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FiatUk

FIAT triumphs on the tenth ADCE European Creativity Festival, “No Grey” challenge wins the distinguished 2023 ADCE Grand Prix

 

  • FIAT awarded on the 2023 version of the ADCE Awards, probably the most prestigious prize of the European artistic neighborhood, promoted by the Art Directors Club of Europe.
  • The model, alongside Leo Burnett company, excelled with the “No Grey” project, awarded with the Grand Prix 2023, merely the very best work throughout all disciplines.

 

The ADCE Jury awarded the “No Grey” challenge with this motive: “Operation ‘No Grey’ has managed to turn a marketing idea – no more grey cars – that usually only involves the marketing department and trade journalists – into a memorable and spectacular event. A piece of communication that spread spontaneously all over the world and managed, for the first time, to communicate FIAT’s main core value to everyone: Italian-ness. Thus, giving the brand global visibility without the media budget of its competitors”.

Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, declared: “I’m very honoured to receive this prestigious award and I’m even more thrilled because the “No Grey” challenge was not an promoting software, however how we determined to speak a advertising and marketing alternative. When we selected to shut the manufacturing of gray

automobiles, we knew it could have been a significant alternative and a daring transfer and due to that we determined to leverage it at its greatest. The outcomes and this prize are proof that we made it proper and is a brand new stimulus to proceed working with our method, what we name THE FIAT WAY”.

The ‘No Grey’ challenge, developed by artistic company Leo Burnett and produced by Twister Film, launched in June, highlights FIAT’s strategic choice to cease the manufacturing of gray automobiles. In the video Olivier Francois explains the technique and turns into the clip’s protagonist, through which the 600e takes a deep dive into color, below the declare ‘ITALY. THE LAND OF COLOURS. FIAT. THE BRAND OF COLOURS’. A contemporary and vibrant challenge that embodies the joyful and pop spirit that characterises the FIAT model and that reached greater than 10 million views on YouTube. Besides that, the echo of the challenge had world relevance, receiving a world protection in 4 continents: Europe, North America, South America and Asia.

ADCE – The Art Director’s Club of Europe has been created in 1990 and since then it promotes the very best European creativity, coming from 22 Member Clubs and a neighborhood of greater than 7.500 creatives. This yr’s was the thirty-second version of the competition and a complete of 43 Gold, 88 Silver, 130 Bronze and 159 Shortlists have been awarded. Among all these works, the No Grey operation emerged as the very best one, deserving the Grand Prix.

Turin, 4th December 2023

ENDS

Contact: 

VINCE CLISHAM
HEAD OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
vincent.clisham@stellantis.com

TEL +44(0)7831 315915

 LUCINDA INGGS 
PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
lucinda.inggs@stellantis.com

TEL +44(0)7542 394878

MICHAEL ARNOLD
PRESS FLEET MANAGER
pressfleet@stellantis.com   

TEL +44(0)7831 829410

JEREMY TOWNSEND
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
jeremy.townsend@stellantis.com   

TEL +44(0)7827 896480

 

FiatUk

FIAT 500e wins Best Small EV award at the Fully Charged Awards

  • The Fully Charged Awards celebrates the best electric vehicles of the year.
  • FIAT 500e has won the Best Small EV category.
  • Winners were chosen by 15 industry experts, including representatives of the US Department of Energy.
  • The fully-electric FIAT 500 is a multi-award winning model, having received awards from WhatCar?, Auto Express and more.

 

The fully electric FIAT 500e has won the Best Small EV category at the first ever Fully Charged Awards ceremony, coming as a welcome addition to the model’s growing list of accolades.

“We are delighted that the Fiat 500e was the worthy winner of our Best Small EV award at our inaugural Fully Charged AWARDS hosted at the RAI in Amsterdam on the 24th November. Nominees for the 15 awards catergories were selected after a ‘large-scale survey’ of the Fully Charged SHOW audience, then

initial candidates were curated by the team itself, plus a panel of 15 energy and transportation experts, before arriving at the finalists in each category,” explained the CEO of Fully Charged, Dan Caesar. “This is the very first global consumer-choice award for battery electric vehicles and clean energy and we receieved thousands of votes from electric vehicle drivers which identified our winners for each category.”

The ceremony, an extension of the popular Fully Charged Show, which has a monthly audience of 4 million people, took place on the 24th of November in Amsterdam, and celebrated the best of the best electric vehicles of 2023. The winners were chosen by 15 industry experts, including representatives of the US Department of Energy, Norwegian EV Association, Bloomberg New Energy Foundation and more.

“The Fully Charged Awards recognition is yet another acknowledgement of FIAT’s advancement in the electric vehicle sector, producing innovative and attractive models of the highest quality,” commented Damien Dally, Managing Director, FIAT UK.

Earlier in the year, FIAT 500e was recognised as the winner of the Best Electric Small Car category for its competitive pricing, impressive range, retro design and fun driving dynamics at the WhatCar? Awards for the third year in a row.

Other recognitions include ‘Best Electric City Car’ by Diesel & EcoCar Magazine, ‘Best Small Electric Car’ at the Parkers New Car Awards, ‘
Best Small Electric Car’ at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards, ‘Best City Car’ at the Auto Express Awards and ‘Best Small Car’ at the Autocar Awards.

FIAT 500e is the first fully-electric model in the brand’s history and boasts a range of best-in-class features such as Level 2 Autonomous Driving technologies and a driving range of up to 199 miles (WLTP) – the longest range of any electric city car on the market today.

London, 29 November 2023 

FIAT

Established in Turin in 1899, FIAT is one of the oldest carmakers in the world with more than 120-year-long tradition in the design of small and medium-sized city cars, which are ambassadors of “Made in Italy” and expressions of simple and sustainable solutions designed for all. FIAT aims to bring the new Dolce Vita worldwide in a colorful and joyful way. FIAT is a global brand and with about 1.2 million units sold globally in 2022, it is the number one within Stellantis in terms of volume. It is leader in 3 Countries and 3 different Regions: Brazil, Italy, and Turkey, where the Strada, the Panda and the Tipo are respectively the most sold cars. FIAT’s motto, “It’s only sustainable when it’s sustainable for all”, is happily reflected in the FIAT line-up that will continue to grow in the years to come.

ENDS

Contact: 

VINCE CLISHAM
HEAD OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
vincent.clisham@stellantis.com

TEL +44(0)7831 315915

LUCINDA INGGS

PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

lucinda.inggs@stellantis.com

TEL +44(0)7542 394878

MICHAEL ARNOLD
PRESS FLEET MANAGER
pressfleet@stellantis.com   

TEL +44(0)7831 829410

JEREMY TOWNSEND

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
jeremy.townsend@stellantis.com   

TEL +44(0)7827 896480

FiatUk

Stellantis Global Chief Marketing Officer Olivier François Named as One of Newest Inductees into the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame

 

  • Olivier François is one of six industry icons to receive Advertising’s most esteemed honor. 

  • In its 70-plus years, only 282 advertising legends and 12 global companies have been elected to the Hall of Fame. 

  • Highly acclaimed campaigns under Francois’ leadership include the Primetime Emmy® Award-winning “Imported from Detroit” featuring Eminem, “Farmer” with radio’s legendary Paul Harvey, Primetime Emmy® Award-nominated “Halftime in America” with Clint Eastwood, Primetime Emmy® Award-nominated “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray and “The Middle” featuring Bruce Springsteen. 

  • Award comes as François prepares to relaunch the all-new, all-electric Fiat 500e into North America. 

  • The 2024 Honorees will be feted at a gala ceremony to be held on April 25, 2024, at Cipriani Wall Street. 

The American Advertising Federation (AAF), the “Unifying Voice for Advertising,” announced today the inductees into the 2024 AAF Advertising Hall of Fame (AHOF). Olivier François, Global Chief Marketing Officer for Stellantis, is one of six industry luminaries joining this prestigious group. The announcement was celebrated during a closing bell ceremony on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) earlier this week. 
 
This year’s honorees were chosen following a rigorous review overseen by a Council of Judges comprised of an esteemed group of industry leaders and fellow members of the Hall of Fame. In addition to François, the inductees include (in alphabetical order): Jerri DeVard, CEO and Founder, Black Executive CMO Alliance (BECA); Jeff Goodby, Co-Chairman, Goodby Silverstein & Partners; Bill Imada, Co-Founder, Chairman & Chief Connectivity Officer, IW Group; Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer, P&G; and Donna Weinheim, Former Partner, Executive Creative Director, BBDO; Cliff Freeman & Partners. 

François has always sought to go beyond the status-quo, with a remarkable talent for pairing the commercial with a genuine sensibility for socially responsible causes and environmental ethics. He has somehow reached remarkable sales figures and global brand recognition by enlisting distinguished world leaders, cultural icons from across the film, television and music industries, and world-renowned environmentalists. As François has said, “The greatest Brand value I can deliver is to show that our Brands have values.”   

“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude receiving this recognition,” said François. “It simply would not have been possible without a house of now 14 iconic American, French, German and Italian brands that together compose a symphony. A CMO can play one brand beautifully, but with the accompaniment of many distinguished brands, along with the great number of extraordinarily talented, relentless, and fearless people on our Stellantis teams and the incredible agency rosters across the world, who together have lifted our brands to the highest heights of success, we can have a bit of fun.”   

Added François, “While these achievements often come at the end of one’s career, in my case, I like to think that after 15 years at the helm of our Group’s marketing team, I’m just getting started.” 

 François found a way to place the Dalai Lama in a Lancia by simply practicing what he preaches. To fight for human rights in Tibet utilizing Richard Gere during the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. To get Nobel Laureates’ Mikhael Gorbachev, Lech Walesa, and Nelson Mandela to appear in a spot to support free elections in Myanmar. To create with Sean Penn, virtually overnight, the campaign to support the Haitian Relief Organization and deploy Jeep vehicles to help distribute food and water. To stand up for Detroit in the midst of The Great Recession with bold music from Eminem and a brave message “Imported from Detroit” in the first-ever two-minute Super Bowl spot in the history of the Big Game that helped to lift an industry, a city and a nation. 

His proposal to use Carl Sagan’s “Pale Blue Dot” in a Jeep campaign was instrumental in launching the first ever electrified Jeep vehicle – the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. François used the fact that the Super Bowl fell on Groundhog Day for only the second time in the Big Game’s 54-year history to engage the elusive Bill Murray to reprise his famous role as Phil Connors from original 1993 film and create a spot that not only topped the Super Bowl charts but took top honors at the post pandemic Cannes Festival. But he didn’t stop there.   

François teamed with Bono’s RED® organization to use FIAT, the brand that he has been running as CEO since 2011, to commit millions to fight AIDS and Covid. Then, he was able to convince Bruce Springsteen to appear in the Super Bowl campaign for “The Middle,” the first time that Springsteen had ever agreed to appear in a television commercial for any brand, in “a call to all Americans to come together and seek common ground as we look collectively to the road ahead.” 

 In his boldest move yet, François who also holds the dual roles of CEO of FIAT Automobile and DS Automobiles, is using his role as FIAT CEO role to make the all-new Fiat 500e all-electric (and only electric): For François, passion for an ethical approach runs deeper than marketing, it actually affects vehicle production. During a lunch with Leonardo DiCaprio, he convinced the elusive environmentalist to stand alongside him in Europe as he strives to convert the most popular mass-market city car to all-electric to shape the future of urban mobility worldwide. 

Beyond marketing, François has extensive work experience in business operations, and sales through his leadership roles over the last three decades. He assumed leadership roles at Citroën before joining FIAT in 2005. He was the lead executive for Lancia S.p.A. and then Chrysler brand (2009) after the Chrysler Group and FIAT merger, and CEO of FIAT Automobiles since 2011. Concurrently, François has held the CMO role since 2008, retaining this position over two decades and three mergers. Although the company has evolved and reformed three times – from the Chrysler Group, to FCA to now Stellantis (in 2021), a group of 14 brands – François’ role as CMO has been a constant. 

François was recently named to Forbes CMO Hall of Fame (2022), after appearing on Forbes “World’s Most Influential CMO” list multiple times since 2014. He has twice been named the “Grand Brand Genius” by Adweek; named “Branding Power Player” by Billboard Magazine (2016) and Advertising Age named the Chrysler Group under his leadership, as the “Marketer of the Year” (2012).  
  
The Ram brand’s critically-acclaimed “Farmer” (2013) featuring the voice of legendary radio announcer Paul Harvey and the Dodge brand’s “Wisdom” (2016), recognizing the 100th anniversary of the brand and starring centenarians dispensing their own life wisdom, were named the Nielsen Automotive Ad of the Year.  
  
François and his team garnered a Primetime Emmy® Award for “Outstanding Commercial” for the “Imported from Detroit” Super Bowl campaign in 2012 and was nominated again for a Primetime Emmy® Award in the “Outstanding Commercial” category in 2012 for “Halftime in America” and in 2020 for the “Groundhog Day” Super Bowl commercial starring Bill Murray.  

 François holds a degree in economy, finance and marketing from Dauphine University (Paris) and a diploma from the IEP (Institute des Sciences Politiques, Paris). 

In its 70+ years, only 282 advertising legends and 12 global companies have been elected to the Hall of Fame.  The 2024 Honorees will be feted at a gala ceremony to be held on April 25, 2024, at Cipriani Wall Street. 
 
“The AAF Advertising Hall of Fame brings together the nation’s top leaders in American advertising, marketing, media, and tech and is another example of how AAF serves as the ‘Unifying Voice for Advertising,’” commented Steve Pacheco, President and CEO, American Advertising Federation. 
 
The Advertising Hall of Fame 

The Advertising Hall of Fame, organized by the AAF since 1949, helps the organization to sustain many of its key initiatives throughout the year surrounding education, diversity, grassroots advocacy, and professional development.  Induction into the Advertising Hall of Fame celebrates the most accomplished and legendary figures in advertising.  From their significant contributions to the advertising industry to their personal philanthropic involvement, honorees have set the precedent by which great leaders and accomplishments are measured today. 

AAF 

The AAF’s Board of Directors guides and oversees the Federation’s signature events and initiatives, including the Advertising Hall of Fame, Advertising Hall of Achievement, American Advertising Awards, Advertising Day on the Hill, Most Promising Multicultural Students Program, and HBCUs for Advertising  – all serving the Federation’s 35,000+ professional members nationwide, 4,000+ students and educators, and more than 60+ corporate members spanning media and tech companies, advertisers and agencies.  Established in 1905, the American Advertising Federation (AAF), acts as the “Unifying Voice for Advertising.”  Visit https://aaf.org/ 

 

 

 

FiatUk

When Fiat Topolino meets Topolino, magic happens

  • A FIAT tribute to the 100th Disney anniversary: five unique Fiat Topolino, four designed by FIAT Centro Stile inspired by Disney Creatives and one with the participation of the Disney artist Giorgio Cavazzano.
  • A longstanding relationship dating back to the 1930s: Topolino is the Italian name of Mickey Mouse, and the nickname people gave to the iconic first Fiat 500. Today is the name of the new electric quadricycle.
  • The media event (LINK) was held by Olivier Francois, CEO of FIAT and CMO of Stellantis Global, and Daniel Frigo, Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Italy & Turkey and Head of Studio Italy.  
  • To celebrate further Mickey Mouse and the Fiat Topolino, an exhibition of these 5 unique pieces, in collaboration with Pinacoteca Agnelli, will be set up in the North ramp of the Lingotto building.

 

FIAT homages Disney ‘s 100th anniversary with an exclusive gift, by designing 5 theme-based versions of the new Fiat Topolino dedicated to Mickey Mouse.

The presentation of the five Topolino one-offs took place at Casa 500, on the fourth floor of the prestigious art institution “Pinacoteca Agnelli” where to experience a journey through art and time on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Disney and the 95th anniversary of Mickey Mouse, and also the centenary of Lingotto.

Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and Global Stellantis CMO, commented: “The stories of FIAT and Disney are rooted together as both Disney and the Lingotto celebrate their 100th anniversaries, and the 2 Topolinos – the Disney icon and the very first Fiat 500 – have been inspiring art, street art and fashion for decades. We have so much more in common than a name: DNA, authenticity, the importance of bringing people simplicity, warmth, and joy. The value of letting people see the world and the future with a smile and optimism, the way to get connected with a younger audience.

The new Fiat Topolino will play its part in that by offering ‘smiling’ electric mobility to people. Today I am proud to present our tribute to Disney with five special Topolino one-offs, all inspired by the iconic Disney character that motivated our Topolino’s nickname back in the 1930s.”

Daniel Frigo, Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Italy & Turkey and Head of Studio Italy, stated: “At Disney we are incredibly proud to be part of the culture and amazing creativity of Italy. This love for Italy has inspired us to forge a relationship based on respect and trust with both Italians, as well as FIAT. We are truly honored to be able to celebrate our 100th anniversary with this magical moment that brings FIAT and Topolino together once again, in the spirit of creativity and the bond of friendship.”

To celebrate the captivating alliance, a traditional car event was not enough: it resulted in a project that involved two Design teams with different expertise having fun together to realize something magical that would have breached people’s hearts transforming “the Mouse” into a Muse. Those unique Fiat Topolino represent a journey through time and art: from the time when both Topolinos were born, to today. With the goal of creating something iconic that could bring two stars together.

To celebrate further Mickey Mouse and the Fiat Topolino, an exhibition of these 5 unique pieces, in collaboration with Pinacoteca Agnelli, will be set up in the North ramp of the Lingotto building. Visitors to the shopping center will take a walk along the ramp and admire the 5 Fiat Topolino one-offs as they reach the track. A beautiful combination in the name of creativity and popular culture.

Inspired by Disney creatives, FIAT Centro Stile gave the four Fiat Topolino a second skin, a skin that lets it express any aspect of the other Topolino’s world, furthermore, the fifth one was designed with the special collaboration of the Disney artist Cavazzano.

 

 

In addition to Cavazzano’s celebratory design, the other four Topolino – works of art – are rooted in a distinct ambiance and artistic movement for each of them. These moods are centred around four themes: historical, modern, street, and abstract.

 

 

The story starts with the historical theme to which the Fiat Topolino pays tribute. It is literally inspired to the graphics of the first Disney short film “Steamboat Willie”, beloved by the people, which not only came with the revolutionary innovation of synchronised sound in the world of animation but also was immortalised as an exhibit at MoMA in New York.

 

 

The modern art inspired Fiat Topolino incorporates a texture with Mickey Mouse’s initials as a second skin to provide a feeling of positive energy, celebrating the shared forward-looking view in a bright, colourful, optimistic way of FIAT and Disney: both brands take on iconic status in modern art and culture.

 

 

The abstract livery is an homage to another aspect of Disney’s creativity and the way it re-news classic styling cues through abstract graphic touches and symbols. Giving things really strong visual impact, but also a feeling of elegance.

 

 

Finally, the street creativity contains graffiti references that pay homage to Mickey Mouse with an urban twist while boosting joyful urban mobility which inspired the last work of art.

The Disney and Lingotto centenary celebrations were a joint effort to honor two iconic figures: both small in stature but huge in appeal, honored through the creation of five one-offs, which were meant to be a birthday gift for Disney, revolving around the magical atmosphere that surrounds two icons who have written history in their field, making people dream in the name of “Topolino”.

 

Turin, 21st November 2023

 

FIAT

Established in Turin in 1899, FIAT is one of the oldest carmakers in the world with more than 120-year-long tradition in the design of small and medium-sized city cars, which are ambassadors of “Made in Italy” and expressions of simple and sustainable solutions designed for all. FIAT aims to bring the new Dolce Vita worldwide in a colorful and joyful way. FIAT is a global brand and with about 1.2 million units sold globally in 2022, it is the number one within Stellantis in terms of volume. It is leader in 3 Countries and 3 different Regions: Brazil, Italy, and Turkey, where the Strada, the Panda and the Tipo are respectively the most sold cars. FIAT’s motto, “It’s only sustainable when it’s sustainable for all”, is happily reflected in the FIAT line-up that will continue to grow in the years to come.

 

The Walt Disney Company EMEA

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

The Walt Disney Company Italia, founded in 1938, was the first international Disney subsidiary in the world. The Disney brand has always had a strong affinity with Italian culture and in fact its perceived value in our country is one of the highest in the world.

