Fiat North America CEO wows them in Asheville

Head of Fiat North America, Laura Soave, took time off of her busy schedule to visit the Fiat Lancia Unlimited (FLU) car club's national convention in Asheville, North Carolina this past weekend.

For those of us lucky enough to talk with her, she impressed us with her energy, enthusiasm and passion to bring Fiat back into the country.

Not an aloof corporate type, Ms. Soave took a genuine interest in what the enthusiasts had to say about the marque.

Here are some highlights of the brief conversation we had:

Good news for Fiat fans is she is committed to growing the brand

The American version of the 500 will be more refined, but will still retain it's iconic European looks

As for the Abarth, she could have had just the engine, but wanted the whole package

The Fiat 500 transcends many demographics, from kids just out of college to retirees

Canadian followers of this blog will be happy to hear that there is a little competition between Soave and Sergio Marchionne (who has dual Canadian and Italian citizenship) on which country, the US or Canada, will buy the most 500s

With her extensive experience in marketing, coupled with a strong background in customer relations, Soave is the perfect choice to lead the return of Fiat to the North American Market.


Thank you for your loyalty...



During the closing ceremonies of the FLU convention, Soave made a surprise announcement that members of the club would be given the first opportunity to place reservations and select their vehicle build number for the unique Fiat Cinquecento �Prima Edizione� (First Edition) model. A total of 500 of these collector-edition Fiat 500 models will be sold in the United States.




�The Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione was developed especially with the Fiat fans in mind,� Soave said. �For over a quarter of a century, the members of this Club have kept the spirit of the Fiat and Lancia brands alive in North America through their unique and passionate support for true Italian design. We really value their loyalty, and the Prima Edizione is our gift of appreciation to these fans on behalf of Fiat North America.�

The Fiat 500 Prima Edizione will be exclusively available in three colors: Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) and Grigio (Gray). These limited-edition Fiat 500 models will be equipped with a manual transmission and will feature an exclusive Prima Edizione badge. Each of the 500 Prima Edizione vehicles will feature a sequential VIN and badge according to production order.



Fiat North America will also offer other Fiat fans the opportunity to reserve their Prima Edizione model, up to a limit of 500, via a special website that will be made available at a later date through http://www.ciaofiat.com/.



Parts adapted from Fiat NA press release

Don't miss the Fiat 500 on display in Asheville, North Carolina

Here's a reminder, Fiat North America is displaying a couple of Fiat 500s at the Fiat Lancia Unlimited car clubs national convention in Asheville, NC. You can read more about it here and here.

The convention, called the "Fiat Freak Out", starts July 8th and runs until the the 11th. The Fiat 500 display is scheduled for Friday, the 9th and Saturday the 10th. Check with Fiat Lancia Unlimited for details (FLU website here).

Don't miss this chance to see the 500! I'll be there taking photos and enjoying a great time with fellow car enthusiasts.

Come check out the Fiat 500 on display in Asheville, North Carolina

FIAT NORTH AMERICA TO SPONSOR FIAT-LANCIA ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION

Fiat North America has just announced it will be the title sponsor of the Fiat Lancia Unlimited Car Clubs annual national convention. The convention, which is called the "Fiat Freak Out", is in its 27th year and is the premiere event in the US for Fiat car enthusiasts.

The Freak Out is always a great time, with lots of cool cars and interesting, nice people. This year is going to be fantastic with the addition of Fiat North America's official presence. The big news is Fiat is bringing Euro spec Fiat 500s there for all to inspect!

If like cars, like fun and are interested in seeing what the 500 is all about, don't miss this event.



The Fiat Freak out will be held July 8-11 in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. Check out the Fiat Lancia Unlimited car club's website here. You can read more about the Fiat Freak Out in my previous postings here.


Below is the official Fiat North America press release:

(June 29, 2010) � Fiat North America will be the title sponsor of the national annual convention organized by Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited, www.flu.org, North America�s largest enthusiast club for owners of Fiat Group Automobile vehicles. This year, the convention, commonly known as �Fiat Freakout�, will be held July 8-11 in Asheville, NC.

Nearly 200 well-preserved Fiat, Lancia, Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo cars will be on display, and the 2010 convention will include a panoramic photo taken in front of the Biltmore Estate mansion, America�s largest and privately owned home. The Concorso d�Eleganza vehicle exhibition will be held on Saturday on the grounds of the renowned Deerpark Restaurant, located at the Biltmore Estate. Previous conventions drew up to 500 participants from the USA, Canada, England, Ireland, Germany, Japan and other countries.

The Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited (FLU) was founded in 1983 and has been loyally dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of Fiat vehicles and other Italian cars for 27 years. The club has grown to include 800 active members and has local chapters holding regional shows and events.

Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited maintains an official Internet website and publishes �Ricambi�, a full-color bi-monthly newsletter, which includes member-written articles, adventure stories, technical tips and classified ads.



For more information about this convention, please visit www.flu.org.

Media opportunities:

Friday, July 9, 2010
12:00-11:00 p.m.
Members gather with their cars at the hotel to start the convention
Crowne Plaza Hotel
One Resort Drive
Asheville, NC 28806
1-800-733-3211

Saturday, July 10, 2010
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Up to 200 Italian cars on display featuring the European version of the Fiat 500
Biltmore Estate
Deerpark Restaurant Grounds
Asheville, NC
www.biltmore.com
6:00-11:00 p.m.
Convention banquet and awards program featuring the European version of the Fiat 500
Crowne Plaza Resort

Source: With thanks to Fiat Lancia Unlimited

27th annual Fiat Freak Out 2010

What has to be the premier event for Fiat enthusiasts in this country is the annual Fiat Freak Out national convention held by the Fiat Lancia Unlimited car club. Fiat Lancia Unlimited (FLU) is the the largest Fiat car club in the United States and has held this convention for the past 27 years. You can check out my post on last year's event here.



