I thought some people on here might be interested in reading this.

Harwoods, the Fiat dealer on the Isle of Wight, recently had a Fiat 500 fun run, where they invited all of their Fiat 500 customers to take part. 20 cars (over 50 people) turned up for the day, and it looks like it was great fun. It was more of a treasure hunt, than a fun run (no lycra necessary!), but I believe they werent allowed to call it a treasure hunt for some reason!

They'll be holding another event later in the year, when they say they will have delivered over 70 500's to Island residents by that time.

http://www.harwoodsgroup.co.uk/fiat-news.asp

I would have loved to have gone, its only over the water from me
I see they only sell red, white and blue then!

I test drove a yellow pop, and they had a yellow sport in the showroom last time I was there ;o)

Do I spot a yellow hiding at the end

Oh yeah, there is one. Be nice if other dealers did this kind of thing. Since getting mine just over a month ago Ive heard nothing from Fiat or the dealer, thought they might ring or write to ask if things are OK, they used to in the 90s.

nuovapanda said:

Oh yeah, there is one. Be nice if other dealers did this kind of thing.

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When I place my order for my 500, it will be at Harwoods. Even though I live in Cardiff at the moment.

Its nice to see a dealer that actually has an interest in looking after its customers after they've bought the car.

I had a horrendous experience with a Renault dealer once, who was very nice until I picked the car up, and then he didnt want to know me.

Wow, what a nice thing for a dealer to do - after all owning a 500 is a sociable, fun thing. Good advertising for the garage too. It would be nice to meet all the other 500 owners in your area - I still have only seen a couple or three round here.

RobTuck said:

but I believe they werent allowed to call it a treasure hunt for some reason!

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Probably because the Police object to them.

Harwoods Group...

Thank you for your words of encouragement, since holding our first 'Fun Run' we have been approached by owners both here and on the mainland to hold a second and much bigger event. It is our intention to have a small gathering around Christmas time and to consider holding a major event next spring to which we would extend the invitation to owners from all areas of the UK. The Island is an ideal location for a weekend break and we hope to be in a position to arrange ferry and accommodation for those that need it. If you would like to register your early interest, please visit the 'Contact Us' section of our website and provide your name, email address and location for the attention of Tim Thomson - 500 Fun Run co-ordinator.

Edit: Website link - http://www.harwoodsgroup.co.uk/

In the meantime, drive safely and we hope to see some of you in the near future.

Peter Hand
MD Harwoods.

PS...Rob, thank you for starting this thread, come and introduce yourself next time you're over......and we look forward to that order

ensonricky said:

Probably because the Police object to them.

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More likely they didn't want to pay the route authorisation fee, or submit the route to the liason officer.

If they called it a treasure hunt and didn't have the proper authorisation, any MSA licence holder taking part could lose their licence.

Cheers

PD

rallycinq said:

More likely they didn't want to pay the route authorisation fee, or submit the route to the liason officer.

If they called it a treasure hunt and didn't have the proper authorisation, any MSA licence holder taking part could lose their licence.

Cheers

PD

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Perhaps we should just point out that we contacted the Police prior to our first event and were told there was no need to obtain route authorisation as we were not promoting or holding a 'rally'. However as the next event is expected to be significantly bigger we will ensure that the legal and insurance aspects are fully investigated. This will be communicated in full nearer the time. Many thanks to those of you who have already emailed me to register your interest.

Tim Thomson
Harwoods Fiat.

Hi Tim

The Police aren't the issue, although as you have done, its polite to ask them.

For a Treasure Hunt on the public highway of more than 12 entrants you need route authorisation from your local Competition Authorisation Office, and pay the fee of £2 per starter.

Cheers

PD

Thankyou for posting about the events next year, I shall email you with my interest as I only live accross the water Look forward to it, the Isle of Wights always a good visit.

nuovapanda said:

Thankyou for posting about the events next year, I shall email you with my interest as I only live accross the water Look forward to it, the Isle of Wights always a good visit.

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Perhaps we could have a 3 car convoy, you, me and Heidi? Or arrange to meet at Lymington for the trip over?

Good idea, and anyone else from around here who wants to go. Ill start a thread as soon as we know the date of the event. Be great to meet up.

nuovapanda said:

Good idea, and anyone else from around here who wants to go. Ill start a thread as soon as we know the date of the event. Be great to meet up.

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i emailed them yesterday to register our interest (haven't actually got a 500 yet mind you!!) we are near Romsey, but would happily go from Lymington

The run sounds like a fantastic idea and, dates permitting, I'm looking forward to attending.

Its important to know about relevant regulations but far too many good events are being lost due to a fear of red tape!

A quick visit to: http://www.msauk.org/uploadedfiles/msa_forms/compsandtrials/Guide_to_regulations.pdf

will demonstrate that the event, as described, is exempt from the governance of the RAC / MSA and thus fees need not be a concern.

Good luck Harwoods! and well done for such an excellent initiative.

Haven't been to the Isle of Wight since about 10 years old so might be nice to go again!

Very nice gesture from Tim & Peter to offer their support in helping to arrange ferry and accommodation if required. Looking forward to Spring 2010.

Shame other dealers dont do such things. I wonder what their aftersales is like, i.e. servicing etc. If it was top notch for the right money Id be prepared to go to the Island for servicing and borrow a loan car and make a day of it.