FIAT Brand Sponsors 28th Annual 'FIAT FreakOut' Enthusiast Event

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Jul 19, 2011, 10:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

As this year's presenting sponsor, FIAT Brand celebrates its return to North America with aficionados at FIAT-Lancia Unlimited (FLU) club's annual FIAT FreakOut (FFO) event
2012 FFO marks the first national club gathering featuring all-new 2012 Fiat 500 models
FIAT brand activities for FLU members and their families include Fiat 500 and 500 Cabrio ride-and-drive opportunities, state-of-the-art eco:Drive™ simulator and the 'FIAT Mobile Experience'

As the first-national gathering featuring the 2012 Fiat 500 and 500 Cabrio models, the FIAT-Lancia Unlimited (FLU) club's 'FIAT FreakOut' (FFO) event remains the largest collection of FIAT automobiles in North America – and the perfect opportunity for the FIAT Brand to celebrate its return with some of its most enthusiastic fans.

"With the passion of the FLU members and the recent launch of our all-new 2012 Fiat 500 and 500 Cabrio models, this year's FIAT FreakOut will be a great opportunity to get together and celebrate the return of our brand to America," said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT Brand North America. "And with our new FIAT family members from across the country – and even Canada – the FIAT Brand's momentum and fan base is growing."

Created and executed by FIAT enthusiasts, the FFO event is a fun-filled four-day weekend (July 20-24) that includes scenic driving tours, vintage car displays, festive meals and banquets, a drive-in movie and more.

As this year's FFO presenting sponsor, the FIAT Brand has pulled out all the stops to immerse FLU members in the latest products and technologies including ride-and-drive opportunities in the 2012 Fiat 500 and soft-top 500 Cabrio, and the state-of-the-art in-car eco:Drive™ simulator that showcases the brand's ingenuity to build efficient, world-class small cars.

Purpose-built and constructed, the FIAT Mobile Experience display will make its second consecutive FFO appearance, providing FLU members with a central point for the weekend's activities – and a taste of 'la dolce vita.' FIAT fans are able to enjoy complimentary gelato, espresso and cappuccino served by baristas. Visitors of the FIAT Mobile Experience are also able to purchase official FIAT-branded merchandise items in a unique store area, finished in FIAT rosso (red) and bianco (white) colors and staffed by FIAT merchandizing specialists.

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 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.

About Club FIAT-Lancia Unlimited (FLU)

The Club FIAT-Lancia Unlimited (FLU) was founded in 1983 and has been loyally dedicated to the enjoyment of FIAT Brand vehicles and other Italian cars since. The club has local chapters holding regional shows and events. The annual National Convention called "FIAT FreakOut" will be held July 20-24 in Nashville, Tenn. This event draws hundreds of FIAT and other Italian automobiles and even more attendees. Details are available at http://www.flu.org. Club FIAT-Lancia Unlimited maintains a website and publishes "Ricambi," its official, full-color bi-monthly magazine, which includes member-written articles, adventure stories, technical tips and classified ads.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC