NF500 / brand image

72 all-black Fiat 500s have been acquired on contract hire by well known phone manufacturers Nokia, in a fleet deal that will see the garishly decorated Fiats help kick-start a new high profile promotion.

The press release we’ve received from Fiat focuses on the “youthful brand image” that Nokia wishes to nurture with the 500 becoming a “lifestyle must have”. We’re not sure on the marketing speak, or how much of an impact the student brand ambassadors who will be driving the 500s over the next three to six months will have on the company’s sales figures, but the chosen livery, apparently inspired by early 90s shell-suits, is nothing if not eye catching!

As well as the 500 being viewed as a funky, youthful, lifestyle statement that will help excite and entice people to Nokia’s new 6220 phone, we’re certain that the financial side of hiring the 500s will certainly have encouraged Nokia to chose the Fiat 500 over its rivals. Current estimates rate the entry level 500 1.2 Pop as having a retained value at 47 per cent after three years.

This business win is typical of the fleet interest being shown in the Fiat 500 right now by companies large and small,

David Joyce, Fiat Auto Financial Services’ Business Finance Manager is quoted as saying;

The retro-styling of the new 500, which has already captured the public’s imagination, is now filtering through to fleet users.