Fiat Ends Sale of Petrol-Powered Fiat 500 After 17 Years
Fiat has made the decision to discontinue the sale of the petrol-powered Fiat 500 after 17 years. The move comes as the company prepares for the launch of the new-shape 500 Ibrida next year. The order books for the 500 Hybrid have already closed, although dealers still have enough stock to last until the new year. The same situation applies to the sporty siblings of the city car, the Abarth 595 and 695.
The 500 Ibrida, which is essentially the electric Fiat 500e retrofitted with a 1.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine, is set to be launched in early 2025. Unlike the 500 Hybrid, the 500 Ibrida will not be built in Tychy, Poland. Production will instead move to the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Fiat’s home town. Fiat CEO Olivier François has referred to the move as a commitment to the Italian car industry, emphasizing that Italy is “our driving force and our future.”
François explained that slow sales of the 500e were a driving factor in the development of the 500 Ibrida. He stated that while Fiat expected the world to transition to electric vehicles at a faster pace, external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, raw material shortages, and a societal shift away from sustainable solutions have slowed the process. However, François emphasized the importance of meeting consumer expectations and adapting to the current reality.
In addition to discontinuing the petrol-powered Fiat 500, Fiat UK is also pulling the closely related Panda from its line-up. The Panda will be replaced by the new Grande Panda, a larger crossover offering mild-hybrid petrol and electric powertrains. The Fiat 500 and Panda were the oldest cars that could still be ordered brand new from the factory in the UK. However, several cars dating from 2015 now share that distinction.
Until the launch of the 500 Ibrida and Grande Panda, the only Fiat models available for order in the UK will be the 500e and the larger 600. The 600 will be the only new Fiat car with a petrol engine during this interim period.
This decision marks a significant shift for Fiat as the company moves towards a greener future. By discontinuing petrol-powered models and focusing on hybrid and electric options, Fiat is aligning itself with the global trend towards sustainable transportation. The move also reflects the challenges faced by the automotive industry in transitioning to electric vehicles, with external factors impacting the pace of change. Nonetheless, Fiat remains committed to meeting consumer expectations and driving the future of the Italian car industry.
