RSS Feed

Related Articles

Related Categories

Exclusive Fiat 500 “First Edition” disembarks in China

15th July 2011 Print
Fiat 500

Earlier this week, Lorenzo Sistino, Fiat Group Automobiles Executive Vice President International Operations, presented  the Fiat 500 “First Edition”, made exclusively for the Chinese market and  embellished by the creative graphics of five young Chinese designers in Shanghai.
 
This Limited Edition – 100 numbered units – will be featuring in an original initiative ahead of the official Chinese launch of the 500 on 15 September. Everyone who places an order for a Fiat 500 from 12 July to 15 September will take part in a final draw entitling them to replace the car they ordered with a Fiat 500 “First Edition”.
 
"The start of the pre-order phase is a fundamental stage for the 500 launch in China and will mark an important step forward in the joint project of Fiat and GAC," declared Lorenzo Sistino. "The objective of the 500 is to position our brand in this market because it is the model that best expresses the values of Fiat."
 
Based on the 500 Lounge, the “First Edition” has a special three-coat pearlescent white body colour, red leather interior and a special badge on the door pillar. Under the bonnet, is a 1.4-litre MultiAir unit, the petrol engine that won “The International Engine of the Year Award 2010”. Combined with an automatic six-speed transmission, the innovative engine delivers a maximum power of 101bhp (75 kW) at 6500 rpm and torque of 133 Nm at 4000 rpm.
 
The real peculiarity of the Fiat 500 “First Edition” is its special livery, as Lorenzo Sistino explained: “The 'First Edition' is a special offer exclusively created for Chinese customers and represents a symbol that joins our two cultures. Not by chance, we asked five young Chinese artists to interpret the relationship between our two countries in a creative, original manner, and to fashion a tribute for the launch of the 500 in China.
 
“The 500 will have many versions and special series, in addition to the 100 ‘First Edition’ models. Next year we will be launching the 500C convertible and the exclusive ‘500byGucci’ special series. The Fiat 500 is Fiat’s first important step in this great market: by the end of 2012 we will have launched a new saloon made entirely in China at the plant in Changsha with our partner GAC."
 
In detail, the five exclusive high-impact designs on the sides of the car cleverly symbolise the bonds between Italy and China. The first designer is Leilei, an avant-garde artist who has won many important awards in China and in other countries. Use of elements from national popular culture is predominant in his works. The second young designer is Mee Wong, an illustrator and teacher at the Guangzhou Art Institute. Her favourite creative element is the panda, the animal which symbolises Chinese culture.
 
Asian tradition is again the inspiration for the third artist, Benny Luk, an award-winning designer of international fame, who combines graphics and web design. Next is Nod Young, a visual artist with a unique style whose artwork has been exhibited in many countries, including the UK, Germany, USA, Italy, South Africa and China. Drawing and illustration master Yan Wei completes the line-up. She employs traditional Chinese patterns and her works have been displayed in some of the most famous art galleries of Shanghai, Beijing, New York and Tokyo.
 
Made in Toluca, Mexico, the Fiat 500 marketed in China has an entry-level price of 190,000 RMB. The range includes three trim levels (Pop, Sport and Lounge), one engine version (1.4 MultiAir 101bhp), an automatic six-speed transmission, 12 body colours (metallic, non-metallic and three-coat pearlescent), nine colour-material combinations for upholstery and two interior environments (black or ivory).
 
In brief, this amazing A-segment four-seater ensures a great handling experience and unprecedented feeling with its ideal city size, its thrilling driving dynamics, its brand-new 1.4 litre MultiAir engine, its innovative Blue&Me hands-free communication system and seven airbags as standard.

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

Fiat 500