International FIAT Automotive Brand Arrives in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FIAT of Salt Lake City, Ken Garff Automotive Group’s newest dealership and Utah's only FIAT dealership to sell the popular Italian automobiles, announced its dealership is now open and its internationally known FIAT 500s have arrived in Utah. FIAT is currently available in 80 countries and was named 2009 World Car Design of the Year.

“As the only FIAT dealer in the region, we are excited to introduce the FIAT brand to our customers,” said Robert Garff, Chairman of the Board at Ken Garff Automotive Group. “We are confident FIAT of Salt Lake City is a valuable addition to the Ken Garff family of companies and look forward to serving Utahns through our new downtown dealership.”

FIAT of Salt Lake City is the fourth FIAT dealership to open its doors nationwide. Other dealerships that opened prior to FIAT of Salt Lake include locations in California, Wisconsin and Maryland. Many others are scheduled to launch across the country in upcoming weeks.

FIAT 500 features include a four-passenger A-segment size, engaging driving dynamics, an all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter FIAT MultiAir® engine delivering up to 38 highway mpg and 30 city mpg (with manual transmission), state-of-the-art BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology, and new refinement adaptations for the U.S. market. Overall, the FIAT 500 provides a driving and ownership experience unlike anything available today.

“FIAT of Salt Lake City is putting Utahns in the driver’s seat to begin the next chapter of FIAT’s celebrated legacy,” said Shane Toponce, Studio Director of FIAT of Salt Lake City. “Once behind the wheel, it won’t take long to understand how this small car has evolved into a global automotive icon.”

FIAT of Salt Lake City delivered cars this week to Utah customers who signed up nationally for FIAT's Prima 500 edition. Michael and Stephanie Hohlios of Salt Lake City had been on the national waiting list since November 2010. They were the first to buy a FIAT 500 from the downtown dealership, and drove the car off the lot on their anniversary.

"We fell in love with the FIAT while vacationing in Italy," said Stephanie Hohlios. "It is a cute car that is very zippy and urban. Because I am Italian American, it is fun to have a part of my culture here in Utah. The FIAT is very unique at this point and we are excited to own the first one in the state."

FIAT of Salt Lake City is located at 198 East 500 South in Salt Lake City. For more information about FIAT of Salt Lake City, visit www.fiatsaltlake.com/mediapresskit.htm. For questions regarding FIAT's arrival in Salt Lake City, contact Shane Toponce at [email protected] or 801.792.6742 or visit www.fiatofsaltlake.com.

About FIAT of Salt Lake City

FIAT of Salt Lake City opened its downtown dealership in March 2011. FIAT is the largest automotive brand in Italy and sixth largest in the world. It has evolved into a global automotive icon, winning the hearts of passionate drivers, motor journalists and judges alike. In the past four years, more than 500,000 FIAT 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 80 countries around the world. Most recently winning 60 international awards, FIAT has been named 2008 European Car of the Year and 2009 World Car Design of the Year. Additionally, FIAT MultiAir Technology was recognized as the "Single Most Innovative Engine Technology" of 2010 by the International Engine of the Year Awards panel. 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. FIAT of Salt Lake City demonstrates commitment and exceptional customer service. Stop by today, or call us at (888) 819-3570. Follow FIAT of Salt Lake City on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fiatsaltlake.

About Ken Garff Automotive Group
The Ken Garff Automotive Group is the largest new and used automotive dealership in the Intermountain West, with nearly 5,000 new and certified pre-owned vehicles at 39 locations. Ken Garff founded the automotive group in 1932 upon the principles of honesty, integrity, personalized customer service, and being a good corporate citizen. The Ken Garff Automotive Group is the founder of the Road to Success, Keys to Success and online inventory programs. For more information, call 801-257-3400 or visit www.kengarff.com.
 

SOURCE FIAT of Salt Lake City