“Italians regain their faith”. This is not a proclamation by Pope Benedict XVI, but the clear result of a voting by Quattroruote magazine readers during celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary.

At the Palazzo Mezzanotte in the financial centre in Milan (Mibtel), during the celebrations held to mark 50 years of automotive journalism by Quattroruote magazine, the choice of the public after an election held over the internet was announced in front of more than one hundred especially invited guests. Fiat wins, that was the message. The 13th Quattroruote overall prize award was claimed by the new Fiat Grande Punto which received 32.7 percent of the votes (59.614 votes out of 182.000) which were cast by the magazine's readership.

An absolute winner, it was followed in second place by the new Alfa Romeo 159 which garnerd 16.9 pct (30.879 votes), so it was major victory for Fiat Auto. No one less then Fiat Auto CEO Sergio Marchionne, and Alfa Romeo CEO Antonio Baravalle, collected the awards on behalf of the Grande Punto and Alfa 159 respectively, during a glittering evening reception.

It was to be a resounding success for Fiat Auto as each category award arrived into hands of important Fiat family members; the 'City Car' award went to the Fiat Panda, collected by Lorenzo Sistino, responsible for Fiat sales, the 'Small Car' award went to the Grande Punto, received by Fiat brand CEO Luca de Meo and Sergio Marchionne, while the 'Smaller Car' award went to the  Alfa Romeo 147, received by Ettore Colombo, responsible for Alfa Romeo sales. The 'Mid Size' car gong went to the Alfa Romeo 159, received by Antonio Baravalle, while the 'Large Car' award was claimed by the Maserati Quattroporte, and received by the brand's CEO Karl Heinz Kalbfell.
 

The 'Sportscar' and 'Cabriolet' awards were both swept up by the stunning Ferrari F430 Coupé and Spider, and collected by Jean Todt, Ferrari's Managing Director, and Antonio Ghini, Head of Ferrari Communications, respectively. Only Fiat Auto's Lancia arm didn't make it onto the awards list despite its important contribution to the Italian market, especially with the Ypsilon that ended last year the third best seller, behind the Grande Punto and Panda. Other niche categories, such as for supercars, are not included during this election.

Important names from the world of Italian design were present during this celebration evening, including Giorgetto Giugiaro, Lilly Bertone (wife of Nuccio) and Leonardo Fioravanti. Quattroruote published its first edition in 1956 and has built a great reputation since: ”…an important role in the growth of Italian motorisation and the progress of Italian technology..” Claudio Scajola, the Italian Minister for 'Production Activities' stated during the presentation. Rounding out the evening were words of gratitude from Editoriale Domus President Maria Giovanna Mazzocchi, while CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that Italy had entered into a crucial period and an one of great interest for the whole domestic car industry. "The year 2006 will be a real challenge for everybody to achieve a healthy balance. Followed by an important investment of 10 billion to achieve the ultimate balance by introducing 20 new models from now until 2008," he concluded.

by Mattia Mariani