When will "the call" come?

[Gavin]

Nm dude....who is the nm dealer?

Thanks

Gavin

[NM dude]

Gavin wrote

Nm dude....who is the nm dealer?

Thanks

Gavin

Melloy auto group. They have several dealerships. I got ahold of Mr. Melloy at their Suzuki store.

[Gavin]

Thanks, I've had two emails with the Melloy Dodge dealership, but haven't had any real luck so far finding out any info.

Gavin

[Fiat500USA]

I just found out my nearest dealer is breaking ground.... Fall 2011 !

Ok, so I read that in an internet newspaper article, I've got a call in and we'll see if it's true.

[sjmst]

Fiat500USA wrote

I just found out my nearest dealer is breaking ground.... Fall 2011 !

Ok, so I read that in an internet newspaper article, I've got a call in and we'll see if it's true.

This is bad news but not surprising. My local dealer has told me they will be set up "late" next year.
I have a feeling those of us getting Prima's as early as February or even April or so may have to get ready to do some traveling. I am a huge Fiat fan, but that is really no way to treat the loyalist of loyal customers. They should at least ship it to some location within say, 50 miles or so of the Prima buyer. A small cost in return for huge good PR.

[Mike S]

I thought I read Fiat was relaxing some of the dealer requirements for a while because dealers would need time to build. I think just having a separate Fiat area and training was enough to start selling and providing service.

I don't think I would make any assumptions about what Fiat will do. Rather than expect impending doom, I'm ready for a few surprises.

[sjmst]

Mike S wrote

I thought I read Fiat was relaxing some of the dealer requirements for a while because dealers would need time to build. I think just having a separate Fiat area and training was enough to start selling and providing service.

I don't think I would make any assumptions about what Fiat will do. Rather than expect impending doom, I'm ready for a few surprises.

Oh, I would be very happy to get some nice surprises as well. Maybe they will surprise us soon so we can stop guessing.

[sjmst]

Just got this:

Dear Michael Germana, Prima Edizione Numero 499:

With 2011 right around the corner, so too is the assembly of your Prima Edizione FIAT 500!

Production of the FIAT 500 begins this January in bright, modern facilities with "World Class Manufacturing" processes designed to create state-of-the-art assembly, efficiency and leading-edge product quality.

And our benchmark processes don't stop there. Each and every vehicle will be thoroughly tested and inspected prior to delivery to ensure that your FIAT 500 meets our standards - and yours. Delivery should occur in mid to late February. Which means we are also extending the deadline to the end of February for you to complete the purchase of your vehicle. In the meantime, dealers are busy putting the finishing touches on our Studios. We'll also be sending you details about the FIAT Studios in your area.

Soon, we will make history by introducing a new car company to North America. We appreciate your patience as we finalize operations.

Look for more updates regarding the assembly of your Prima Edizione FIAT 500 - and more importantly, its delivery date.

In the meantime, I wish you a wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,

 Laura Soave
CEO
FIAT North America

[Fiat500USA]

 A source just let me know there is some information coming up shortly. I only got the barest hints on my way out the door to work and I'm waiting for more info.  I'll see what I can piece together when I get home tonight.  STAY TUNED!

[sjmst]

Fiat500USA wrote

 A source just let me know there is some information coming up shortly. I only got the barest hints on my way out the door to work and I'm waiting for more info.  I'll see what I can piece together when I get home tonight.  STAY TUNED!

You're killing us!  

[Gavin]

Gah, Gah, double Gah. Need NEED info.

:)

[Fiat500USA]

Ok, back from work and it's late(!).  In the interest of keeping everyone  informed with the latest, here's what I've heard. Note: this might generate more questions than answers, but we're used to that by now;)   I just want to keep everyone in the loop.


I was told that an important person from Fiat said if you contact a dealer of your choice, Fiat will send the Prima to them as opposed to automatically going to the nearest dealer.

What exactly does that mean, well this is the only puzzle piece I received today. I'm waiting for the other pieces, hopefully I'll hear them tomorrow.  The good news is that the Prima's are being discussed with the dealers, so it might trickle down to us shortly (we should all be congratulated on having a lot of patience!).

I thought I would hear more when I got home today but didn't, so I debated whether to offer this (little bit of) news, but i know Gavin was suffocating for it! LOL

We'll see how this piece fits into the rest of the puzzle.

[Mike S]

That is true if you buy any car. You can go to any dealer in the country, buy a car and bring it home.

If Fiat will allow my local dealer to deliver my car as soon as it is built regardless of their showroom status, I will use the local dealer, otherwise I may choose to get it at Criswell and drive it home to South Florida.

For some of us there is value just having our new Fiat a month or more before anybody else.

So, what is the service schedule? Can I drive it all the way home without violating the terms of the warranty?

[sjmst]

Mike S wrote

That is true if you buy any car. You can go to any dealer in the country, buy a car and bring it home.

If Fiat will allow my local dealer to deliver my car as soon as it is built regardless of their showroom status, I will use the local dealer, otherwise I may choose to get it at Criswell and drive it home to South Florida.

For some of us there is value just having our new Fiat a month or more before anybody else.

So, what is the service schedule? Can I drive it all the way home without violating the terms of the warranty?

I am sure you can. I doubt it needs any service after 1000 miles. If so, I think the service can be done by any garage, just keep the receipt.

[Vlad92]

Funny...  I got a call on my mobile today from an unknown number in California...  my first thought was this is "the call" we've all been waiting for!  Turns out it was car related after all... but instead of Fiat it was Hyundai giving me a courtesy call that my Genesis lease is up exactly 3 months from now.  Oh well!

[Minuszka]

So, what is the next step, dear PE owners? The original promise was that we would get contacted to finalize purchase before dec. 31st. We've got an email that it is pushed to mid February. The original offer's timeline indicated that there will be contact between Fiat and the owners prior to the actual production of the vehicle. With the updated timeline, it doesn't really look so anymore. Fiat said in the email that " we are also extending the deadline to the end of February for you to complete the purchase of your vehicle". Current estimates are that the PE vehicles will be delivered by around mid February. Many of us were counting on that call before the 31st. Now, what is the next step? Do we get a call anytime soon? Or do we just get  a call sometimes in February to pick up the car?

[Fiat500USA]

Minuszka wrote

So, what is the next step, dear PE owners? The original promise was that we would get contacted to finalize purchase before dec. 31st. We've got an email that it is pushed to mid February. The original offer's timeline indicated that there will be contact between Fiat and the owners prior to the actual production of the vehicle. With the updated timeline, it doesn't really look so anymore. Fiat said in the email that " we are also extending the deadline to the end of February for you to complete the purchase of your vehicle". Current estimates are that the PE vehicles will be delivered by around mid February. Many of us were counting on that call before the 31st. Now, what is the next step? Do we get a call anytime soon? Or do we just get  a call sometimes in February to pick up the car?

There is another email going out for the next step. If you want to change your order, e.g.,color, sunroof, etc., call the 1-888-242-6342 and they will make changes to your file. I believe you will still be contacted before production. Our cars haven't been made yet.  

*edited to correct phone number. Thanks Prima109!

[prima 109]

Chris;
     I believe the number you wanted to post was the Fiat assistance line.  1-888-242-6342.

craig

[Fiat500USA]

prima 109 wrote

Chris;
     I believe the number you wanted to post was the Fiat assistance line.  1-888-242-6342.

craig

Craig,

Thanks for catching that!

[Vlad92]

I just got off the phone with them.  They have "updated my file" to add the engine block heater, however, that is only a note in my file which must go to another group to be actually updated in the database.  The representative indicated they can not update the database directly.  Should take a couple business days to make the change.  I asked on the next steps and was told another email will go out (this month) with instructions on how to confirm build options before the cars are built.  This sounds consistent with what others have been hearing.