AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --


    --  The FIAT brand will have a display area on the beach allowing more than
        500,000 attendees to experience FIAT brand vehicles
    --  The FIAT brand portfolio will include the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X
        crossover, the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the four-door
        500L Urbana Trekking, the Fiat 500 1957 edition and the all-electric
        Fiat 500e
    --  Activation will include GIF booth, interactive window shopping display
        and Jones Soda sampling
    --  The all-new Fiat 500X crossover makes its Vans US Open of Surfing debut
        and, back by popular demand, will be the brand's water-bound FIAT-skis
        and the special Fiat 500L "Vans" design concept car

FIAT Brand North America is teaming up with Vans US Open of Surfing for the third year, July 25 - August 2 in Huntington Beach, California. As part of the activation, the FIAT brand will display a stand that allows attendees to interact with the full FIAT portfolio, including the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X crossover, the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the four-door 500L Urbana Trekking model, the Fiat 500 1957 edition and the all-electric Fiat 500e. The display will also include the special Fiat 500L design concept inspired by Vans, which was created exclusively for last summer's event. Vans vice president Steve Van Doren will be on the sand, barbequing for beach-goers with the special Fiat 500 grill.

https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20150721/238788

"As the FIAT brand continues to evolve, our partnership with Vans and with one of the summer's most exciting surfing events continues to grow as we enter our third year together," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America. "This summer, we'll offer fans more of everything, including a look at our all-new 2016 Fiat 500X all-wheel-drive crossover, a GIF booth where beach-goers can share images of themselves on one of surfing's largest stages and an opportunity to discover even more about the Fiat 500X through our interactive window shopping display at the FIAT brand's beach activation."

In addition to the vehicles on the sand, the brand's popular water-bound FIAT-skis, which made a splash the last two years, will be back surfing the waves of Huntington Beach in a return visit to the West Coast. Activation will include GIF booth, interactive window shopping display and Jones Soda sampling (#JonesinforaFiat500X). Those attending the event will also have the opportunity to receive FIAT brand giveaways, including Wayfarer sunglasses, branded tote bags and other FIAT-branded items.

The 2015 Vans US Open of Surfing will run from July 25 to August 2. All events are free and open to the public and can be viewed daily on the live webcast at vansusopenofsurfing.com. Live coverage can also be seen on the FIAT Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels, as well as behind-the-scenes content broadcast live via Periscope.

Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, joins the city of Huntington Beach to present the 2015 Vans US Open of Surfing July 25 - August 2. In partnership with the World Surf League (WSL) and event owner and operator IMG, the Vans US Open of Surfing will host the world's elite in surfing, skateboarding and BMX, bringing premier action sports competition to Surf City this summer. As part of a festival-wide celebration of creative expression, the fan-driven event will also feature artist exhibits and installations, beach activities, interactive sponsor displays and more.

About Vans
 Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear and apparel brand. Vans collections include authentic footwear, apparel, accessories and snowboard boots that are sold globally in more than 170 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. VF Outdoor, Inc. owns and operates more than 415 stores of the Vans brand in the United States and internationally, each offering a range of Vans footwear and apparel while communicating the brand's rich heritage. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of musicians, artists and athletes on boards and bikes all over the globe and through progressive events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, the Vans Downtown Showdown, the Vans Pool Party, the Vans Warped Tour® and surfing's most prestigious contest, the Vans US Open of Surfing.

Vans, "Off the Wall" Since '66
www.vans.com
facebook.com/vans
twitter.com/vans_66

About the Fiat 500X
 The 2016 Fiat 500X is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, delivering the Italian design and engaging driving dynamics that are synonymous with the FIAT brand. The 500X offers an available advanced all-wheel-drive system, functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features. The all-new crossover features two engine options, an available nine-speed transmission and an all-wheel drive system with a disconnecting rear axle for improved fuel efficiency. Loaded with up to 70 available advanced safety and security features, the Fiat 500X is available in five trim models and 12 exterior colors to offer the personalization options that FIAT vehicles are known for. Crafted in Italy at the Melfi assembly plant, the all-new Fiat 500X is now arriving in FIAT studios in North America.

About FIAT Brand
 The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. That philosophy is embodied by the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento - a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the 500 is sold in more than 100 countries around the world and is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function, technology and a pride of ownership that is genuine.

In North America, the Fiat 500 was introduced in March 2011 and was soon followed by the Fiat 500c (Cabrio), the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, the fully electric Fiat 500e and the five-passenger Fiat 500L. The FIAT brand continues to expand with the introduction of the Fiat 500X, an all-new crossover that combines Italian style with functionality, performance and all-wheel drive confidence. The all-new Fiat 500X arrived at FIAT studios in the second quarter of 2015.

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SOURCE FCA US LLC