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Fiat celebrating Disney anniversary

1 year ago Thursday October 31st, 2024 779 views

Fiat is running the extra mile for Disney with a fun pack of special-edition Topolinos to commemorate the 100th anniversaries of both the House of Mouse and the automaker’s Lingotto factory.

“Topolino” means little mouse in Italian, and it was originally bestowed upon the Fiat 500 in 1936 due to its endearing mouse-like appearance. Interestingly, it’s also affectionately used to refer to Mickey Mouse.

Essentially, the Topolino, classified as an electric quadricycle that isn’t motorway-legal, is a rebadged 2023 version of the Citroen Ami. With dimensions of 8.3 feet in length, a top speed of 28 mph, and an electric motor churning out eight hp, it’s a modest yet eco-friendly choice. The 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery ensures a range of up to 47 miles. Ushering in the magic are five distinctive models, each flaunting vibrant Mickey Mouse-inspired liveries. Four of the special editions were crafted by the Fiat Centro Stile design team, inspired by Disney creatives, while one is a delightful collaboration with Disney artist Giorgio Cavazzano, who has decorated the car with comic book-like iterations of Disney’s very own topolino.

These artistic interpretations span the evolution of Mickey Mouse, including a charming black-and-white motif reminiscent of the character’s 1928 debut in Steamboat Willie, a modernized version focusing on Mickey’s initials, a vibrant street art-inspired rendition, and an abstract model adorned with lively graphics. However, here’s the goofy bit: the quadricycles won’t be up for sale. Instead, they’ll take center stage at Fiat’s famed Lingotto factory in Turin, Italy, which itself celebrates its centenary in 2023.

Fiat and Disney have more in common than one may think, according to Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Global Stellantis CMO.

“The stories of Fiat and Disney are rooted together as both Disney and the Lingotto celebrate their 100th anniversaries, and the two Topolinos — the Disney icon [Mickey] 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.”

These special tributes underscore the shared values of these two storied brands and introduce a “smiling” electric mobility option to a new generation of drivers, Francois continues.