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The FIAT Brand is excited to announce the introduction of the 2012 Fiat 500 “Pink Ribbon” limited-edition model. Produced in partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF), the collaboration allows breast cancer awareness advocates to express their support for the cause in modern iconic Italian style.

“We are honored to partner with an upstanding organization like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation that supports a cause so important to our consumers and our company,” said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT North America. “The Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon edition offers our FIAT consumers a unique and stylish way to express their support, help fund breast cancer research and ultimately drive change.”

Through the partnership, 250 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon limited-edition vehicles will be available at FIAT Studios in October. Through the sales of the Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon model, FIAT will donate $1,000 per purchase, with a minimum of $50,000 contribution to BCRF. BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

“At The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, we are constantly looking for ways to further breast cancer awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness month and beyond,” said Myra J. Biblowit, BCRF President. “The partnership with FIAT is especially exciting as it allows breast cancer supporters to literally drive awareness for the cause year round. We are extremely appreciative of FIAT’s collaboration in this effort as the brand’s contributions will help fund innovative research that will advance the fight against breast cancer worldwide.”

About the 2012 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon Edition
Designed exclusively for FIAT Brand’s partnership with BCRF, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon limited-edition model features several exclusive design elements that highlight the Cinquecento’s iconic silhouette.

Based on the highly stylized 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge model, the Pink Ribbon limited-edition is available in Argento (silver) and Bianco (white) exterior paint colors and features a signature dark pink bodyside stripe with “500″ logo and an accenting “ribbon” in light pink.

The interior of the Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon adds to the 500 Lounge model’s already stylish interior with unique pink accents contrasting the Nero (black) interior. Highlighting this limited-edition model are Nero leather front and rear seats with pink accent stitching on the perimeter and signature “500″ logo embroidered on the front seatbacks and a pink ribbon embroidered on the floor mats. For added detail, pink accents are hand-stitched through the Nero leather steering wheel and provide additional contrast in front of the body-color instrument panel bezel.

And to match this specially appointed Cinquecento, a pair of uniquely designed Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon key fobs provide customers with a personal reminder of the FIAT Brand and BCRF’s partnership to find a cure.

Only 250 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon limited-edition models will be available at FIAT Studios nationwide in October. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of the 2012 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon is $22,500 (including $500 destination). For more information, visit www.fiatusa.com/500PinkRibbon.

About the 2012 Fiat 500
With beautiful Italian styling, timeless functionality, fuel efficiency and innovative technology – the same attributes that made the original version an icon – the 2012 Fiat 500 is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.

The 2012 Fiat 500 offers a multitude of safety features, fuel efficiency, world-class quality and advanced technology. With its city-friendly four-passenger size, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir® engine with eco:DriveTM Application, state-of-the-art TomTom® Navigation with BLUE&METM Handsfree Communication technology and seven standard air bags, the new Fiat 500 offers a unique driving and ownership experience. This package is further enhanced with new quality and refinement adaptations for the U.S. market, including an all-new six-speed automatic transmission.

Every 2012 Fiat 500 includes FIAT FORWARD CARETM – a standard four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, four years of unlimited roadside assistance and a three-year/36,000-mile maintenance program that includes wear-and-tear items.

The reintroduction of the FIAT brand in North America is led by the modern generation of the Fiat 500, now joined by the Fiat 500 Cabrio.

2011 Fiat 500 150th Special Edition

2011 marks a crucial milestone in the history of Italy. It’s the 150th anniversary of the country’s unification and here at Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa, we’re painting the town green, white and red!

In commemoration of this event, Fiat and Alfa Romeo together with other leading Italian brands showcased the best Italy has to offer at Monte Casino’s Piazza from the 16th to 19th June. The star of the show, however, was undoubtedly the new Fiat 500 150th Limited Edition – a car that is the distillation of 150 years of Italian spirit. It’s a Limited Edition in every way too, seeing as we’ve only made 28 of them in a choice of three great colours: Bossa Nova White, Pasadoble Red or Funk White.

From first glance, it’s clear that the 500 150th Limited Edition is a celebration. Starting with the commemorative badge on the B-pillar, the commemorative carpet set as well as the unique 150th Limited Edition key ring.