This year's event is being held in Asheville, North Carolina, July 8th thru July 11th. The four day event includes a great concours car show, scenic drives (including the exciting Tail of the Dragon mountain road and Blue Ridge mountain area) in a really beautiful part of the country, a Go Kart auto cross, Island Paradise Beach & Pool Party, poker run, Fiat related movies, swap meet, a vendor area and lots of time to meet people, look at cars and just have a great time.

From Fiat Freak Out 2009 Gallery

The car show features Fiat's from all decades, from daily drivers to concourse quality machines.

From Fiat Freak Out 2009 Gallery

In the past, Euro version Fiats have also been displayed and other Fiat Group autos such as Lancias, Alfa Romeos and Ferraris also show up.



There will also be a new Fiat 500 from the Lane Motor Museum on display. Last year Chrysler also graciously brought down a 500, which was really great.

One thing that strikes you about the Fiat Lancia Unlimited club is the friendly and open, unpretentious atmosphere. Just good people who love their cars and like having fun. I've been involved in a lot of car clubs and shows, the Freak Out is the most enjoyable.



As a long time Fiat enthusiast, I would like to thank FLU and all the other Fiat clubs in this country for keeping the Fiat brand alive here. They have been on the front lines spreading the real story about these great and exciting cars.

If you get a chance, come down to Asheville and see what it's all about.


There is registration required for some events so here are some Links:

The 2010 Fiat Freak Out website

FLU.org

Below is part of the 2010 Fiat Freak Out press release put out by Fiat Lancia Unlimited.




Fiat Lancia Unlimited (FLU) proudly presents the 27th Annual Fiat Freak Out in beautiful
Asheville, North Carolina, July 8th to 11th, 2010. FLU�s International show returns
to the Blue Ridge Mountains, America�s Largest home at Biltmore Estate and
Crowne Plaza Resort with an array of activities and sponsor opportunities.



The Fiat Freak Out (FFO) brings together the largest collection of Fiat and Lancia
automobiles in North America to swap stories and tips, show off the cars, and
share our passion for these wonderful automobiles. The FFO is four days of
events that include a concours car show, coordinated scenic drives, a Go Kart
autocross and lots of socializing.



The FFO is not just about show cars, it is a great opportunity to talk to knowledgeable people and sponsoring vendors about your vehicle. You must be a current member through July 11th, 2010 (or immediate family) of Fiat Lancia Unlimited to participate in Fiat Freak Out.
Membership is available online at www.flu.org for $35/year ($48 Canadianor International).
�Walk up� member registration is available at the event, but meals require pre-registration before July 1, 2010.

The Crowne Plaza will be our base and host hotel. Room reservations are
available by calling 1-888-233-9527 or clicking on the FFO link at FLU.org.

"Yeah... I guess this one will do"

2009 Fiat Freak Out Panorama photo courtesy of FLU

Fiat Freak Out 2009

Over the weekend I had the chance to attend the Fiat Lancia Unlimited (FLU) car clubs national convention called the Fiat Freak Out. What a great group of people. The FLU car club is made up of interesting and very welcoming club members.

Fiat Freak Out 2009 Gallery

Friday I checked out the autocross and Saturday I saw a great car show. The cars displayed covered the full range of Fiats from vintage 500s, 600s, Multiplas, OTAS', Dinos , 850s, 124s, 128s and X1/9s to Lancia Betas and Scorpions. A couple of Ferraris and a Maserati were in the mix, too. Newer European models like a Barchetta roadster, a 1999 Multipla and of course, the new Fiat 500s, one from Lane Motor museum and one courtesy of Chrysler LLC.

The Multipla was driven by adventurer Jim Magill all the way from Northern Ireland. You can read about all his exploits here.

Check out the Freak Out gallery above (there will also be a gallery link on my right side bar), lots of pictures in no particular order. car-evolutioncars's YouTube channel will have videos posted of some of the autocross action (as soon as I figure out a windows driver thing).

Next year's Freak Out location hasn't been announced so keep an eye on the official FLU website here. If you like cars it's a show you shouldn't miss.

Check out a Fiat 500 in Pennsylvania...

Can't wait to see a Fiat 500 in the flesh? Well, you can get a preview of one at Fiat Freak Out 2009 later this week. The Fiat Freak Out is the National Convention of the Fiat Lancia Unlimited (FLU) car club, the largest, most active Fiat / Lancia enthusiast group in North America.

The Fiat Freak Out 2009 National Convention is being held August 13th - 17th, 2009 at Valley Forge, PA. There is a lot planned for the 5 days so check out the website here for more details about the convention.

The Fiat 500 will be at the car shows on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16. As of now, two 500's are scheduled to appear at the show, a white 2008 from the Lane Motor Museum and a 2010 being brought to the show by Fiat (Chrysler).

The car shows will be at Lower Perkiomen Valley Park (entrance is near the intersection of Egypt Road and Rt. 422) from around 11 to 3 on Saturday, and then in Downtown Phoenixville (Bridge Street) on Sunday around the same time frame. You can spectate at the car show for free but you need to register if you want to participate, again check out the Freak Out website.

The show is a great opportunity for people who aren't familiar with the historic past Fiats to get the inside scoop on what makes these cars so special. I'll be taking a few hours off to check out the show Saturday, take lots of pictures and meet some great people.

See you there!