Fiat has revealed a new partnership with charity (RED) through the introduction of a new special edition model.
Called the (500) RED, it’s the first car in a series of special edition models which will help the charity - which was founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 as a way of raising money to fight the AIDS pandemic - to tackle global pandemics. Fiat says that, together with Jeep and RAM, the partnership will provide (RED) with ‘more than $4 million (£2.92 million) over the next three years.
Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Stellantis CMO, said: “Today, Bono and I present the world premiere of the (500) RED. The mission of this car is to protect both planet and people: it’s electric, to respect the environment and make a contribution to a more sustainable future. That mission is now going even further with (RED) on board. Together with (RED), we also want to combat pandemics, and this is the dual message we intend to convey to the world."
The car itself gets a striking red exterior colour applied to the logos, mirrors caps and highlights on the alloy wheels. Inside, this colour is extended to the dashboard and floor mats, while the seats are made from Seaqual yarn - a material derived from plastics recovered from the oceans.
Each car will come with a welcome kit, including a hand sanitiser dispenser and specific key cover. All customers will receive an email signed by Oliver Francois - Fiat CEO and Stellantis CEO - and Bono.
The (RED) edition will be available not just on the electric 500, but on the 500 mild hybrid and the 500X. The latter can also be specified in newly unveiled Dolcevita soft-top configuration, too.
Bono, co-founder, (RED), stated: “This partnership with Fiat, Jeep and RAM is a powerful shot in the arm for (RED)’s fight against pandemics and the complacency that fuels them. It’s hard to believe that 15 years on from (RED)’s founding we are now fighting another virus, but it’s even harder to see the virus of injustice that marked the AIDS pandemic is alive and well during Covid.
“Less than five per cent of people in Africa are fully vaccinated, while vaccines are plentiful in Europe and America. We have to do more and fast to support the hundreds of millions of people who don’t yet have access to the vaccines, therapeutics or sufficient PPE. Because unless this pandemic is defeated everywhere, no one will be safe anywhere.”
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