmerican legend in October of 2014. This absorption has benefit CDJR fans in a major way. The various model ranges have been beautifully revamped and/or broadened… powered by FIAT-funded ABARTH-Alfa Romeo-Maserati technological advancements… drawing in new drivers as well as "Mopar Or No Car" loyalists. The same cannot be easily said for the hardcore followers of and newcomers to the parent brand fold.
Despite running shops filled with technicians, now, familiar with Italian motoring know-how… seemingly (to owners) in spite of working for a company that would be extinct without the business savvy and engineering skills from "The Land of the Boot"… a CDJR dealer won't touch a FIAT. In fact, according to FIAT/Chrysler Cares, said CDJR dealers cannot touch a FIAT. While protecting the sales of studio partners is understandable, isolating… possibly… alienating drivers is neither understandable nor acceptable. The "what if" can, will and does happen. Dealers can, will and have allowed their license/s to lapse. So what is a discerning automaker, auto group or auto enthusiast to do?
The FCA theme for the 2016 Detroit International Auto Show is "Gears". The auto giant suggests the key to lasting success for all the brands under the FIAT-Chrysler umbrella is working together like gears in a powerful engine. I dig that! In fact, I couldn't agree more with my AWESOME automaker of choice. But an idea… a concept… runs the risk of rendering itself a somewhat worthless relic if said idea/concept is never realized. Am I right?
I hold my ideas/concepts to the same standards as I hold my favorite coach manufacturer. Your corner of North America may have ample sales & service outlets, but other pockets of the country inhabited by likewise passionate FIATisti-ABARTHisti are not as fortunate. As a member of the Mighty Mouse Militia, you owe it to yourself and your "dreamobile" loving brethren to send and email, make a phone call and/or place a visit to FCA Corporate and neighborhood dealers. Ask them when we can expect a more "drive friendly" service network. A voice, like an idea/concept, runs the risk of rendering itself a somewhat worthless relic if not exercised. You never know when and where you may need back up. I ask you once again… Am I right?
Ciao!
@
CC5C-Mighty Mouse Militia "RECORD" logo
By-and-large, the M3 idea is simply about fun. It's an extension of the CC5C Vivere | Amare | Guidare motto, albeit slanted in the direction of FIAT's racing history. The M3 logo pays respect to Karl 'Carlo' Abarth and Attilio & Domenico Giannini… the pioneers of tuning runabouts a/k/a city cars a/k/a economy cars. But there is more to life than the track. I'm sure that last line had do Enzo spinning fast & furiously.
The M3 logo also offers a borderless banner fans of this blog and it's sister FB page [everywhere] can rally under. The rallying, off track, is the "very important function" this blog entry will discuss.
I'm sure it would come as no surprise to you I frequent a few fan forums. Over the years I've paired down the sites/forums I visit daily to FIAT Tech and FIAT 500 USA. As the name suggests, FIAT Tech is the one of the very best FIAT-specific technical sites/forums on the 'net. FIAT 500 USA offers some technical help and is a fantastic source of FIAT news. I consider both to represent [online] community in the best sense of the word.
FIAT on the Dragon: Americanos Represent!
Are you new to the FIAT life experience? Are you a first time FIAT owner? Are you having trouble navigating the post-purchase experience? 'Interested in customizing the look and/or performance of your FIAT or ABARTH? FIAT Tech and FIAT 500 USA are two of your best North American resources.
One ongoing topic of discussion on many forums is "dealership closings". I cannot put a number to just how many threads dedicated to the subject I read every 2-3 months. Before we jump into that topic a bit of a retrospective perspective is necessary.
When FIAT returned to the North American market the automaker did so in grand fashion. Early bidders for a local license were required to commit to building a standalone "studio". The Italian automaker offered a few exterior/interior decorating variations from which dealers chose. In addition, the winning bidders committed to purchasing most of the materials used to build said studios from suppliers FIAT chose. That is a huge undertaking.
One of the first FIAT USA Studios to open doors
Nuova FIAT 500:The little mouse that could
As cool as many North Americans know the 500 is, building an entire business on three trims of the same B-spec 2-dr/3-dr runabout is a lot to ask -- even with the looming relaunch of the 500 ABARTH (a 2-dr/3-dr hot hatch version of the 500). Dealers were gambling big. Knowing this, FIAT sweetened the deal by announcing a major bonus to high performing studios… a license to sell Alfa Romeo. Wow! Dealers went to work. Some did a great job of playing brand ambassador to a truck and sedan loving public while others didn't fair so well. This is where we come back to the "dealer closing" subject.
