FIAT CLUB AMERICA – DFW CHAPTER: MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER
We have two big events coming up in May: the ABCDE car show and the trip to DFW Car and Toy Museum. As we move further away from winter and spring rains, I hope to see everyone out on the roads!
NEXT CLUB ACTIVITY:
11TH: All British and European Car Day
Bath House Cultural Center, White Rock Lake
521 E. Lawther, Dallas, TX
9:00AM Car club canopy setup
10:00AM Show field opens
2:00PM Winners announced
Because we had 10 FIATs enter last year, we will have our own FIAT class this year!
Sign up here (remember to put down DFW Fiat Club as your club affiliation so they reserve enough spots for us): https://allbritishcarday.com/shop/
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THE WINNER’S CIRCLE:
February:
Bubba’s 33 Car Show, Mesquite, TX (4-27-25): 2nd Place Import: Tazilon and Jennifer Brenner – 2017 124 Spider Classica
If you place in a car show, autocross, track event, etc, (or get put on a calendar!) email me at dfwfiatclubfca@gmail.com and let me know so we can include you in The Winner’s Circle!
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STELLANTIS NEWS:
1. Doug Ostermann, CFO Stellantis, recently commented on the automotive conglomerate’s Q1 earnings. Stellantis posted revenue of 40.7 billion dollars, slightly above the 40.3 billion expected by industry analysts. Overall, that amount marked a 14% drop over last years Q1 earnings. Speaking to the decline, Ostermann stated, “While Q1 2025 top-line results were below prior-year levels, other KPIs reflect early, initial progress on our commercial recovery efforts.”
2. Citing uncertainties over the tariff situation, Stellantis has suspended its full-year financial guidance.
3. Stellantis’ 2021 $75 million investment in Factorial Energy is beginning to see dividends. On April 24th, the 2 partners announced successful validation of automobile-sized soli date batteries. Using Factorial’s Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST), their batteries offer higher densities than traditional EVs batteries. They are capable of charging from 15% to 90% in as little as 18 minutes, have increased discharge rates, wider operating temperatures, and allow weight reductions for the vehicles which will use them. Stellantis plans to equip a demo fleet with FEST batteries in 2026.
4. At a recent media event in Canda, Stellantis executive Jeff Hines told North America not to expect Lancia, Peugeot, or any other “European-centric” brands under the Stellantis to come to the Americas. He did say he felt the Jeep Avenger would be a great fit. Sorry, Lancia fans ☹
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BRAND NEWS:
Alfa Romeo:
1. While the Tonale just passed the 1000,000 produced milestone, it is selling far less units in 2025 than it did in 2024. The unexpected drop is due to competition from a place you might least expect: Alfa Romeo. It seems the Junior has been biting hard into Tonale sales. To help offset that, the Tonale will get a facelift for 2026. While the Junior is a hit in Europe, Stellantis currently feels it is too small to succeed in the US market.
2. Stelvio fans, take heart. Alfa Romeo has confirmed to Car and Driver, the next generation 2026 Stelvio will be available in the Us in both EV and hybrid versions. The current 2.0L gas engine will remain available through the end of 2026.
Fiat:
It was a slow month for FIAT news, but I do have this: Karen and Vincent Gallo just reported seeing the new Panda in the wild on the streets in England. That must have been a fun sighting!
Lancia:
We are 1 week away from Lancia’s official return to racing. On May 8th, Lancia Ypsilon Rally HF4s will enter the Targa Florio, the oldest race in the world. Needless to say, Lancia fans are thrilled with the marques return to rally.
Maserati:
Officers in a local police department in Australia now get to fight over who gets to drive the department’s new Maserati Quattroporte. It was seized from a man with multiple drunk driving arrests when he was arrested again for - drunk driving.
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NATIONAL FIAT CLUB AMERICA NEWS:
1. We have less than 40 days left to register for Fiat Freakout 2025. Located the Wisconsin Dells, Freakout 2025 offers track time, an autocross, brewery tours, winery tours, cheese factory tours, a car museum, and much more!