 

FiatUk

When Fiat Topolino meets Topolino, magic happens: a FIAT initiative in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Italia

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FiatUk

Millions of drivers willing to park nearly one mile from chosen destination to avoid parallel parking; half admit to Parallel-o-phobia

  • On average, drivers are willing to park almost one mile away – or a 20 minute walk – from their destination to avoid parallel parking
  • TV personality Jamie Laing says he’ll avoid parallel parking ‘at all costs’ as nearly half (44%) of motorists admit to being fearful of the parking manoeuvre
  • Men twice as confident at parallel parking compared to women
  • UK’s best and worst regions for parallel parking revealed: Yorkshire and Humber top the list, Londoners come last
  • In total, Brits fork out over £1.5 billion due to parking prangs
  • FIAT partners with Driving School TV to launch the Parallel Parking Guide, featuring Jamie Laing, [https://www.fiat.co.uk/news/parallel-parking] to help drivers master the skill

London, 26 September 2023: Millions of motorists get so flustered at the prospect of parallel parking they’d rather park nearly a mile away from their chosen destination than attempt the manoeuvre.

Dubbed ‘parallelophobia’, almost half of drivers (44%) say they are fearful of parallel parking.

Those who tend to steer clear include TV star and learner driver Jamie Laing, who admits he will avoid attempting a parallel park ‘at all costs’.

A survey of 2,000 motorists, commissioned by FIAT, has lifted the lid on how Brits feel about the dreaded parking procedure and uncovered the financial impact of poor parking skills.

On average, drivers spend £158 on repairs over their lifetime thanks to parking gone wrong, equating to a staggering £1.5 billion*.

The leading reasons Brits fear parallel parking include blocking the road and keeping other drivers waiting (40%), worrying about getting too close to and damaging other cars (37%),  fear of being embarrassed and pressured by people watching (36%), worrying about taking too long to park (30%) and not understanding the yellow lines (23%).

The research also found that on average, drivers are willing to park 0.8 miles away (a 20 minute walk) so they don’t have to parallel park.

Given the troubles motorists seem to face with parallel parking, FIAT has partnered with Driving School TV – a popular YouTube channel fronted by qualified driving instructor Francis Noakes, to launch the Fiat Parallel Parking Guide[SL1] .

As part of the guide, FIAT recruited celebrity Jamie Laing to face ‘parallelophobia’ head-on in an all-electric FIAT 500e, as he was taught how to parallel park. Jamie Laing also attempted the world record for the tightest parallel park, previously achieved in a FIAT 500, at just 7.5cm longer than the length of the car.

“Learning to drive has been like navigating through a maze of frustration, and parallel parking? Don’t even get me started. It’s my least favourite manoeuvre to do.  It makes my palms sweat. I swear

whenever I attempt one my car’s magnetically drawn to the kerb. It’s a skill I’ve just never quite mastered and I will avoid it at all costs.

“I stopped learning to drive a little while ago but after finally passing my theory test having booked around 70 tests, and having to renew my provisional licence as it had expired after 10 years, I’m back learning to drive in a Fiat 500 electric with Francis Noakes from Driving School TV. This guy has already shown me some secret magic trick that suddenly made parallel parking easier and, dare I say, fun to learn – perhaps it’s that the 500e is small and compact to park. He also unofficially helped me match a world record, sort of.

FIAT’s research also revealed drivers spend an average of four and a half hours a year attempting to parallel park** – equating to eight days of their life***.

Parallel parking makes 45% of Brits feel stressed, while 41% have relied on a stranger to help them do it. 67% have driven past a potential space rather than attempt the idea of a parallel park once or multiple times. On average, drivers will attempt a parallel park four times before parking successfully.

Men were twice as confident (32% men very confident vs 16% women very confident), yet there appeared to be very little difference in actual competence with men taking equally as long to complete a parallel park as women (approx. 1.5 minutes).

For those that do manage to parallel park successfully, 31% leave feeling smug, 30% admire their work, 18% brag about it on social media and 17% even do a happy dance.

The FIAT Parallel Parking Index also determined the regions that struggle the most and least with the parallel park. FIAT scored drivers by region on the following factors; average distance from destination drivers are willing to park, average time taken to successfully complete a parallel park, percentage of drivers that are confident, fearful and stressed about the parking manoeuvre, as well as how much money has been spent on fixing their cars as a result of a parallel parking shunt.

The most competent parallel parkers were drivers from the North East. While drivers from London, Scotland and the North West occupied the bottom three spots.

Most notably, Londoners were open to parking a staggering 1.2 miles away from their destination – the equivalent distance of walking between the London Eye and Buckingham Palace: around a 24-minute journey.

On the flip side, drivers from Yorkshire and the Humber weren’t willing to park any further than 0.4 miles (less than 10 minute walk) from their intended destination.

Meanwhile, Londoners have forked out £207 on parking prangs, while those in Yorkshire and the Humber have spent nearly £100 less (£129.50) on average.

AVERAGE DISTANCE FROM DESTINATION DRIVERS ARE WILLING TO PARK – MILES (WALKING TIME)

AVERAGE TIME TAKEN TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A PARALLEL PARK (MINUTES)

AVERAGE OF MOST NUMBER OF TIMES ITS TAKEN TO SUCCESSFULLY PARALLEL PARK

PERCENTAGE OF DRIVERS THAT ARE CONFIDENT OR VERY CONFIDENT PARALLEL PARKING

PERCENTAGE OF DRIVERS FEARFUL OF PARALLEL PARKING (STRONGLY AGREE / SOMEWHAT AGREE)

PERCENTAGE OF DRIVERS STRESSED OF PARALLEL PARKING (STRONGLY AGREE / SOMEWHAT AGREE)

TOTAL SCORE

(LOW = MOST COMPETENT, HIGH = LEAST COMPETENT)

Yorkshire and the Humber

0.4 (8 minutes)

1.1

3.2

63%

36

38

6.2

North East

0.5 (10 minutes)

1.2

3.3

55%

31

31

5.9

Northern Ireland

0.7 (14 minutes)

1.3

3.4

50%

38

38

6.6

South East

0.7 (14 minutes)

1.1

3.6

55%

40

43

6.8

East Midlands

0.5 (10 minutes)

1.5

3.5

71%

48

48

7.6

West Midlands

1.1 (22 minutes)

1.9

5.1

35%

28

29

7.3

South West

0.9 (18 minutes)

1.7

4.7

57%

33

34

7.5

North West

0.8 (16 minutes)

1.4

3.6

68%

56

59

8.4

East Anglia

0.6 (12 minutes)

1.4

3.6

53%

43

44

7.0

Scotland

0.8 (16 minutes)

1.1

4.7

69%

55

60

8.5

Wales

0.9 (18 minutes)

1.8

3.9

55%

46

48

8.1

London

1.2 (24 minutes)

1.9

4.6

63%

50

53

9.3

Damien Dally, FIAT UK Managing Director, said: “It’s a well-known fact that cars have grown in size in recent years, which can only add to the additional stress of parallel parking caused by things like fear of holding up traffic, or bumping into and damaging another car.

 

“The all-electric Fiat 500e is the ultimate city car, having won countless industry awards. It’s the perfect compact car to get around and park in crowded cities or busy urban environments, alleviating the fears of tricky manoeuvres for drivers.

 

“In addition, the 500e is packed full of technology that helps drivers park more easily, from park assist, to blind-spot monitoring and rear-view camera. But not every driver is able to benefit from the size and capabilities of a 500e when it comes to parking, which is why we’re hoping our parking guide will help to reduce ‘parallelophobia’ impacting millions of Brits.”

FIAT recently launched a new E-Grant, where buyers can receive £3,000 towards an all-electric 500e model. For more information on the all-electric Fiat 500e, visit here.www.fiat.co.uk/500-electric/all-electric-500-hatchback  

ENDS

 

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

*Average amount spent on fixing cars after hitting other cars while parking is £158.10

£158.10*((34,292,000 (UK car drivers (source GWI))/100)*29 – percentage who have hit another car while parking)) = £1,572,253,908

**Average amount of times people park a week (3.3)*How much time spent per parallel park (1.5 minutes)*52= 257.4 minutes / 4.29 hours

***Based on driving from the age of 17 to 67

The All Electric FIAT 500e is available from £25,195 (inc £3,000 e-Grant). All Electric FIAT 500e Convertible from £31,195 (inc £3,000 e-Grant)

Contact: fiat@performancecomms.com

FiatUk

FIAT presents the new Fiat 600 Hybrid, the electrified Italian upgrade

FIAT has introduced the new Fiat 600 Hybrid, an electrified version of the popular Fiat 600 model. This hybrid version is aimed at countries where the transition to electric vehicles is happening at a slower pace. The new Fiat 600 Hybrid features advanced hybrid technology that provides a smooth and real electric driving experience. The vehicle is equipped with an MHEV Mild-Hybrid engine, which offers reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions compared to a traditional internal combustion engine. It also improves vehicle dynamics. The new Fiat 600 Hybrid, along with the electric Fiat 600e, marks FIAT’s return to the B segment. FIAT’s strategic vision remains focused on full electric vehicles, but they recognize the need to stay relevant in countries where electric adoption is slower. The hybrid version of the Fiat 600 is seen as a stepping stone towards a more electrified world. The CEO of FIAT, Olivier Francois, expressed the company’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all, while also offering hybrid options for markets like Italy where electric adoption is not yet widespread. Damien Dally, the Managing Director of FIAT UK, emphasized that the new Fiat 600 will only be available in electric or hybrid versions, never with a traditional internal combustion engine setup. He also highlighted the importance of incentives, such as the FIAT e-Grant, to make electric vehicles more accessible to buyers. The new Fiat 600 Hybrid is equipped with advanced technology that ensures a smooth driving experience. It features a 3-cylinder 1.2-liter ICE engine, a 48-volt Li-ion battery, and a 6-speed electric dual-clutch transmission. The hybrid powertrain provides improved performance, especially during acceleration and restarts. The vehicle also offers various driving modes, including a fully electric mode for city driving under 20 mph, and features energy recovery during deceleration. The new Fiat 600 Hybrid is designed to be user-friendly and offers lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engines. It combines the best of the B and B-SUV segments, offering a stylish and sustainable driving experience. The vehicle provides ample space for passengers and storage and is ideal for young customers looking for an eco-friendly mobility solution. The Fiat 600 Hybrid also comes with connected services, including assistance, emergency call services, and navigation features. Two packages are available, offering different levels of connectivity and comfort. The Fiat 600 Hybrid will be available in the UK in 2024.

