Fiat aim to be the people’s Tesla as it confirms four new models
Fiat is preparing for possibly the biggest overhaul in its model range in the last two decades.
The Italian manufacturer has big plans with as many as four brand new Fiat vehicles will be launched starting with a new supermini coming next year.
The brand has plans to expand its European lineup with four new models joining the already successful 500. As opposed to the very reduced investments in future products during the FCA era, Fiat will be receiving significantly higher investments under Stellantis’ arm during the next few years. The designs of the four new models have already been signed off.
The first to arrive will be a Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Opel Corsa rival, expected to be available with combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains.
In the words of Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Stellantis CMO: “The FIAT journey toward electrification continues. With the launch of the new 500X Hybrid and Tipo Hybrid, equipped with new 48-Volt Hybrid technology, the FIAT range is now fully electrified. We can now provide all our customers with a sustainable mobility solution, whatever their mobility needs, with simple technology and at an affordable cost. I am extremely proud of this for its consistency with our vision: ‘It’s only green when it’s green for all.’ And there’s more. Our journey toward sustainable mobility for all continues, with the aim – as I have previously announced – to launch a new vehicle every year, starting as soon as in 2023. Each model will have an electric motor, to achieve a fully electric line-up from 2027”.
“Fiat should be the people’s Tesla: electric for all,” François continued. “Clearly, we need the cost of electrification to go down. By 2027, we will be ready, but possibly before. It will depend on cost. I want us to be the first mass-market brand to be electric-only.”
The other three new models will be crossovers and one of them will be called Panda. It won’t just adopt the legendary name but will reportedly succeed the original model in its minimalist approach and spirit. The 500, meanwhile, will continue to be offered around Europe, where it is enjoying strong demand with the fully redesigned 500e.
“You will see smaller cars and bigger crossovers and you will recognize the Panda DNA. One will be called Panda. The Panda wasn’t iconic because of its shape but because of the philosophy and spirit, and that’s what we’re trying to capture with a little reminiscent design, too. The Panda has to be a little rugged, simple, robust,” François explained.
