Michigan Welcomes First Fiat Studio (Dealership)

MACOMB, Mich., May 18, 2011; It's a big day for a little car. And the much anticipated Fiat 500, one of the most exciting new vehicles the auto industry has seen in recent years, is now available in Michigan for the first time ever to consumers who want both a sporty, and fuel-efficient car.

Fiat of Lakeside, officially the first stand-alone Fiat retail point in Michigan, has opened its doors. The studio (Fiat prefers "studio" over "dealership" because of the unique showroom environment) is located at 18181 Hall Road, Macomb, Mich., 48044, and is owned by Galeana Automotive Group.

The property previously was home to Galeana Automotive Group's Saturn of Lakeside, which closed in 2010 as part of GM's restructuring. The Group also owns Galeana Van Dyke Dodge in Warren, as well as dealerships in Fort Meyers, Fla., and Columbia, South Carolina; it also opened a Sears Automotive Center in Warren, in 2011.  

The 29,000 square-foot studio will initially feature one product only: the Fiat 500, which Carl Galeana describes as "innovative with a touch of sexy." Galeana will host a number of industry friends, including Fiat and Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne, at an invitation-only grand opening event next Monday. Then it's all hands on deck, as the cinquecentos begin to drive off the lot, and on to Michigan streets.

Galeana, a former president of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, and past chairman of the North American International Auto Show, says he's pleased to be the "first in town" to have a stand-alone Fiat studio.

"This is, of course, a very special time for me and my family, which has been in the auto business since 1968," says Galeana. "To be 'the first' is one thing, but when you have a product as special as the Fiat 500, along with the ingenuity, support and personal commitment of Mr. Marchionne to ensure its success -- let's just that I am very excited to be a part of the team, and appreciate the confidence that Fiat has in my organization."

Fiat of Lakeside is located at 18181 Hall Road, Macomb, Michigan. Contact information: 586.286.0200, www.fiatoflakeside.com. Studio hours: Monday, 9 am - 9 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 am - 6 pm; Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm.