FIAT Brand Celebrates Italian Automotive Heritage at 2011 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The FIAT brand celebrates its Italian heritage as the honored marque of this year's Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance in Beverly Hills, Calif. The annual Father's Day event will take place on Rodeo Drive on Sunday, June 19, and is free and open to the public.

As the event's featured brand, FIAT will prominently showcase the 2012 Fiat 500, which is deeply rooted in iconic Italian design and style. FIAT will display 14 "Cinquecento" vehicles in all 14 exterior colors, as well as vintage vehicles such as an original Fiat 500. Consumers will be treated to test drives of the 2012 Fiat 500 and a gourmet coffee bar with cappuccino and espresso. Specially designed FIAT planters will bring added design elements and focus to the event.

"FIAT is thrilled to be the honored marque at the 2011 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance," said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT Brand North America. "Rodeo Drive is a perfect location to feature the iconic Fiat 500, and we look forward to sharing our Italian heritage with car lovers in picturesque Beverly Hills."

This year's Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance will celebrate "The Art of Italian Motoring," as the country of Italy marks the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. As part of the celebration, some of the most prestigious Italian designers and automakers will be prominently featured to an estimated 30,000 spectators from throughout Southern California.

"FIAT brand's participation in the 2011 Rodeo Drive Concours promises to bring another level of excitement for our spectators as they will have exclusive access to the latest in Italian motoring," said Bruce Meyer, Chairman of the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance. "This annual event is a Father's Day tradition for thousands of Southern California residents, car collectors and aficionados, and this year's selection of world-class Italian entries promises to be one of the best."

For more information about the FIAT brand and its vehicles, please visit www.fiatusa.com.

About the FIAT Brand

The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self expression; starting with the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento followed by the Fiat 500 Cabrio.

Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the new Fiat 500 is a car that builds on the vehicle's global popularity.

Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 500,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 80 countries around the world. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 60 international awards, including being named the 2008 European Car of the Year, 2009 World Car Design of the Year, Best New Engine of 2010 (FIAT MultiAir® Turbo). 

The new 2012 Fiat 500 and Fiat 500c (cabrio) offers high levels of safety, fuel economy, quality and advanced technology. With its city-friendly four-passenger size, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir® engine with eco:Drive™ Application, state-of-the-art TomTom® Navigation with BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology and seven standard air bags, the new Fiat 500 offers a driving and ownership experience unlike anything available today. This package is further enhanced with new quality and refinement adaptations for the U.S. market, including an all-new six-speed automatic transmission.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC