Sergio Marchionne has presented Pope Benedict XVI with the keys to a special tractor that New Holland, a Fiat Group company world leader in the field of agricultural equipment, donated to the Pontiff.

Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A., has presented Pope Benedict XVI with the keys to a special tractor that New Holland, a Fiat Group company world leader in the field of agricultural equipment, donated to the Pontiff. This one-of-a-kind New Holland T7050 tractor, totally white and carrying the papal coat of arms, will haul the enormous 17-ton mobile platform which the Pope uses during the traditional Wednesday General Audiences in Saint Peter’s Square.

Sergio Marchionne said: “It’s a great honour for us to have had the opportunity to give this vehicle to the Holy Father, as a token of admiration and respect. The Fiat Group is strongly committed to technological excellence and responsible development, and today’s event is a further sign of our commitment.”

New Holland Agriculture is a Fiat Group company and world leader in the field of agricultural mechanisation with a history of innovation spanning more than 100 years. New Holland manufactures and sells a complete range of agricultural equipment, including tractors, combine harvesters, hay and forage machinery and grape harvesters. It operates worldwide with 25 production plants in 14 countries and avails itself of a network of 3,000 dealers in all the main geographic areas.

The New Holland T7000 Series tractors were presented for the first time at the Bologna EIMA trade fair at the end of 2006. These tractors were launched throughout the world during 2007 and they stand out for their cutting-edge technology, extremely low emission engines, driving comfort and ultra-quiet cabins.