A few other more obvious clues differentiate the 500 150th Limited Edition from its sibling:
- Five-spoke 15″ sport alloy wheels as opposed to the multi-spoke alloys on the Lounge
- Body-colour trim treatment as opposed to chrome on the Lounge (bumper inserts and window surrounds). Door handles and exhaust finisher remain chrome.
- Rear spoiler in body colour
- Fixed metal roof (no glass sunroof as on the Lounge)
- Instrument cluster with sporty graphics
- Sports grey/black cloth interior with special foamed padding

Like its “Lounge” stablemate, the 500 150th Limited Edition comes with the same spirited 1.4 16V engine (mated to a six-speed manual gearbox) that will have you revving for joy thanks to 73,5 kW of power and 131 Nm of torque (at 4250 rpm) on tap. You’ll be whisked from 0 to 100 km/h in just 10,5 seconds and onto a top speed of 182 km/h. This rapidity is fortunately not mirrored by the fuel consumption – the 500 150th Limited Edition will return very respectable consumption figures of 7,7 L/100km; 5,1 L/100km and 6,1 L/100k in the urban, extra-urban and mixed cycle respectively.

Still sticking with numbers (and remember there’s safety in numbers) it’s worth noting that the 500 150th Limited Edition, like the 500 Lounge, comes standard with traction control, stability control (ESP), hill holder, ABS, EBD, hazard light activation in panic breaking and no fewer than seven airbags including a driver’s kneebag. All of this adds up to yet another number – 5 stars in the EuroNCAP test.

What’s a celebration without music? The 500 150th Limited Edition (also the 500 Lounge) comes standard with radio/CD/MP3 as well as Fiat’s Blue&Me system which allows for hands-free functioning with voice control and incorporates a USB port for your listening pleasure. On top of this you get a leather steering wheel (and matching leather gearknob) with integrated audio/telephone controls.

And, just by way of a reminder don’t forget some of the other standard niceties the 500 150th Limited Edition shares with its slightly more common stablemate, the 500 Lounge:
- Dualdrive power steering (with City function)
- Power windows
- Fog lamps
- “Follow me Home” headlights
- Adjustable headlamps
- Daytime running lights
- Trip computer with exterior temperature sensor
- Remote central locking with programmable autolock
- Luggage compartment lighting
- Sun visor with light and courtesy mirror
- Air conditioning
- Passenger seat with oddments compartment under the cushion
- Pocket in passenger seatback
- Split rear seat with head restraints

- Isofix attachments for child seats

Pricing, warranty and servicing

Fiat 500 150th Limited Edition – R152 480* (incl. VAT & CO2 tax)

Enhancing the ownership prospect, the Fiat 500 150th Limited Edition, as with all other 500s, has 30 000 km service intervals and enjoys full after-sales support in South Africa thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory (housed and distributed in an all-new, state-of-the-art facility) and the back-up of trained technicians at Fiat dealerships countrywide.

Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa offers a three-year / 100 000 km warranty (three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation) as well as a five-year / 90 000 km service plan which is standard on the 500 Lounge and the new 500 150th Limited Edition.

The Fiat 500s are covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number 0800 223 727.

*Please note that some of the Fiat 500 150th Limited Editions come with a few extra options that will add to the basic price (metallic paint, leather and red brake callipers).

Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato

The “500 Coupe Zagato” – the concept created by one of the most famous automotive design names in the world, with the collaboration of the Fiat Group Automobiles’ Centro Stile – makes its debut at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show.

Presented at the Fiat stand, the prototype stands out for its sinuous yet decidedly sporty and contemporary contours, inspired by the namesake predecessor built in the 1950 by the famous Italian bodyworker on the chassis of the 500. Yet while Zagato had then completely revamped the exterior style of the basic model, today the designers emphasised the silhouette of the Fiat 500, already similar to a coup?, giving it an even more aggressive appeal. In addition, the unique shape of the roof features the characteristic “double hump”, the true emblem of Zagato, teaming the lowering of the car with retaining excellent interior comfort.

Like many historic custom-built cars, the concept car affords the classic “2+2 seater” formula, retaining the compact dimensions of the basic model: indeed, it is 355 centimetres long, 163 cm wide and 149 cm high, with a 230 centimetre wheelbase. So it is a compact car which “conceals” under the bonnet the revolutionary TwinAir 105 HP engine which maximizes the “fun to drive” of this car, while ensuring, consistently with the downsizing philosophy, excellent performance levels against a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emission levels. To achieve this objective, the engine features a specific “turbomatching” (engine-turbocharger coupling).

The 105 HP TwinAir engine, which has never been used on any of the Group’s models yet, is therefore the ideal engine to be installed in compact sized sporty cars, as demonstrated by the high torque delivered (155 Nm at 2,500 rpm) and the absolute world record in terms of absolute power (105 HP at 5,500 rpm). In addition, at 124 HP/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power. All while ensuring reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions unrivalled in this category: 95 g/km.

Designed mainly for a young and dynamic male target, the “500 Coupe Zagato” also accommodates the needs of a female target owing to the painstaking pursuit of stylistic solutions resulting from the most interesting trends on colours and materials. For instance, the prototype livery is Pop Yellow, a specific three-layer bodypaint colour tending towards white which emphasises the vehicle contour while giving it a pop image, full of energy and brimming with personality.

