Friday, May 11, 2012
Ferrari in hot water after publicity stunt
Car manufacturer Ferrari is facing criticism after one of its vehicles caused damage to a Chinese monument.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the company’s entrance to the Chinese market, the organisation intended to temporarily place a Ferrari 458 Italia on the Zhonghua Gate Tower.Unfortunately, one overenthusiastic dealership employee decided to drive the vehicle; performing ‘doughnuts’ and other manoeuvres on the ramparts – leaving skid marks all over the 600-year-old monument.
Ferrari has apologised and insisted it never intended to perform these stunts. As a show of good faith, they are collaborating with officials to repair any damage.
During the Ming Dynasty, the Zhonghua Gate Tower was used as a large defensive structure. As a testament to its effectiveness, no-one ever tried to breach its fortifications. Today, the building is a popular tourist attraction.
Speaking to Sky News, one angry Chinese visitor said, “I do not think the Zhonghua Gate Tower is the right venue for the car show.
“For tourists like those who travelled thousands [of] miles from Australia, they only came here today, but the site is closed. What a pity."
Allegedly, the driver of the Ferrari is being punished by his employer.
Photo © evercool via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: Australia, China, damage, doughnuts, Ferrari, local authorities, Ming Dynasty, skid marks, Sky News, tourist attraction, Zhonghua Gate Tower
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posted by Fuse @ 8:12 AM 
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