The FIAT Brand to Bring a Splash of Color to LA Auto Show - Artist to Paint Italian Masterpiece inside Fiat 500L

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 

• An iconic canvas fit for a masterpiece – Italian artist Nicola Verlato to paint the ceiling of a Fiat 500L on showroom floor during LA Auto Show
• "Fiat 500L Italian Masterpiece" to pay homage to Renaissance period's Michelangelo; artist will lie on his back to paint inside vehicle
• Painting to take place over six days (Wednesday, November 20-Monday, November 25) LIVE on showroom floor
• Time-lapsed video will showcase Verlato's daily progress beginning November 21

FIAT Brand North America will bring a splash of color to this year's Los Angeles Auto Show by commissioning noted Italian artist Nicola Verlato to paint an Italian masterpiece, inspired by one of the most recognized fresco works of the Renaissance era, inside a Fiat 500L.  Verlato will paint his masterpiece, which will pay homage to elements of Michelangelo's work inside the Sistine Chapel, using the ceiling of the all-new Fiat 500L as his canvas. The artist will work from November 20-25 on the showroom floor. The vehicle will be on display for the remainder of the LA Auto Show, which runs through December 1. More information on the Fiat 500L Italian Masterpiece, including behind-the-scenes footage of the project's preparation, can be found at http://www.fiatusa.com/en/social/.

Said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC and Head of FIAT Brand worldwide: "The FIAT brand is about immersing oneself in Italian style, design and culture. We wanted to play with this concept by taking one of the most far-reaching pieces of old world art and combining it with the iconic new design of the Fiat 500L."

For those unable to attend the LA Auto Show in person, Verlato's daily progress can be seen on http://www.fiatusa.com/en/social/ beginning November 21, which will showcase time-lapsed video from the showroom floor at the end of each day.

The red Fiat 500L with a tan/dark gray interior will be specially reconfigured and prepped for the project, including the installation of a special fiberglass 'ceiling' (specially coated to absorb paint) replacing the vehicle's headliner. In addition, the seats have been removed, and a special floor has been created to allow Verlato to move and swivel as he paints on his back, in the style reminiscent of Michelangelo and other artists who worked during the Renaissance era. 

Nicola Verlato, born in Verona, Italy, spent his childhood summers painting in the studio of a nearby monastery. At the age of 15, he had his first show. He studied at the University of Venice where he honed his skills in drawing, painting and other disciplines. Soon after, he gained recognition in Milan and later relocated to New York and then Los Angeles. His work is shown in galleries around the world. More info on Verlato can be found at www.nicolaverlato.com/bio. 

About FIAT Brand
The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento — a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the Fiat 500 is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine.

Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the Fiat 500 and Fiat 500c (Cabrio) build on the vehicle's global popularity. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 1,000,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 100 countries around the world. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 international awards, including being named the 2008 European Car of the Year, 2009 World Car Design of the Year and Best New Engine of 2010 (Fiat MultiAir® Turbo). In the U.S., the 2012 Fiat 500 was named "Best Buy" in the subcompact category by Consumers Digest and was deemed a "Top Safety Pick" by the influential Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This year, the 2013 Fiat 500 was named to the "10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

The FIAT brand portfolio in North America continues to expand. In 2013, the FIAT brand launched the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the fully-electric Fiat 500e and the Fiat 500L, an all-new five-passenger model that expands FIAT's brand style and efficiency into the growing B-segment.  

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC