FIAT APOLOGIZE TO CHINA OVER RICHARD GERE AD
Apparently the Chinese Governments' attention was not focused on the Opening Ceremony lately...
The Chinese government has reacted angrily to the advert and has expressed its concerns to Fiat. China is a huge market for carmakers so ... Fiat has apologised to the Chinese government!
“Fiat Group extends its apologies to the Government of the People's Republic of China and to the Chinese people. The choice of Mr. Richard Gere in connection with the launch of Lancia Delta was based on his long and distinguished career in the arts, and the choice of the subject matter by Mr. Gere is a reflection of our commitment to artistic freedom of expression. This choice should not be understood as an endorsement by Fiat Group of Mr. Gere's social and political views."
Gere has been an outspoken critic of China's conduct in Tibet for over 20 years and donated his earnings from the commercial to his Tibet foundation. "Accidentally" this ad was aired in France after the ceremony ...
This apology and incident is from June, a couple of months ago, so its not fair to connect it to the opening ceremony as you guys implied in the post.
Posted by: mediterranean | Saturday, 09 August 2008 at 12:25 AM
are u kidding? i saw this ad months ago on the french tv
Posted by: gvgvsse | Wednesday, 13 August 2008 at 03:30 PM