Northside FIAT of Houston Welcomes Family of Passionate Owners
The introduction of the all-new FIAT 500 brings the entire FIAT community together. Northside FIAT of Houston welcomes all owners, dealers, and fans alike, to join them in celebrating the FIAT brand re-launch and introduction of the all-new FIAT 500.
- Houston, TX (1888PressRelease) March 05, 2011 - The Wall Street Journal recently announced that FIAT CEO, Sergio Marchionne, didn't take a salary for his new, additional role as CEO of Chrysler in 2010.
While surprising to some, Marchionne's FIAT roots and tough talk at Chrysler have him well equipped to take 2011 by storm. The salary move helps Chrysler prepare for an unprecedented initial public offering of stock later this year and in the near term FIAT will re-launch their brand in the USA by introducing the all-new FIAT 500.
2011 promises to be a huge year for the Italian-Canadian businessman, but he's not going it alone. With some 165 FIAT Car Dealers and a passionate, loyal FIAT fan base by his side early indications look good.
"Marchionne is a great leader and car guy. He's for the people, by the people," says Alfred Flores, Dealer Principal of Northside FIAT of Houston.
While leadership at the top and a dealer network are important an established fan following will help determine the success of the FIAT launch.
Michael Rutenberg, President of the FIAT Club of Houston, knows that FIAT's haven't been available in the United States for more than 25 years; however, his group has been together for 10 years with more than 80 members. With the introduction of the all-new FIAT 500 they expect that membership will continue to grow.
"The younger members really like the older cars because they are easy to work on, easy to accessorize and are a great way to learn about cars," Rutenberg says.
The FIAT club covers all the exciting aspects of car ownership via traditional car shows and quarterly technical sessions that cover car maintenance; however, the real highlights of the year are road trips they take to the Hill Country in the spring and fall.
About a dozen drivers stay with Rutenberg in Wimberley before hitting the highways to take in the exciting curves and beautiful sights that FM 2222 has to offer on the outer edges of Austin. The group also makes a pit stop at the Creek Road Café in Dripping Springs where they have "[s]ome of the best food you will ever eat," says Rutenberg.
When the FIAT dealers from Houston were announced, Rutenberg reached out to several including: Helfman FIAT, FIAT of Clear Lake and Northside FIAT of Houston.
One stood out in his mind.
Bruce Glascock, co-owner of Northside FIAT of Houston, responded first. According to Rutenberg, Glascock brings a personable side to the business. Unlike some owners that are in isolated executive offices, Glascock and Flores have open offices on the showroom floor that are easily accessible. To date, four members from the FIAT Club have pre-ordered cars through the team at Northside FIAT.
The grand opening for the dealership is slated for early May and will be held at the Northside FIAT of Houston studio--located at 1501 Lake Robbins Drive in the Woodlands. Count on Glascock, Flores, Paez, Rutenberg and many more owners to be there during what promises to be an exciting launch.
The only question is whether or not Marchionne will make it down for the festivities. "I wouldn't count him out. We'll have a seat at the table for him anytime he'd like to visit," says Flores.
Without saying it, you sense that Flores is not only talking about Marchionne, but all of the fans and owners from the FIAT family.
About Northside FIAT of Houston
Northside FIAT of Houston is a new and used car dealership that proudly services and sells parts and vehicles for the all-new FIAT nameplate, including the all-new FIAT 500. The dealership will be opening a storefront to display their FIAT vehicles later this year.
For more information about Northside FIAT of Houston, please visit their website at www.houstonnorthsidefiat.com.
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