FIAT of Orange Park to Celebrate Grand Opening in Jacksonville, Fla.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler Group LLC announced today the opening of FIAT of Orange Park in Jacksonville, Fla.

FIAT of Orange Park joins 177 open FIAT studios in 44 states across the U.S. This striking new FIAT studio is located at 8105 Blanding Blvd. on Jacksonville's southwest side.

The studio is the Hanania Automotive Group's seventh new car dealership in the Jacksonville area. FIAT of Orange Park will throw a grand opening celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 23 featuring food, refreshments, a fashion show, and 12 finalists competing for a Fiat 500 in the studio's "YOUnique Dance Off" contest.

"We are delighted to welcome FIAT of Orange Park to our network of FIAT studios in Florida and across the country," said Timothy Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand North America. "FIAT of Orange Park is our 16th studio to open in Florida and Jack Hanania and his team will help to sustain our sales momentum in this key state for the FIAT brand."

The Hanania Automotive Group transformed a former Saturn dealership into a stunning, new FIAT studio where the group sells the Fiat 500, Fiat 500 Cabrio, and Fiat 500 Abarth. While the studio only recently opened its doors, customer reaction to the new facility and to the Fiat 500 models has well surpassed his expectations, said Jack Hanania, dealer principal.

"My customers want to try something different and they will go out of the box to get it," Hanania said. "They are drawn to the Fiat 500's Italian styling and its affordability."

About the FIAT Brand
The FIAT Brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento – a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the 500 is synonymous with modern simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine.

Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the 2012 Fiat 500 and Fiat 500c (Cabrio) build on the vehicle's global popularity. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 800,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 80 countries around the world. The model's unquestionable popularity is the result of the Fiat 500's great ability to deliver unmatched personalization options with advanced solutions in terms of quality, engine and passenger comfort. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 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) and a 2012 "Recommended Pick" by Consumer Guide.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC