Fiat fans in U.S. given exclusive offer to order Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione

An original 1966 Fiat 500 together with the new Fiat 500

One of the main reasons the Fiat brand has been alive in the United States is because of the members of the Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited. This past weekend members of the club were given a special surprise when the head of Fiat North America, Laura Soave, showed up at their closing ceremony to make them an exclusive offer. The long time enthusiasts were given the opportunity to be the first to place reservations and select their vehicle build number for the new Fiat Cinquecento “˜Prima Edizione” (First Edition) model.

Fiat of North America will be selling at total of 500 units to celebrate the return of the brand to the United States.

“The Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione was developed especially with the Fiat fans in mind,” said Soave. “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.”

Check out a video of Soave and the Fiat 500 at the event after the jump.

Press Release:

Special Limited-edition Fiat 500 Reserved Exclusively for Fiat Fans

* Fiat North America rewards its long-time U.S. enthusiasts with an opportunity to reserve a special-edition vehicle, the Fiat Cinquecento “˜Prima Edizione”
* Designed as a collector vehicle, each Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione will feature a sequentially numbered vehicle identification number (VIN) and unique numbered matching badge
* Fiat fans will be able to select their model build number
* A total of 500 Prima Edizione vehicles will be sold in the United States

July 11, 2010 , Asheville, NC
Fiat fans attending the annual convention of the Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited were given a special surprise when the head of Fiat North America arrived at their closing dinner and made them an exclusive offer. These long-time enthusiasts of the Fiat brand and vehicles, some for almost 27 years, were 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 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.

The modern generation of the Fiat 500 will be introduced in North America at the end of 2010 and will offer customers uncompromising safety, fuel efficiency from its 1.4-liter MultiAir™ four-cylinder engine, individualization options, quality and advanced technology, all wrapped in iconic Italian style. The Fiat MultiAir technology was recognized as the “single most innovative engine technology” of the year by the International Engine of the Year Awards panel.

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 www.ciaofiat.com.

Fiat Mobile Experience
The Fiat Cinquecento “˜Prima Edizione” announcement was made during the national annual convention organized by Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited, North America”s largest enthusiast club for owners of Fiat Group Automobile vehicles. This year, the convention ““ commonly known as the “Fiat Freakout” ““ was held in Asheville, NC.

Fiat North America was the title sponsor of the annual convention, which featured displays of more than 100 well-preserved Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo vehicles.

During the event, Fiat North America debuted the “˜Fiat Mobile Experience” ““ a unique display that hosts both a café station and a Fiat brand merchandise store.

Fiat fans attending the convention were able to enjoy complimentary gelato, espresso and cappuccino served by baristas. Visitors were also able to browse through and purchase various Fiat-branded merchandise items in a unique store area, finished in Fiat red and white colors and staffed by Fiat merchandizing specialists.

The Fiat Mobile Experience display is constructed from a repurposed auto-shipping container and will be seen at other future Fiat shows and exhibitions in North America.

– By: Omar Rana