Fiat Apologizes to China Over Commercial

The latest apology to China comes from automaker Fiat, reports Reuters. The company aired a commercial for the Fiat Delta in Italy, but it starred American actor Richard Gere and portrayed him driving into Tibet.

In a statement issued on Friday, Fiat said it did not endorse Gere’s political views. The actor supports Tibet’s autonomy from China.

“Fiat reiterates its neutrality in connection with any political matter, be it on a national or international basis,” it said. “Fiat Group extends its apologies to the Government of the People’s Republic of China and to the Chinese people.”

A spokesman said Fiat decided to issue the statement after reports about the commercial appeared in Chinese newspapers.

Here’s the commercial:

[Via MotorTrend]