From the Ashes.....

I think all Americans love a great success story. 2009-2010 has been a rocky road for American car makers.
The Chrysler Corporation has had, let's say two near death experiences.
I started with Chrysler in the late 80's. It was K-cars and Mini Vans. They were the savior of this company. Let's not forget the man behind the plan Lee Iaccoca. I have followed that man for the last 25 years. He is a personal hero of mine. He is a brilliant leader and a visionary. He inspired consumers and a Nation to stand behind the Chrysler Corporation, not only to save Chrysler but to save our Nation from the collapse of the auto industry.

I often wonder where have all the good guys gone? The Ronald Reagan's who could put you at ease even if Russia was staring you down with nukes? Or Lee Iaccoca,

Start the Revolution: When was the last time............

Start the Revolution: When was the last time............: "When I was in Detroit with all my fellow FIAT dealers I looked around the room. Frankly, it looked like a bunch of middle aged men attending..."

When was the last time............

When I was in Detroit with all my fellow FIAT dealers I looked around the room. Frankly, it looked like a bunch of middle aged men attending a wake. I am not knocking anyone, but the excitement just was not there. Then........Justin Byrd, Head of FIAT North America Operations, came to the front to address us.
He looked at all of us weary travelers and said "Ladies and Gentlemen, when was the last time, you have done something for the first time?" It seemed like the whole room took notice. It was such a simple statement ,but one that woke the dead!
I can't remember when the last time I was involved with something that could revolutionize any process, let alone the auto industry. Those that know me, know I believe to my very soul the auto industry is the heart beat of our great Nation. I take personal pride in being a part of the auto industry.
It's a great feeling to know, that every car we sell , has kept hundreds of Americans working and paying back the tax payers of  this great Nation. So every time we send another piece of iron over the curb, I take take personal satisfaction that I/we are truly helping our Country get back to work and back on it's feet!

As these dealers started to realize the magnitude of this venture, I could see their wheels turning. Then the questions began,  the brain storming started.... and......the conversation finally got started ! We talked about how we would play nice with each other in the sand box,  how we would TOGETHER  rebuild this brand to it's former glory and greatness. For a moment in time, we were all on the same team. I believe FIAT North America will bring together not only competitors, but a car buying Nation that truly is  hungry and expectant of an authentic revolution. CHANGE......does not have to be a bad thing!
Till we chat again...
Ciao,
Lisa
www.FIATofAustin.com
www.LisaCopeland.com

Join today!

This is my first blog for FIAT of Austin. My name is Lisa Copeland and I am the General Manager of FIAT of Austin. I just returned from Detroit from the FIAT dealers immersion meeting.Honestly I have so much on my plate that the last thing I thought I would do is start another blog. www.buyingcarsherway.com


I am so inspired from what I saw in Detroit, that I wanted all the FIAT enthusiasts , FIAT hand raisers and the general public to hear from an authentic FIAT advocate and dealer, the Power, Passion and Polish behind this launch.

I have been told by my boss that I can look at 24/7 for the next 90 days. Not many projects one can take on that they would want to give that sort of dedication to. I can honestly tell you I wish there were 8 days in week and 30 hours in day.
The task seems huge let me break it down from a dealers perspective:
1) Build a facility in 90 days or less to FIAT'S strict requirements
2) Hire and train staff for an entire dealership
3) Complete training for self and staff
4) Pre- market and pre-sell a new product coming to America
5) Plan a grand opening event to rival anything ever seen on a new launch!
I could go on forever with the tasks that need completion......I tell you this to say we are ready for the challenge with excitement and vigor!
The FIAT leadership team, from Laura to Justin and all the others, has shown us their commitment to the FIAT mission and launch, so it has inspired us to rise up also. Not many times in life will you have the opportunity to do something for the first time. This is truly a moment in time .
I will continue to update all of you on the progress of FIAT of Austin. www.FIATofAustin.com .

Ciao!
Lisa