In control

Autonomous drive isn’t just about convenience for people who find driving a chore. For some, it’s a necessity.

Disability needn’t mean immobility

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Autonomy programme is designed to provide answers to the needs of customers with reduced motor, sensory or cognitive abilities (and to their caregivers) to help them use cars and secure their freedom of movement. That programme enjoyed an additional element of fun on the most recent International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated every 3 December. In a joint activity with Jeep Off-road, several young people with disabilities were able to experience a great adventure on the unpaved roads between Piedmont, Liguria and France, along the so- called Via del Sale (Salt Road), onboard five of the company’s models.

In the past, the company says, this route was travelled by shepherds, pilgrims, muleteers, traders and travellers. On those journeys of old, the travellers set out from Ponente Ligure and nearby Provence to reach Piedmont and Northern Europe through the Alpine passes and started a dense network of trade exchanges. The Salt Road today is a cultural trail, with many churches and other points of interest, and an outdoor tourist route with many opportunities for trekking, MTB and off-roading.

Three days off-road with two nights in a tent (this year, one night on the Sestriere mountains and one along the Salt Road), were provided to three young wheelchairbound boys. A video, Jeep Off-road – Salt Road 2017, which narrates this experience through touching images and the excited comments of the youngsters, was posted to FCA’S social network pages and Youtube channel.

For each different disability and mobility need, Autonomy provides a range of cars or commercial vehicles from the FCA Group brands Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Jeep and Fiat Professional. In addition to this, there are services that provide practical help for any problem connected with driving a car adapted for disabled drivers. At any of the 19 mobility centres scattered around Italy, Autonomy customers can test their motor abilities with special simulators, can learn to trust their modified vehicles and consult doctors and physiotherapists. PM