One of the few drawbacks of the standalone studio format is the post-purchase service limitations such a business model naturally creates. In order to help lure dealers into the fold, FIAT USA guarantees those studios will have a protected hedge from stiff sales competition. This works great when 500s are the new kid on the block, but it means the only 'centos found on North American roads are those the select dealers sell. Couple that with another reality… Communities are left without a local service center if/when said dealers decide they no longer need/want to be brand ambassadors. Who will "Fit It" if/when something does go wrong? That's right, I went there.
Ad puns the "Fix It Again Tony" reputation of old
Any FIATista-ABARTHista worth his/her salt will inform you there are more FIAT studios than there are MINI showrooms. But many, if not all, MINI showrooms & service facilities are attached to BMW gallerias & service facilities. Getting one's MINI serviced becomes exceedingly easier as the ever-enlarging runabouts share more-and-more technology [platforms] with their higher end parent marque. According to what I have learned, after hours upon hours of phone calls into FIAT/Chrysler Cares, FIAT USA has not yet chosen to entertain this kind service solution for their city car pioneering marque.
This can and does become a hard sell for a would be and/or all-in new owner. Despite peddling what amounts to a large fleet of relatively inexpensive economy cars, FIAT S.p.A. is always at the cutting edge of engineering and styling advancements. Any truthful auto reviewer will tell you the innovators in their industry suffer the natural pitfalls associated with breaking new ground. Reasonable consumers also "get" that fact.
When FIAT decided to import the utilitarian 500L we knew there could/would be proper "flash" challenges. We knew there could/would be a learning curve… and acceptance hurdle… associated with the introduction of the forward-thinking Euro Twin Clutch transmission. Suffering the could be/would be issues is justified with the sticker price and fuel savings. But driving/towing 50-180 miles (80 to nearly 300 kilometers) for a "reflash" or other "working out the glitch" services is not likely something that is mentioned when selling a consumer on taking that pioneering leap with the automaker.
Gwen Stefani graces FCA "Mash-Up" Advert
FIAT S.p.A. and Chrysler Group LLC became FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) when the Italian industrial leader fully absorbed the USAmerican legend in October of 2014. This absorption has benefit CDJR fans in a major way. The various model ranges have been beautifully revamped and/or broadened… powered by FIAT-funded ABARTH-Alfa Romeo-Maserati technological advancements… drawing in new drivers as well as "Mopar Or No Car" loyalists. The same cannot be easily said for the hardcore followers of and newcomers to the parent brand fold.
Despite running shops filled with technicians, now, familiar with Italian motoring know-how… seemingly (to owners) in spite of working for a company that would be extinct without the business savvy and engineering skills from "The Land of the Boot"… a CDJR dealer won't touch a FIAT. In fact, according to FIAT/Chrysler Cares, said CDJR dealers cannot touch a FIAT. While protecting the sales of studio partners is understandable, isolating… possibly… alienating drivers is neither understandable nor acceptable. The "what if" can, will and does happen. Dealers can, will and have allowed their license/s to lapse. So what is a discerning automaker, auto group or auto enthusiast to do?
"The Family that Plays Together Stays Together"
The FCA theme for the 2016 Detroit International Auto Show is "Gears". The auto giant suggests the key to lasting success for all the brands under the FIAT-Chrysler umbrella is working together like gears in a powerful engine. I dig that! In fact, I couldn't agree more with my AWESOME automaker of choice. But an idea… a concept… runs the risk of rendering itself a somewhat worthless relic if said idea/concept is never realized. Am I right?
I hold my ideas/concepts to the same standards as I hold my favorite coach manufacturer. Your corner of North America may have ample sales & service outlets, but other pockets of the country inhabited by likewise passionate FIATisti-ABARTHisti are not as fortunate. As a member of the Mighty Mouse Militia, you owe it to yourself and your "dreamobile" loving brethren to send and email, make a phone call and/or place a visit to FCA Corporate and neighborhood dealers. Ask them when we can expect a more "drive friendly" service network. A voice, like an idea/concept, runs the risk of rendering itself a somewhat worthless relic if not exercised. You never know when and where you may need back up. I ask you once again… Am I right?
Mighty. Mouse. Militia. Approved. Maneuver.
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
@
