The First Person to get their Prima....

[Gavin]

Edit...who will be delivering my Prima might or might not be in flux.

Had some confusing info, but my dealer has asked me to wait a bit before posting...

of course that was after I already posted :)

So I'm editing this to erase the "details" and just leave this post as confused as I am right now...

oh well...ce la vie.

what, that's french...i don't know how to say it in Italian...

Gavin

[Giallo Edizione]

If I were Laura I'd start circulating my resume right about now.

[Gavin]

eh...i expect problems and some delays in a Launch.

that said....500 cars shouldn't be too horribly hard to get from factory to dealers.

oh well...i wait in slight bewilderment...not angry, just a bit dazed and confused.

Gavin

[Mike S]

in Italian you could use È LA VITA for c'est la vie.

[5*(10)^2]

Gavin,

I think I might have missed an earlier discussion somewhere. Were you upset because we are suppose to get the PE sooner than later? I was told mid-march by my dealer.

Also, from what I gathered, the 500s traveled by train from Toluca. Assuming they did make a few stops between Toluca and the US border, then redistribute the 500s to various modes of transport (maybe some continue on the same train, some on trucks via highway), I would think it will take about 3 weeks for the very north of USA.

Those in AZ, So Cal, TX, NM, FL might see the PEs sooner maybe?

[Gavin]

Nope...I've been without a car for six years...waiting a bit longer is fine by me...

A different issue...will know more in a couple of days...till I get final word from Fiat, well I will just wait before saying more as the dealer I've been working with has ask me to...well not go posting it on the Internet...

Gavin

[Gavin]

Ps...I'm in New Mexico...but no dealer in NM til winter...so I can't get mine locally.

Anyways...not angry, just some confusion between Fiat and me and the dealership Fiat said the Prima was going too. Hopefully worked out soon.

Gavin

[PE#454]

5*(10)^2 wrote

...Also, from what I gathered, the 500s traveled by train from Toluca. Assuming they did make a few stops between Toluca and the US border, then redistribute the 500s to various modes of transport (maybe some continue on the same train, some on trucks via highway), I would think it will take about 3 weeks for the very north of USA.

Those in AZ, So Cal, TX, NM, FL might see the PEs sooner maybe?

I believe (as I think someone has noted elsewhere here) that all of the cars go directly from Toluca by rail to Michigan. (Presumably that is the sole site where the magic wand is waved over them to become 'Americanized.')  After that, the respective distance from Michigan to authorized dealer would determine their continued mode of transport (whether rail again or 18-wheel vehicle transport) as well as their ETA.

[Giallo Edizione]

Sacred Bezel wrote

If I were Laura I'd start circulating my resume right about now.

edit:

-500's were supposed to launch in January, now March
-130 dealers were supposed to be open for launch, now half will not open till much later in year, the rest dribbling out in coming months
-PE's were supposed to be the first cars delivered. Now just part of a couple of thousand being delivered for dealer stock ( my assigned dealer has posted a dozen incoming on their website including pictures, color and details,  but has no idea where mine is or when it will arrive)
-No one is willing to tell us what a bezel is or what color the dash insert will be, or communicate on anything for that matter ( except for pictures of some seats and early production body panels).
-No pictures or other evidence of the build of 500 PE's except one picture of 3 cars loading on a truck, exactly one of each color. hmmmm
-Excessive cost for "home delivery"
-Dealer gouging already, disguised as dealer fees
-Content of US PE never confirmed
-Some PE reservists never were called for final confirmation of order
-Chaos over where PE's will be delivered
-Only Sports will be available at launch and no automatics
-Nearly zero advance advertising, buzz build, viral marketing or any even rudementary pre-marketing effort. ( let that be a warning to those with a fantasy about retaining value/no discounts if they flood the N.A. market with 40-50,000 500's in year 1 as planned)
-etc, etc

Compare this to launch of MINI Cooper and Mustang. Even the Edsel had a better launch.