The same styling effect can be found in the interiors, specifically the seats, inspired by the traditional sporty “diamond” seats and high-tech fabric teamed with yellow chamois leather and the black natural leather of the surrounds which give it a young, contemporary look. The decidedly sporty appearance can also be found on the steering wheel – also covered in leather with contrasting stitching the same colour as the yellow chamois leather grips – and on the dashboard surround, matching the exterior colour, which was treated in burnished “eco-chrome” to give it a more aggressive appeal. Lastly, another typical feature of coup? vehicles is the lining of the roof panel with dark high-tech fabric embellished by a transparent single-filament yarn that gives it a delicate shine.

In perfect synch with its sporty personality, the “500 Coup? Zagato” features burnished chrome exterior elements, 17? “chrome shadow” wheels with a brand new double spoked shape and synthetic inserts (made of APP-TECH), 205/40 R17 tyres and 4 perforated brake discs.

A car of enormous appeal, this prototype is consistent with Fiat’s history and mission: to make cars distinguished by an original style, advanced technology made accessible to all and intelligent solutions that simplify and improve life on-board. An example? Just like the basic model, the “500 Coup? Zagato” also features “my-port”, the practical multimedia port installed on the dashboard allowing the driver to link up to the world via a latest generation smartphone enabled to access the Internet and satellite navigation.

Gucci Fiat 500

Fiat and Gucci announce the “500 by Gucci”: a new italian design icon is born!

In the year that sees the celebration of both the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and Gucci’s 90th anniversary, Gucci and Fiat are proud to unveil the 500 by Gucci, a special edition of the iconic Fiat 500 customized by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat’s Centro Stile. This unique collaboration between two of Italy’s most respected brands represents the perfect – combination of craftsmanship and style. Launched on the opening day of Milan Fashion Week, the 500 by Gucci will also be on presented at the Geneva International Auto Show from March 3rd to13th, in a dedicated Gucci pop-up store within the Fiat stand.

Frida Giannini said, “In the 50s the Fiat 500 created a style revolution when it first hit the road. It quickly become the must-have car of its time. Travelling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So, when Lapo Elkann suggested the idea of this collaboration it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement in this Gucci’s 90th anniversary year”.

The black and white colours of the 500 by Gucci, in unique eye-catching glossy pearl glass paint, set the stage for a neo-classic black and white film. These two distinct colors complement one another: black, with detailing in shiny chrome paired with interiors that contrast sharp black and white, for a contemporary and racy attitude. White, with satin chrome detailing and ivory and black interiors for a softer, sophisticated look.

The exterior is further personalized by rims for 195/45 R16 wheels, including the unmistakable retro design of the rays, harmonizing with the surrounding exterior colors and representing a novelty for this category of car. The hubcaps feature the interlocking GG in the same color of the body of the car and the cursive Gucci signature appears on the hatchback as well on the doorpost. The version equipped with 1.4 of 100 horsepower comes with rear break callipers in Gucci green. The car’s silhouette is outlined by Gucci’s signature green-red-green stripe, which runs along the entire perimeter and links the exterior to the interior. The stripe also appears inside on the seats, on the gear shift, the key-cover, the carpets, and in an innovative finish on the seatbelts. The interior space of the 500 by Gucci is stylish yet functional down to every last detail: chic embroidery, exclusive materials, glossy and satin chromes, the velvety varnish on the “radioboard,” the two-toned seats in Frau leather with the Guccissima print.

The communications activity behind the worldwide launch of the 500 by Gucci is being developed with the support of Lapo Elkann and his agency, Independent Ideas, and will include a fully integrated above and below-the-line campaign. Commenting on the collaboration, Lapo Elkann said: «I am honored that I was able to connect Fiat and Gucci, especially in such an important anniversary year for Italy. Being Italian, it makes me proud to have contributed to this 500 by Gucci, which brings together the spirit of two brands that so perfectly symbolize our country’s savoir faire in the world. It has indeed been very gratifying to work again on the car I love most with Fiat’s Centro Stile and with Frida Giannini».

The 500 by Gucci will initially be available from April 1st to June 30th exclusively by pre-order online at www.500bygucci.com, with a list price in Italy that starts from 17,000 euro all inclusive. The car will also be displayed in exclusive locations in metropolitan cities such as Paris, London and Tokyo, followed by the European commercial launch in July. It will then become available in the rest of the world at the end of the year.

Completing the customization is the exclusive 500 by Gucci collection, including travel accessories, small leather goods, drivers, tracksuits, bombers, driver gloves, sunglasses and a watch, which will be available in select Gucci stores and online at www.gucci.com from April 2011.