FiatUk

FIAT 500e Wins Best Electric Small Car at What Car? Electric Car Awards for Third Consecutive Year

  • The FIAT 500e retains its title as Best Electric Small Car at the What Car? Electric Car Awards 2023
  • The electric 500e is praised for its competitive pricing, impressive range, retro design, and enjoyable driving experience
  • This latest award adds to the growing collection of accolades for the FIAT 500e
     

 

For the third consecutive year, the all-electric FIAT 500e has been crowned Best Electric Small Car at the prestigious What Car? Electric Car Awards 2023.

 

The judges at What Car? were once again impressed by the electric 500e’s unique and retro styling, both inside and out, as well as its seamless integration of the latest technology. They also commended the 500e’s fun driving dynamics, which still retain the original model’s tight turning circle and nimble feel, making it ideal for city driving.

 

In addition, the 500e’s pricing stood out among its competitors. The entry-level 24kWh model remains one of the most affordable fully-electric cars on the market, while the longer-range 42kWh model is significantly cheaper than its rivals. The 42kWh variant, regarded as the top choice by the judges, offers a range of 199 miles (WLTP) and can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 9.0 seconds.

 

FIAT introduced the E-Grant earlier this year, which provides a £3,000 incentive to encourage people to switch to electric vehicles. This grant is available for both the fully-electric 500e and the 500e convertible.

 

The FIAT 500e is the brand’s first fully-electric model and boasts a range of best-in-class features, including Level 2 Autonomous Driving technologies and a driving range of up to 199 miles (WLTP) – the longest range of any electric city car currently available.

 

Additionally, the 500e benefits from fast charging capabilities, allowing the battery to reach 80% capacity in just 35 minutes. With a quick five-minute charge, the car gains approximately 30 miles of range.

 

Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, commented: “The exterior design of the electric 500 manages to offer retro appeal while feeling utterly up to date. And likewise, the interior remains charming, yet features all of the kit buyers now expect. The 500 also has the sort of tight turning circle and nimble feel that make driving in town a joy. But the battery of our preferred version is big enough to ensure that you’re not limited to short journeys.”

Damien Dally, UK Managing Director of FIAT & Abarth, added: “It’s fantastic to see the 500e being recognized as the best in its class for three consecutive years by the What Car? team. Winning the ‘Best Electric Small Car’ award three times is a testament to the enduring quality, design, and intelligent technology of the 500e.”

 

Since its launch, the FIAT 500e has received numerous accolades, including the “Best Electric City Car” award from Diesel&EcoCar Magazine, “Best Small Electric Car” at the Parkers New Car Awards, “Best Small Electric Car” at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards, “Best City Car” at the Auto Express Awards, and “Best Small Car” at the Autocar Awards.

 

FiatUk

ICE CREAM ‘VAN’ OF THE FUTURE? FIAT UNVEILS WORLD’S SMALLEST, ZERO-EMISSION, GELATERIA

  • FIAT has created the world’s smallest gelateria for the UK: an all-electric, zero-emissions-in-use and compact solution to serving ice cream within city environments in and around the UK
  • ‘Gelateria Edition’ is a UK one-off concept based on the 500e Convertible
  • Unique two-tone exterior finish compliments a fully customised interior with frozen gelato display, two 15-litre freezers, retro-style canopy and Italian orchestral alert to notify customers of its presence
  • FIAT has created a new gelato flavour inspired by the home of the brand’s Turin routes
  • FIAT study reveals 83% of Brits agree that ‘ice cream vans are a quintessential part of British culture’ and nearly half would be upset if ice cream vans vanished from UK streets
  • Combustion-engined ice cream vans are already being restricted in London boroughs of Camden, Greenwich and Westminster City

 

FIAT has envisioned what the ice cream ‘van’ of the future could look like by unveiling the world’s smallest, zero-emissions-in-use, gelateria – a one-off concept of the all-electric Fiat 500e Convertible for the UK.

 

The stunning-looking Fiat 500e Gelateria Edition concept brings an Italian twist to the traditional ice cream van and a taste of la dolce vita to Britain’s streets.

 

With the UK finally set for a period of warm and sunny weather, despite the car’s compact size, it’s able to serve approximately 300 people per day in a sustainable fashion.

 

The ULEZ-beating 500e Gelateria Edition is a compact and sustainable solution to highly-polluting ice cream vans of old – many of which are powered by diesel engines that idle to power on-board appliances – that are increasingly restricted from the country’s urban areas.

 

Three London councils, Camden, Greenwich, and Westminster City have already either banned or restricted combustion-engined ice cream vans due to air and noise pollution concerns.

 

Furthermore, with 14 UK cities set to have low emissions zones in place by the end of 2024, including the significant expansion of ULEZ into all London boroughs on 29th August, further restrictions could hamper combustion-engined ice cream vans.

 

In light of these current and impending restrictions, FIAT research investigated Brits’ feelings towards ice cream vans. It found 92% have bought ice cream from an ice cream van, which is presumably why 83% agree that ‘ice cream vans are a quintessential part of British culture’. Also, nearly half (48%) said they would be upset if ice cream vans disappeared.

 

About the FIAT 500e Gelateria Edition

 

Based on the award-winning FIAT 500e, the 500e Gelateria Edition features an entirely bespoke interior as the passenger and rear seats are removed. The server is able to freely move around inside the car, serving gelato to customers over the rear of the car.  

 

Sporting a unique two-tone colour finish that evokes the spirit of a classic, local Italian gelateria of the 1950s, the interior and exterior of the Gelateria Edition are rich with light blue and cream colours – with wheels to match.

 

Frozen gelato trays are mounted above a bespoke cabinet containing dual battery-powered freezers storing up to 30 litres of gelato – enough to serve approximately 300 people per day – as well as additional accessories such as cones, tubs and spoons.

 

Placed on the boot and wings, a unique Gelateria badge in bronze cursive style denotes the model as a one-off concept.

 

With the folding fabric roof down, the retro-style canopy can be raised – matching the classical exterior colours – to provide shade to the onboard display of gelato flavours and server beneath.

 

No vehicle that serves gelato is complete without an appropriate chime, which is why the 500e Gelateria Edition features a jingle inspired by the operatic sounds of Italy, passionately, yet softly notifying customers of its presence at the push of a special button on the car’s dashboard.

 

The 500e Gelateria Edition also features a unique cream dashboard finish with bronze Gelateria badging alongside a reupholstered driver’s seat.

 

Deck chairs can be stored within the car so customers can enjoy their freshly served gelato in total comfort.

 

FIAT has also created a new gelato flavour that expresses the brand’s history. Bicerin – a traditional hot drink native to the Italian city of Turin and the birthplace of FIAT – is the inspiration for FIAT’s new gelato flavour, consisting of coffee, chocolate and oat milk ingredients.

 

The FIAT 500e is the first fully-electric FIAT designed from the ground up. The car provides a raft of best-in-class features such as Level 2 Autonomous Driving technologies, a variety of battery options and a substantial driving range of up to 199 miles (WLTP).

 

Damien Dally, Managing Director of FIAT UK, commented: “Understandably, the British public cherishes the ice cream van during summertime, yet the old-fashioned combustion-engine examples of the past are fast becoming outdated – and for good reason.

 

“While the one-off FIAT 500e Gelateria Edition remains a one-off UK concept, based on the 500e Convertible, it is a zero-emission solution that demonstrates the car’s versatility in city environments. It’s small, compact and electric, styled with the brand’s Italian heritage in mind. Plus, the open-top roof brings a touch of dolce vita wherever you go.”

ENDS

 

Media contacts:

Morgan Price

Performance Communications

fiat@performancecomms.com

Matthew Bendall

Head of PR – FIAT UK

matthew.bendall@stellantis.com

 

FiatUk

Scientific Proof: Drivers Happiest When Behind the Wheel of a Convertible, New Study Finds

  • Driving a convertible increases happiness by up to 19%, reduces stress by up to 32%, and improves alertness by up to 15%.
  • The most aggressive drivers experience the largest increase in happiness with the roof down.
  • Driving in general improves a person’s overall mood (happiness, alertness, and tension) compared to not driving at all.
  • Fiat partnered with Dr. Lisa Dorn, a professor of driving behavior, to study the physiological and psychological benefits of driving a convertible.
  • The All Electric Fiat 500 Convertible was used for the study, which is one of the few electric convertible models available in the UK.
  • Drivers of the All Electric Fiat 500 Convertible experienced an increase in positive emotions and a decrease in negative ones.

London: Thursday 20th July – Driving an open-top convertible can significantly improve motorists’ mood and performance compared to driving with the roof up, according to a first-of-its-kind scientific study.

In partnership with Dr. Lisa Dorn, Associate Professor of Driver Behaviour at Cranfield University and Founder of PsyDrive, Fiat conducted research to determine how driving with the top down affects our physical and emotional well-being. The results suggest that being behind the wheel of a convertible makes drivers happier, more alert, and may even have long-term health benefits.

The study measured driving style for each participant using the Driver Stress Inventory before conducting tests. When the roof was down, all drivers experienced a significant increase in happiness, with the more aggressive drivers showing the greatest uplift in mood. Driving with the roof down also reduced stress levels and increased alertness. This may lead to safer driving, as drivers were also found to have lower levels of negative emotions associated with road rage.

Both men and women experienced a near equal and significant increase in alertness when driving with the roof down. Females reported a stronger impact on their energy levels overall. Dr. Lisa Dorn suggests that driving with the top down provides a greater sense of feedback from the road environment, leading to a positive mood and potentially safer driving.

Damien Dally, FIAT UK Managing Director, believes that driving a convertible brings joy to motorists, and this study confirms that drivers are happier with the roof down. The All Electric Fiat 500 provides an enjoyable driving experience, whether the roof is up or down, and may also benefit drivers in terms of alertness and calmness on the road.

The Fiat 500 all electric convertible is the first 100% electric Fiat designed from the ground up. It offers best-in-class features and a range of battery options, making it an excellent choice for those interested in electric driving.

Fiat recently launched a new E-Grant, where buyers can receive £3,000 towards an all-electric 500 model. For more information, visit www.fiat.co.uk/500-electric/all-electric-500-hatchback.

ENDS

Methodology in detail

Fiat conducted a two-day scientifically grounded experiment with a group of UK car drivers, in partnership with Dr. Lisa Dorn. Participants drove solo in two journeys, one with the roof up and one with the roof down, on a pre-planned quiet rural public route. Heart rate was measured using chest band ECGs, and participants completed a Mood Questionnaire before and after each drive. Data analysis revealed significant differences in mood and heart rate variability between the two driving conditions, with driving style also playing a role.