If I were Laura I'd definitely start circulating my resume right about now. Bring back Lee Iacocca!

[MrJones]

My dealer told me the Fiat car warehouse is in Dallas. Does this mean that's where our Primas are? I don't know that.

[Giallo Edizione]

5*(10)^2 wrote

Gavin,

I think I might have missed an earlier discussion somewhere. Were you upset because we are suppose to get the PE sooner than later? I was told mid-march by my dealer.

Also, from what I gathered, the 500s traveled by train from Toluca. Assuming they did make a few stops between Toluca and the US border, then redistribute the 500s to various modes of transport (maybe some continue on the same train, some on trucks via highway), I would think it will take about 3 weeks for the very north of USA.

Those in AZ, So Cal, TX, NM, FL might see the PEs sooner maybe?

The Los Zetas drug gang hijacked the train and all the PE's are being held for ransom. Pay your dealer a $500 "documentation fee" and they will release your car.

[sjmst]

Sacred Bezel wrote

Sacred Bezel wrote

If I were Laura I'd start circulating my resume right about now.

edit:

-500's were supposed to launch in January, now March
-130 dealers were supposed to be open for launch, now half will not open till much later in year, the rest dribbling out in coming months
-PE's were supposed to be the first cars delivered. Now just part of a couple of thousand being delivered for dealer stock ( my assigned dealer has posted a dozen incoming on their website inclduing pictures, color and details,  but has no idea where mine is or when it will arrive)
-No one is willing to tell us what a bezel is or what color the dash insert will be, or communicate on anything for that matter ( except for pictures of some seats and early production body panels).
-No pictures or other evidence of the build of 500 PE's except one picture of 3 cars loading on a truck
-Excessive cost for "home delivery"
-Dealer gouging already, disguised as dealer fees
-Content of US PE never confirmed
-Some PE reservists never were called for final confirmation of order
-Chaos over where PE's will be delivered
-Only Sports will be available at launch and no automatics
-Nearly zero advance advertising, buzz build, viral marketing or any even rudementary pre-marketing effort. ( let that be a warning to those with a fantasy about retaining value/no discounts if they flood the N.A. market with 40-50,000 500's in year 1 as planned)
-etc, etc




Compare this to launch of MINI Cooper and Mustang. Even the Edsel had a better launch.

If I were Laura I'd definitely start circulating my resume right about now. Bring back Lee Iacocca!

Well, when you put it like THAT, yeah..
You forgot we were told we could change configuration/color of our Prima and that never happened.

Yes, could have been done better.

[sjmst]

Sacred Bezel wrote

5*(10)^2 wrote

Gavin,

I think I might have missed an earlier discussion somewhere. Were you upset because we are suppose to get the PE sooner than later? I was told mid-march by my dealer.

Also, from what I gathered, the 500s traveled by train from Toluca. Assuming they did make a few stops between Toluca and the US border, then redistribute the 500s to various modes of transport (maybe some continue on the same train, some on trucks via highway), I would think it will take about 3 weeks for the very north of USA.

Those in AZ, So Cal, TX, NM, FL might see the PEs sooner maybe?

The Los Zetas drug gang hijacked the train and all the PE's are being held for ransom. Pay your dealer a $500 "documentation fee" and they will release your car.

For that ransom will they also peel off the 70's inspired black stripe?

[CaliberSRT4]

PE#454 wrote

5*(10)^2 wrote

...Also, from what I gathered, the 500s traveled by train from Toluca. Assuming they did make a few stops between Toluca and the US border, then redistribute the 500s to various modes of transport (maybe some continue on the same train, some on trucks via highway), I would think it will take about 3 weeks for the very north of USA.

Those in AZ, So Cal, TX, NM, FL might see the PEs sooner maybe?

I believe (as I think someone has noted elsewhere here) that all of the cars go directly from Toluca by rail to Michigan. (Presumably that is the sole site where the magic wand is waved over them to become 'Americanized.')  After that, the respective distance from Michigan to authorized dealer would determine their continued mode of transport (whether rail again or 18-wheel vehicle transport) as well as their ETA.

All the Fiat 500s do not go to Michigan. The demo units are being shipped from Michigan because they are pre-production units and kept at the Chrysler facilities (these cars have been there for a few months, they aren't fresh from the factory). They've been shipping them out to press events, car shows, and now dealers.

The new production units are being shipped straight to dealers for their stock. What is the status of the Prima's? I have no idea. Supposedly they are built, so they have VINs, and they should be trackable through VINvision. But it seems like nobody has gotten their VIN yet.

[5*(10)^2]

Thanks all for the discussion. It's good to see how passionate we are about the PEs.

Regarding Sacred Bezels' points, I have to strongly agree with them especially the point on the exclusivity of owning a PE first is thinning out. I can't believe the regular 500s are being delivered as well. And of course the suspense on keeping us in the dark on the interior bits.

As for advertising, what I witnessed so far is Fiat did a huge ad for a side of the building by the highway here in So Cal near LAX. I need to take a picture and post here. That ad has been there since Oct/Nov 2010. I am not sure if this is replicated across the nation or just the major cities.

[Gavin]

Well I just got a call from FIAT, so now I can rant a bit.

My car was supposed to go to El Paso. Had many lovely emails with the director there. All the info was set up and such. 260 miles from my house, but they were going to deliver right to my house.

So, while not as nice as getting in town, was going well and very pleasant.

Yesterday I get an email saying El Paso is now not allowed to process my delivery and that my Prima will likely go to Austin or Dallas (about 700 miles away and I have not talked to either dealership).

What I liked about El Paso Fiat (other than the good email communication) is that they are literally on the New Mexico/ Texas border and sell many many cars to people in southern New Mexico...so they know all the paperwork and fees and such.

So Fiat calls me today...my Prima is going to freaking Memphis, Tenn....over 1000 miles aways and I am sure they have no sales to New Mexico and have no idea about our MVD and such.

GRRRRRRR....So I will call them, call Austin and then decide on what to do with my Prima...about 50 / 50 I will now cancel my order...will wait a bit to calm my head a bit...but I really don't NEED a car, so maybe I just wait for the Electric 500 I want...or the Electric Volvo C30 that I also covet...

sigh....Hell...Los Angeles is just as close as Memphis...maybe closer...gah...it is closer....780 miles...

Gavin

Gavin

[Minuszka]

Gavin, I'm in a somewhat similar situation. I did too establish a relationship with the dealer closest to me, just to find out about two weeks ago that they're not authorized to deliver my PE.
I hope you can find a solution other than canceling your order! We were not supposed to hit roadblocks this late in the process...

[Gavin]

Thanks....the crazy thing is I just established that dealer relationship 2 weeks ago when Fiat called me and told me they were my dealership...

Then yesterday I get the email from that dealer saying she can't take delivery, even though she would love too.

Then I call Fiat last night and they say, nope, El Paso is still your dealer.

Then today at work, opps, sorry, 1000 miles away across 3 state lines is your new dealership....

I have no idea on delivery, on cost, on anything...very frustrated right now.

Hey Los Angeles...Hey Austin....want my Prima to come through your dealership? Send me a message....info on costs (fees and such), delivery and how you do state taxes and I will call Fiat and have the car come through you...if you want.

Heck, Memphis text me too...I'm not anti-Memphis....heck The King was from Memphis....just a bit surprised by the late change and the distance and not knowing what new costs and such might be involved.

Gavin

[sketch]

That wouldn't be so bad... hell, Memphis isn't even 50 miles further than Shreveport! :P

[Minuszka]

So Gavin, you'd bike to one of these places? ;-)
As far as I know the state tax is for your home state, it's not the tax of the state you pick up the car.