The Fiat Panda, a popular city car in the UK, has been pulled from sale after a 21-year run. The fourth-generation Panda, which was one of the few models available for less than £15,000, will be replaced by the Grande Panda, a small SUV offering mild-hybrid petrol and electric powertrains. The EV version of the Grande Panda is expected to be one of the cheapest electric options in the UK, with a price tag of less than £22,000.
The decision to discontinue the Panda in the UK may have been influenced by the introduction of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires car manufacturers to sell an increasing proportion of electric vehicles each year. Fiat’s current ratio of electric vehicles stands at around 10%, well below the required 22% for this year. To boost sales, Fiat recently reduced the price of its electric Fiat 500e.
Although the Panda will no longer be available in the UK, it will continue to be sold on the continent until the end of the decade due to its strong sales performance. In fact, during the first half of this year, the Panda was Europe’s 19th best-selling car, outselling the combined sales of Fiat and Abarth 500s. Fiat CEO Olivier François has announced plans to increase Panda production in Italy by 20% this year to meet the growing demand for the small hatchback.
The withdrawal of the Panda from the UK market presents an opportunity for other affordable models like the Dacia Sandero and the Dacia Spring, which are currently the only options available for less than £15,000. As electric vehicles become more popular and affordable, it is likely that we will see a shift in the market towards electric options like the Grande Panda.
For Fiat Panda enthusiasts, there are still used options available in the market. With over 400 used Fiat Panda cars listed for sale, buyers can choose from various models, including the Fiat Panda 4×4 and the Fiat Panda Cross. These used options provide an opportunity for those who want to experience the iconic Fiat Panda before it completely disappears from the UK market.
In conclusion, the discontinuation of the Fiat Panda in the UK marks the end of an era for the popular city car. However, the introduction of the Grande Panda, with its electric powertrain options, shows Fiat’s commitment to adapting to the changing automotive landscape. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the market evolves and what other affordable options will emerge to fill the void left by the beloved Fiat Panda.
