A Fiat Viaggio on real-world trials recently crashed with a motorcycle on a highway in Taichang, Jiangsu, killing the motorcyclist. The driver of the test car suffered minor injuries. The accident is a heavy blow to the joint venture of GAC-Fiat which prepares to launch the Viaggio, its inaugural model, next month.

According to a Chinese report from the Internet News Agency, the Viaggio was driving in the fast lane and taking a curve when the accident happened. Trying to avoid a truck coming from the opposite direction and engaging in dangerous overtaking, the test car swerved and lost control, hitting a motorcycle driving normally before crashing into the media strip. The driver of the motorcycle died on the scene.

Pictures of the accident show a broken front right axle on the Viaggio and extensive exterior damages on the side of the vehicle. The B-pillar and side-impact beam stood firm. The cab was well-protected. No airbags, however, went off.

In an official statement GAC-Fiat said it was deeply sorry about the accident and working with related agencies to handle the aftermath. It defended the safety of the Chinese-made Viaggio, stressing that it met European standards.

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