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Fiat is joining the ranks of sparkling vehicles at Joe Machens Automotive Group on Vandiver Drive.

Gary Drewing, president and owner of Joe Machens Dealerships, recently acquired a Fiat franchise. He's excited about the newest addition to the Joe Machens family.

“We had a great opportunity to bring Fiat to Columbia,” he said. “It is a unique brand that I believe will appeal to many people in the mid-Missouri area. The Italian carmaker has a great reputation for quality vehicles with excellent fuel economy.”

Fiat, an Italian car company, was founded in 1899. Now in more than 80 countries, Fiat has gained notoriety by winning multiple awards in recent years such as “2008 European Car of the Year” and “2009 World Car Design of the Year”. FIAT MultiAir Technology was recognized as the "Single Most Innovative Engine Technology" of 2010 by the International Engine of the Year Awards panel.

Joe Machens Fiat will be the twelfth brand within Joe Machens Dealerships. The other Joe Machens brands include Ford, Lincoln, Toyota, Scion, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyundai and Volkswagen.