Go here to register: https://fs4.formsite.com/Ei4wF4/fhy7wiszcd/index
2. Shortly after Freakout, it will be time to begin our next election cycle. While it is too early to submit nominations, it is not too early to think about running for an office. FCA exists because volunteers step up to run the ship. You do not need to have previous experience on a Board to serve; you just need a passion for FIATS and a desire to help the club and fellow club members. If you think a national position may be over your head, consider helping at your local chapter level! We are only as strong as our volunteers make us.
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CLUB NEWS:
If you love cars, May’s visit to the DFW Car and Toy Museum promises to be a fun event. The new museum in Haltom City has over 200 cars and 3,000 transportation related toys on display. The cars cover the entire breadth of automotive history and include many examples of Italian vehicles.
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OK – which ever one of you keeps washing your car out there – STOP! We want some sunny days to enjoy! May usually provides some wonderful weather. Combine the ABCDE car show and Museum tour with lovely cruising weather throughout the month and you should have many reasons to
GET OUT AND DRIVE!
Michael “Tazilon” Brenner, President
Fiat Club America – DFW Chapter
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SPONSORS:
Park Cities Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat – We are still getting a 15% discount on parts, labor, and service. Unlike before (where you had to ask for a specific service advisor), you can now let any service advisor know you are in the club to receive the discount.
Drop Top Tees - An online Spreadshirt shop with T-shirts, and V-necks for 124 Spiders, Abarth 124s, Classic 124s, Fiat 500s, X1/9s, Giulias, and some especially for the DFW Fiat Club! https://droptoptees.myspreadshop.com/
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----2025 CALENDAR----
MAY
11TH: All British and European Car Day
Bath House Cultural Center, White Rock Lake
521 E. Lawther, Dallas, TX
9:00AM Car club canopy setup
10:00AM Show field opens
2:00PM Winners announced
Because we had 10 FIATs enter last year, we will have our own FIAT class this year!
Sign up here (remember to put down DFW Fiat Club as you club affiliation so they reserve enough spots for us): https://allbritishcarday.com/shop/
24TH: DFW Car and Toy Museum Tour
200+ cars. 3,000 car related toys. This is a new museum in Haltom City. It officially opened its doors on April 12th. Among the many cars on display are some Fiats, Maseratis, Alfa Romeos, Ferraris, and more.
8:30AM: Meet up at Ol' South Pancake House for breakfast. 1509 S University, Ft Worth
9:00AM: Move inside for breakfast
10:00AM: Depart for the museum. It is ~8.2 miles away at 2550 McMillan Pkwy, Ft Worth
10:30AM: Visit the museum.
JUNE
28TH: Dinner and a Movie
Dinner and a Movie has become a popular addition to our summer lineup of events. This year, we have a good car movie to watch!
Pending release, as scheduled, of F1, Brad Pitt's upcoming Formula One movie, here is the itinerary:
6:00PM: Meet up at Terry Black's BBQ, 2926 W 7th St, Ft Worth.
6:30PM: Move inside to eat.
7:30PM: Drive 3.4 miles to the Coyote Drive-In, 223 NE 4th St, Ft Worth
9:00PM Watch F1
Terry Black's menu: https://terryblacksbbq.com/fortworth/menu/
JULY
9TH-13TH: Fiat Freakout 2025
The Dells, Wisconsin.
https://fs4.formsite.com/Ei4wF4/fhy7wiszcd/index
The Freakout is our largest gathering for the national club every year and also serves as our annual membership meeting.
Look for us to add a get together near the end of July.
AUGUST
(We are considering several options yet for August.)
SEPTEMBER
13TH: Italian CarFest
Stay abreast of this event here: https://www.italiancarfest.org/
OCTOBER
Brays Raceway and Museum
NOVEMBER
15TH: Fort Richardson Living History Day
A drive, lunch, and civil war reenactment all in 1! Date will be determined when Ft. Richardson State Park publishes the days they will do the reenactment; typically the middle of November.
We will probably meet up at Yesterday's 50 Diner in Bridgeport, TX then caravan to Ft. Richardson State Park for the civil war reenactment. They fire real cannons during the reenactment! Yesterday's is a 50s-60s car-themed diner.
DECEMBER
13TH?: Annual Toy Run With Ferrari Club America – DFW Chapter
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Tazilon Brenner
DFW Chapter Leader
FCA Board of Directors