Alexandre
Fiat is in a period of transition. Popular for its range of general-purpose vehicles in Europe, the Italian brand saw its sales momentum falter on this market, although it continues to thrive in countries such as Brazil, Turkey, Argentina and Mexico (see the Fiat figures by country from 2023)
According to Fiat CEO Olivier François, the brand has suffered from an inability to harmonize its R&D efforts between its South American and European operations. This disparity has hampered innovation and the deployment of new models adapted to the European market.
To reverse this trend, Fiat now relies on "Smart Car" architecture Stellantis, which will be inaugurated on the future Fiat Panda, and is already present on the new Citroën ë-c3. This common platform should enable synergies to be realized on a global scale, promoting better integration of innovations developed outside Europe.
In an interview with Automotive News Europe, Olivier François explains that this new era under the aegis of Stellantis offers Fiat "the synergies I've always dreamed of", enabling further integration with the Group's other European brands, and tailored to the standards, tastes and requirements of the European market.
The Fiat strategy is also focusing on exploiting its historical strengths, such as Italian design, simplicity and joie de vivre ("la dolce vita")These are the features that distinguish our vehicles in an increasingly competitive European market (editor's note: not made in Italy).
As for future models, Fiat no longer wants to raise false expectations with concepts that are too far removed from reality. The ceoncept vehicles shown in their video a few months ago are close to the final versions that will be marketed. These include the new Pandawhich will be officially unveiled at the beginning of July 2024, but also the renewal of the Tipo and Punto models, as well as proposals for European families, at a time when segments such as compact MPVs (500L) are in urgent need of revitalization.
In Brazil, we have a fairly new range with the Strada, Pulse, Argo and Fastback [...]. In Europe, I have to replace the Tipo [compact], the Punto [small car], and we need family offerings like the 500L (small MPV). In Europe, Fiat's offer for families is practically dead, The Fastback for South America was launched just over a year ago.
Olivier Franois Fiat CEO
As a reminder, Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, advocates an ambitious strategy: launch "one new model per year and per region". For Fiat in Europe, this means a series of launches to meet specific needs and renew an offering that has become obsolete in certain segments.
It's a success, Fiat doesn't raise any expectations with its latest concepts... I don't see anything cheerful about the model shown here other than its yellow color!
I no longer expect anything from Fiat. No future. I'm now looking for a restored 1965 Panhard 24 CT with double-caliper disc brakes.
Well yes, I don't really have any more vehicles for the family. I still have my 2010 Croma II phase 2...it consumes 5.5 to 5.7 l/100km on the freeway, it's quiet, spacious and comfortable in the 150 JTDm version, but with 230,000 km now, I don't have the same value for money on the market, or maybe a used Passat Estate or Octavia...
The "rich and successful" days of the 80s and 90s are long gone! With GM, the range was even more diversified than it is today!
The Fiat 600 is not for families, just like the 500X?
Fiat Panda variants such as the concept car are rather risky.