Europe has today acquired its largest hanging garden, with the inauguration of La Pista 500, a park created on the roof of Fiat's historic Lingotto factory, consisting of 40,000 plants. In parallel, the inauguration of Casa 500, a special space that speaks about the past, present and future of the legendary 500, and the unveiling of the new electric (500)RED, completed a day dedicated to motoring and respect for the environment.
At the event, John Elkann, Chairman of Stellantis, Olivier François, FIAT CEO and Stellantis CMO and Ginevra Elkann, President of Pinacoteca Agnelli, were accompanied by the legend of the rock music scene and co-founder of (RED), Bono.
The initiative (RED), named after the color of the emergency, was founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to mobilize companies in the fight against AIDS. Today, the organization is fighting both AIDS and the COVID pandemic with partners such as Amazon, Anova Culinary, Apple, Bank of America, Louis Vuitton, Montblanc, Vespa, and Stellantis.
On the occasion of this special day, Stellantis President, Mr. John Elkann, said: "Turin now has a new museum, which focuses on a real Italian landmark such as the Fiat 500, but also a new garden accessible to all. The investment made in Mirafiori for the production of electric cars and the "green" transformation of Lingotto, are elements of the commitment of Stellantis to lead the change in the automotive world and offer everyone the benefits of a sustainable and advanced automotive world."
For his part, Mr. Olivier Francois, CEO of FIAT and CMO of Stellantis said: "Today we are opening a new chapter in the history of Lingotto. Throughout time it has been a benchmark for Fiat's history and today, we are planting the seed for our future here, with Casa 500, the new museum of the brand's favourite model, and La Pista 500, Europe's largest hanging garden. At the same time we are presenting for the first time the new electric (500)RED, the world's first (RED) car."
On the occasion of the presence of the well-known musician and activist Bono at the event, Mr Francois added: "Today together with Bono make the world premiere of the new electric (500)RED. The mission of this car is to protect the planet and people for a more sustainable future. Together with (RED) we are taking another step in this direction and sending a strong message. At the same time we are celebrating an excellent commercial result for FIAT, which is currently the 1η Stellantis Group's best-selling brand with more than 1 million sales in 2021. This element, combined with the strength of Stellantis, allow us to look to the future with optimism. From 2023 FIAT will present at least one model per year, each of which will have an all-electric version."
The President of Pinacoteca Agnelli, Mrs. Ginevra Elkann said: "The Lingotto is a magical place and a symbol of Italian industrialism, which has evolved according to the needs of each era. Years ago, the work of Renzo Piano made it accessible to all, with spaces such as those housing the Giovanni Giovanni art collection and Marella. Today the Lingotto makes a new start, linking its original identity with a vision for the future. With Casa 500 and La Pista 500, the Lingotto communicates to the public the vision for a sustainable future and the connection between art and the environment."
Honouring the event with his presence, Bono, co-founder of (RED), said: "Our partnership with FIAT, Jeep and RAM is a strong support for (RED)'s fight against pandemics. It is hard to believe that 15 years after (RED) was founded we are facing a new virus, but it is even harder to see that the AIDS virus is still alive. Less than 5% of Africa's population is fully vaccinated, while in Europe and America there are numerous vaccines available. We need to do even more to help the millions of people who lack access to vaccines, medicines and personal safety equipment. Quite simply, if the pandemic is not defeated everywhere, no one will be safe anywhere. Today one of the most iconic automotive companies says it wants to help eliminate COVID-19 and with the new (500)RED put their intention into practice in the greenest way possible."
Casa 500: The future is inspired by tradition
Casa 500 is a new exhibition space that is part of the wider Pinacoteca Agnelli, whose President is Mrs. Ginevra Elkann. A 700 sq.m. space that plays with memories, emotions, dreams and the history of a city and a car. The Fiat 500. Seeking the roots of this landmark for car culture, Casa 500, clearly describes how the past can inspire the future. Through three generations, the 500 has revolutionized the automotive world and changed the way people view urban transportation. In the 4ο On the first floor of the Pinacoteca Agnelli and overlooking the Lingotto circuit, Casa 500 tells this story and at the same time honours the environment, being made of ecological materials and clever solutions that protect the planet, such as surfaces that clean the air of pollutants and furniture that uses plastic waste recovered from the sea. Casa 500 was designed by the architectural team Lab71, led by Massimiliano Gotti Porcinari, and includes a total of 8 thematic units.
The hanging garden of... La Pista 500
With more than 40,000 plants, the legendary roof of the Lingotto factory was transformed into Europe's largest hanging garden. La Pista 500, located in the space where the factory's engineers once tested cars that had just completed their journey to the production line, a space that from today will be accessible to all. Applying a series of innovative ideas in the fields of energy saving, the project by architect Benedetto Camerana and botanist Cristiana Ruspa, spreads out along the 1.2km circular route, which is 28 metres above ground level. Seven hectares filled with 300 species of plants give new life to a site that in the past was a landmark of the industrial revolution and today assumes a new role as a symbol of planetary protection.
The family (500)RED
Fiat, Jeep and RAM are joining forces with (RED), with at least 4 million vehicles. USD 4.4 million for the period 2021 - 2023 to support the Global Fund's efforts against the AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics. In this way, the acquisition of a family car (500)RED becomes an act of even greater significance. Since 2006, (RED) has helped more than 220 million people around the world and the contribution of Fiat, Jeep and RAM will support life-saving programs. By partnering with (RED), the brands along with their customers are joining forces against pandemics.
"This year we are at 15ο its lifetime (RED) and we couldn't be more proud to launch this important partnership. The energy and creativity of companies is what we need to fight COVID and AIDS that have such a negative impact on millions of people. We are deep grateful at people that made Actually this the partnersia."
Jennifer Lotito, President and CEO of (RED)
The new model family (500)RED, features the new, all-electric 500. A vehicle that tackles environmental protection in a holistic way. This special edition stands out with the driver's seat in red and those of the passengers in black, giving the message of an invitation to take the wheel of change in our hands. At the same time, all models in the (500) familyRED, the hybrid (500)RED, the (500X)RED and the (500L)RED, are equipped with a series of innovative features, such as a special cabin filter that neutralises viruses and bacteria at a rate of over 99.9%, and special linings made of Seaqual® eco-fabric, which, like the steering wheel and luggage compartment lining, have a special antibacterial treatment. Finally, a personalised letter to each purchaser of a model in the range, signed by Olivier François and Bono, will welcome them to the (RED) family, certifying the positive social footprint of their purchase.
(500 Iride)RED το scooter of the family 500
The family (500)RED brings and a new surprise member, which acts as a complementary means of transportation. The scooter (500 Iride)RED stands out for its innovative design and is available for purchase, both as part of the acquisition of a Fiat (500)RED and as an accessory. The electric folding scooter is designed to fit easily into the 500's luggage compartment and offers comfortable, flexible and zero-emission commuting in city centres. With a total weight of just 15 kg, a range of 30 km and a charging time of just 4.5 hours, the (500 Iride)RED , is the perfect complement to this unique range of cars.
