Fiat 500 Being Spread Trough the U.S. by AutoNation

Fiat’s success in the U.S. is a bit of a certainty and as a confirmation, AutoNation, the top-selling U.S dealership group has officially opened it second Fiat store, chasing its targeted goal of becoming the largest dealer of the Italian brand. AutoNation, which plans to have seven Fiat stores, opened Team Fiat Mall of Georgia today in Atlanta.The retailer is welcoming Fiat with its 500 model despite avoiding Smart when it was brought in the U.S. four years ago by Daimler.The tiny 500 was called “irresistible” by Mike Jackson the dealership group’s CEO.

“Fiat 500 has this unique combination of an emotional appeal, at the same time being a very rational decision. Fiat has it figured out better than anyone. I wanted to be there from day one. Since it’s AutoNation, we only know one way to step in, and that’s big.” Mike Jackson AutoNation CEO was quoted as saying by the Detroit Free Press.

Jackson bought his own Fiat convertible today, which was black 500 Cabrio with tan interior. Fiat plans to open 130 stores by the end of the year having opened already 97 so far. The 500 is sold at $16,000 shipping included and manages a 38mpg on the highway, and its convertible version which starts at $20,000.

Worth mentioning the fact that Fiat store openings have moved rather slow than expected being held up partially by the extra-snowy winter.But the 97 new dealerships that have opened are located in the markets where small-cars sales are the highest, as related by the aforementioned source.