The initiative stems from the Italian launch of SupportBelt™, a seat belt accessory designed to provide relief and protection to those who experience discomfort due to belt pressure — particularly after mastectomy surgery.
This innovation was made possible through collaboration with the Fondazione ANT Franco Pannuti – ETS. Founded in Bologna in 1978 by oncologist Franco Pannuti, the foundation provides free specialist medical assistance at home for cancer patients and promotes free cancer prevention programmes.
The organisation has become a point of reference in Italy for home-based specialist care for cancer patients and for oncological prevention.
As part of the partnership, Ford Italia donated 100 SupportBelt™ devices for direct distribution and made available two vehicles — the fully electric Ford Explorer and the plug-in hybrid Transit Custom — to make home assistance and transport more efficient and sustainable.
Phonocar, in turn, donated two next-generation Wall Boxes from its product line dedicated to vehicle electrification. These will be installed at the ANT headquarters to facilitate vehicle charging and support the foundation’s operations.
“The arrival of SupportBelt in Italy, made possible thanks to the valuable collaboration with Fondazione ANT, is a source of great pride for us,” commented Fabrizio Faltoni, Managing Director of Ford Italia.
“This accessory shows how innovation — when driven by personal experience and empathy — can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Initiatives like this give deeper meaning to our work, because knowing that we can contribute, even in a small way, to someone’s well-being adds immeasurable value.”
“As soon as we were contacted by Ford Italia through our OEM Channel Manager Nicoló Chiti regarding this initiative, we enthusiastically joined in,” added Guglielmo Bagnacani, CEO of Phonocar S.p.A. “We believe it is crucial for private companies to contribute to society through organisations like Fondazione ANT, which play a fundamental role in alleviating the daily challenges faced by oncology patients. We are proud to support Ford Italia and to contribute to such an important cause with our products.”
