Fiat apologized to China over its commercial in which Richard Gere hops in his Fiat Lancia Delta and drives to Tibet. According to this USA Today article, Fiat says it doesn’t endorse Gere’s political views.
Olivier Francois, Chief Executive Officer of Lancia, released a statement and in it he says, “Fiat reiterates its neutrality in connection with any political matter, be it on a national or international basis. Fiat Group extends its apologies to the Government of the People’s Republic of China and to the Chinese people.”
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Really?! No one thought that through before they booked Gere as their actor? Are did they realize how much press that would get them?