The Fiat brand of Auburn Hills’ Stellantis will be auctioning three unique Fiat 500e electric vehicles at the Art Basel Miami Beach 2023 art show Dec. 7.
The cars, designed in collaboration with iconic Italian brands Armani, Bulgari, and Kartell, will be auctioned at an undisclosed location. Proceeds will benefit an environmental nonprofit to be named following the auction.
“It is rare for an automaker to combine efforts with the most iconic Italian brands of three different sectors, fashion design, furniture design, and luxury, to create something truly unique that combines art with an earth-friendly message, making the cars available through auction is even more unusual,” says Olivier Francois, CEO of Fiat and global chief marketing officer at Stellantis. “These three special builds set the stage for FIAT’s sustainable mission and create momentum as we approach the arrival of the all-electric Fiat 500e in North America.”
The auction precedes Fiat’s launch of the all-electric Fiat 500e, Stellantis’ first EV offering in North America.
Noted auctioneer Simon de Pury will conduct the auction and an online catalogue has been published on his platform online. This provides a chance for those unable to attend the event to register for pre and absentee bidding, granting them access to registration, online and telephonic bidding ahead of the auction.
“I am very excited to conduct the auction of the three unique Fiat 500 cars,” de Pury says. “They are stunning and beautiful works of art on wheels. It is wonderful that the proceeds of the auction will entirely go to environmental work.”
In other Stellantis news, the end of the 2023 Formula 1 racing season also marked the close of Alfa Romeo’s partnership with the Sauber Motorsport team.
In 2018, after more than 30 years of absence, Alfa Romeo returned to F1 as part of a strategic, commercial, and technological partnership with Sauber.
“At the end of those six seasons, it’s time to take stock,” says Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO of Alfa Romeo. “For Alfa Romeo, this F1 adventure represented an international showcase at the highest level, as well as a profound human and sporting experience that supported our products’ dynamics with a great return on investment, providing a powerful strategic worldwide marketing platform for Alfa Romeo.
“The benefits in terms of visibility serve as a benchmark for the entire Stellantis group. Alfa Romeo has competition in its DNA and will return to thrill its fans as soon as possible, when the conditions are right.”
In addition, Green Car Journal has named the Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 Green SUV of the Year. The Tonale is Alfa Romeo’s first globally available C-SUV, offering plug-in hybrid technology and standard all-wheel drive. Green Car Journal editors noted Tonale’s Italian style, driving dynamics, functionality, and high-tech interior.
