AutoNation to bid on multiple Fiat franchises
Following Chrysler Group’s Monday presentation of its plans for Fiat to a group of potential dealers, AutoNation, America’s largest automotive retailer, has announced it will put in a proposal for multiple franchises.
Michael Maroone, AutoNation’s president and COO, said, “We went in as skeptics and came out feeling that Chrysler and Fiat had developed a very solid plan, and we’re very interested in being a retailer for them.”
According to Maroone, AutoNation would want to see the line expanded beyond the 500 due late this year but said he was satisfied with the plans presented by Laura Soave, head of Fiat North America, and Gary Peters, Chrysler Group’s Vice President of Network Development and Fleet.
AutoNation, which gets most of its sales from imported vehicles and foreign brands manufactured in the U.S., also wants to see Alfa Romeo offered to Fiat franchisees when the brand returns to the American market in 2012.
AutoNation currently operates eight dealerships selling Chrysler products in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida and Washington state.
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