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Fiat unveils electric Panda at under EUR 25,000

Fiat unveils electric Panda at under EUR 25,000

Fiat Panda EV

Fiat has announced that its new fully electric Panda will be priced at under EUR 25,000 (USD 27,000), aiming to make electric mobility more accessible to European consumers. This move aligns with Stellantis' broader strategy to introduce budget-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) across its brands.

The new Fiat Panda, produced in Serbia, was unveiled during a celebration of Fiat's 125th anniversary in Turin. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, Chairman John Elkann, and Italy's Industry Minister Adolfo Urso attended the event. Urso's presence was notable, given recent tensions between the Italian government and Stellantis over the relocation of production for some historic Italian brands like Fiat and Alfa Romeo.

"Affordability is never optional on a Fiat," said Fiat CEO Olivier François during the event. This philosophy underscores Fiat's commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to a broader market.

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Expanding Fiat's lineup

The electric Panda is part of Fiat's ambitious plan to renew its lineup, shifting focus from small cars to include larger vehicles. This renewal will include three additional models— a pick-up, a fastback, and a small SUV—set to launch annually until 2027. These models are expected to compete with popular budget offerings like Renault's Dacia Duster.

All new Fiat models will be built on Stellantis' low-cost, multi-energy Smart Car platform, which supports both electric and hybrid versions. This platform is already utilised in the recently launched Citroen e-C3.

Addressing government concerns

Industry Minister Adolfo Urso addressed the crowd, stressing the importance of keeping automotive production within Italy. "We must not resign ourselves to the fact that Italy becomes a car museum," Urso said, highlighting the government's stance on maintaining and boosting local manufacturing.

Hybrid options and production timeline

In addition to the electric version, the new Panda will also be available as a hybrid, starting at under €19,000. François revealed that deliveries for the EV model are expected to begin between October and November, with the hybrid following a few months later.

Maintaining the current Panda

Despite the introduction of the new model, the existing Panda will continue production at the Pomigliano plant in Italy until 2029. This strategy ensures that Fiat maintains a presence in both traditional and emerging automotive markets.

Fiat's launch of the new electric Panda marks a significant step in making electric vehicles more affordable and accessible. By leveraging Stellantis' innovative platform and maintaining a focus on affordability, Fiat is poised to capture a significant share of the budget EV market in Europe. The introduction of larger models in the coming years further demonstrates Fiat's commitment to diversifying its lineup and meeting the evolving demands of consumers.

(Inputs from Reuters)

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