Fiat's new eco:Drive technology is the world's first in-car device that allows drivers to monitor how much CO2 their driving creates. Airside were appointed by AKQA to create an animated short, Ciao!, to introduce the eco:Drive technology and to demonstrate how it can be used to reduce a journey's emissions.

The film's two stars are Franco and Merv. Franco is in charge of making Fiat cars the eco-friendliest around, whilst Merv is a test driver who helps Franco test CO2 emissions. Together they show how eco:Drive works and the obvious benefits it brings.

Ciao! was premiered at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, September 2007.

Airside was subsequently commissioned to create three more shorts for eco:Drive, each showing the benefits of eco:Drive depending on the kind of driver you are. These were debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, March 2008.

The animations are now being used online at Fiat's eco:Drive website, as well as featuring in the beta version of the software launching shortly.

4 x animated films with illustrations for software and online usage

Cannes Lions, 2009 – Cyber Grand Prix
Creative Circle Awards, Most Innovative Digital Campaign, 2009, (Silver honours)
Media Guardian Megas, Digital Technology, 2009, (Winner)
Creative Review, The Annual, 2009, (In-book)
One Show Interactive Awards, 2009: winner, Best of Show

"The film's charm encapsulates the spirit of Fiat and where we want to take the brand."

Luis Cilimingras, European Advertising Manager, Fiat

Re. Win at Cannes Lions, 2009: Last night in Cannes, I had the honour of accepting the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Fiat EcoDrive. I think it’s fair to say that being presented with the award was one of the proudest moments in my career. But what made it truly amazing was that it wasn’t just won for a great piece of work, but won for an inspirational team of world class professionals whose passion and enthusiasm has changed the way automotive brands think about technology, creativity and ecology.

So thank you, all of you, for the effort and dedication you have shown, and continue to. It is an honour to work with you.

Airside. Lords of all that is cool and explanatory.

James Hilton, Creative Director, AKQA London