Sistino also confirmed that Fiat's first Chinese built model under its now joint venture (the "C medium" saloon) will be on the local market "by the end of 2012" while he was also quoted by newswires as saying that its Chinese dealer network will more double from 40 to 100 outlets by late next year. Fiat is playing catch up with its rivals on this market after its previous joint venture in China fell apart.

This 500 limited edition - 100 numbered units - will be featuring in an original initiative ahead of the official launch of the 500 on September 15. It will arrive CBU from Mexico. Everyone who places an order for a Fiat 500 from July 12 to September 15 will take part in a final draw entitling them to replace the car they ordered with a Fiat 500 "First Edition".

"The start of the pre-order stage is a fundamental stage for the 500 launch in China and will mark an important step forward in the joint project of Fiat and GAC", declared Lorenzo Sistino. "The objective of the 500 is to position our brand on this market because it is the model that best expresses the values of Fiat".

Based on the 500 Lounge, the First Edition has a special three-coat pearlescent white body colour, a red leather interior and a special badge on the door pillar. Under the bonnet, it is equipped with the 1.4 litre MultiAir unit, the petrol engine that won the The International Engine of the Year Award 2010. Combined with an automatic six-speed transmission, the engine delivers maximum power of 101 HP (75 kW) at 6500 rpm and peak torque of 133 Nm at 4000 rpm.

The real novelty of the Fiat 500 First Edition however is its special livery, as Lorenzo Sistino explained. "The First Edition is a special offer exclusively created for Chinese customers and represents a symbol that joins our two cultures. Not by chance, we asked five young Chinese artists to interpret the relationship between our two countries in a creative, original manner, and to fashion a tribute for the launch of the 500 in China. The 500 will have many versions and special series, in addition to the 100 First Edition models. Next year we will be launching the 500C convertible and the exclusive '500 by Gucci' special series. The Fiat 500 is the first important step of Fiat in this great market: by the end of 2012 we will have launched a new saloon made entirely in China at the plant in Changsha with our partner GAC".

In detail, the five unique designs on the sides of the car symbolise the bonds between Italy and China. The first designer is Leilei, an avant-garde artist who has won many important awards in China and in other countries. Use of elements from national popular culture is predominant in his works. The second young designer is Mee Wong, illustrator and teacher at the Guangzhou Art Institute. Her favourite creative element is the panda, the animal which symbolises Chinese culture. Asian tradition is again the inspiration for the third artist, Benny Luk, an award-winning designer of international fame, who combines graphics and web design. Next is Nod Young, a visual artist with a unique style whose artwork has been exhibited in many countries, including the UK, Germany, the USA, Italy, South Africa and China. Drawing and illustration master Yan Wei completes the line-up. She employs traditional Chinese patterns and her works have been displayed in some of the most famous art galleries of Shanghai, Beijing, New York and Tokyo.

Made in Toluca (Mexico), the Fiat 500 marketed in China has an entry-level price of 190,000 RMB. The range includes three trim levels (Pop, Sport and Lounge), one engine version (1.4 MultiAir 101 HP), an automatic six-speed transmission, 12 body colours (metallic, non-metallic and three-coat pearlescent), 9 colour-material combinations for upholstery and two interior environments (black or ivory). In brief, this amazing A-segment four-seater ensures a great handling experience and unprecedented feeling with its ideal city size, its thrilling driving dynamics, its brand-new 1.4 litre MultiAir engine, its innovative Blue&Me hands-free communication system and seven airbags as standard.