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Hi all,
Yes, Primas deliveriies are delayed a bit. So what? Honestly, we have been without cars for 28 years, is several days or even 2 weeks delay really that bad? Come on.
My own situation on Prima #77 is that the dealer has no license yet, but they expect it in a week or so. The other issue is the location studio is not done yet, but just goes to show that building studios can take a bit longer than building a car. We'll all have them in a few weeks one way or another. The current temporary situation os just a byproduct of moving very fast, but overall I think the effort by the Fiat / Chrysler team is incredible. Those guys have been working non stop 24-7 for over a year to bring a brand new brand to market. The pace is unprecidented. Chrysler has 16 products since Fiat came on the scene, is that not telling us how fast and furious the pace is going?
Listen, my thoughts are this:
The 500 is a an "inclusive" car. It gathers people who love the car, and while it defines a unique lifestyle to each owner, we are all united as owners. Let's not lose sight when the final stretch to the finish line is got a tiny bump in the road.
So just like a family or a team working together, we certainly need all the right facts in all circumstances, even if it hurts a bit. A few folks are not on the same page every day, but we have to expect that when everything top to bottom is brand new.
I believe in Laura and the team 100%, period. She and the team believes in all of us new owners too, so it's a 2 way street. Let's build the base of believers together and harness the energy to project upon the marketplace in a positive way. I think that is what the Prima commercial was all about. That emotional capital must be nurtured and protected.
The 500 is going to redefine the "A" segment and perhaps the relationship between a owner and his car. It's the perfect match for so many reasons. We somtimes see these kinds of perfect compliments to our lives. A great fitting pair of jeans, a home cooked meal, a wonderful friend or spouse, a loving God directing our lives from within.
The Fiat 500 is a product that carries a transportation ideal forward so let's project it and preach the gospel. Therein is the opportunity to sell the units needed, but in the case of the Fiat brand, it is also a opportunity redefine the customer-buyer relationship too. We can never underestimate the power of the emotional engagement from the Fiat 500 buyer. But it is also an opportunity to engage and cultivate the dealer relationship on a personal level, so that "friend in the car business" is truly a friend. We can build that together, which is the solid ground that makes a car brand grow. Let's try to be a lot more forgiving than demanding. Sure, we're the customer, and we could make some waves, but does anyone think that after 28 years, we're just going to do a bunch a squabbling so some "drive by" cheap shot auto journalist will pick up on it and fabricate it into a story that fits their template? Lighten up everyone, you'll get your car and it will be fantastic.
We have all that is needed. Laura and the Fiat/Chrysler team's leadership, a great car and devoted believers who are also buyers. All three working together cannot be defeated.
That is why cultivating the relationships with the dealers here is genius. The dealers are the final destination between seller and buyer, but we are the touchstone that gets the fire burning for these new cars. Since the dealers will not have as much reach because of the distance and number of studios, we have to help fill in the gap. The actual owners are a big part of the extension of the outreach from the dealer network. It's our privilege to introduce the car to a new person, and it may often occur outside of the dealership showroom. The mall, a restaurant parking lot, a convience store, a school, sporting event or work location. We will start the cycle of emotional engagement, and since we know the dealer, they can take it from there to write the sale. There is nothing more powerful than a happy owner who loves to talk about his/her car. It's powerful and effective, so let's look at the big picture in the long term.
I want Alfa back ASAP, and we owe it to our Alfa breatheren to put our best foot forward and champion the Fiat brand. Fiat's success means Alfa's fast return...let's do it! Besides, we may have $20k invested in a car, these dealers have millions invested. Let's support them and let them come up to speed with us helping, not hurting.
I hope everyone gives it a bit more time and keeps their cool as the stores come on line. We as new owners will project an image, so let's not dwell on a few bumps in the road but think about the sweet satisfaction in Italian motoring that is just ahead for North America.
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