Share

Fiat Grande Panda: Stellantis shifts gear and launches the hybrid version before the electric one

At the Brussels Motor Show, Stellantis presents the Fiat Grande Panda hybrid, which anticipates the launch of the electric version. A change of strategy to relaunch the Fiat brand. Already available on the market in Belgium, orders in Italy will open on January 28. Here are the possible prices

Fiat Grande Panda: Stellantis shifts gear and launches the hybrid version before the electric one

Stellantis changes gear and, at the Brussels Motor Show, announces the arrival of the Fiat Grande Panda hybrid, a model that will anticipate the launch of the fully electric version. This choice represents a different strategy than previous launches, in which the Group's electric models had priority over other engines. By opting to launch the hybrid version before the electric one, Stellantis marks a decisive change of pace after the resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares.

Produced in the Serbian plant in Kragujevac, the Grande Panda is set to relaunch the Fiat brand, which recorded a sharp drop in sales in 2024. The hybrid version is already available in Belgium, while the orders for the Italian market they will officially open on January 28th, with dealer availability expected in the first weeks of February.

Fiat Grande Panda: why hybrid first?

La choice to launch the hybrid version before the electric one reflects the trend of the Italian market, still reluctant to fully embrace electric mobility. The positive experience with the Fiat 600, which saw sales grow thanks to the introduction of the hybrid version, convinced Stellantis to review its strategy. As pointed out by Gaetano Thorel, responsible for Europe of Fiat and Abarth, “We have learned the lesson. To err is human, to persevere is diabolical…”.

Stellantis adopts a multi-energy strategy, offering a hybrid alternative for every electric model. “Expanding the offer is a priority for 2025,” he says. Jean Philippe Imparato, head of Europe at Stellantis.

Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid: features and price

The Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid will be available in the Mhev version (Mild Hybrid), which combines a petrol engine with a small electric motor. The possibility of ordering the hybrid version is already available in Belgium, where the price starts from 18.890 euros for the basic “Pop” version, reaching around 20.400 euros for the intermediate version and 23.400 euros for the “La Prima” version.

In Italy, The price lists are expected to be similar, with possible launch promotions. During the Brussels Motor Show, Stellantis has other key models also presented, such as the DS N°8 produced in Italy and the Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF.

Thorel has confirmed that the launch of the Fiat Grande Panda will take place starting from January 28th throughout Europe, with the hybrid version initially available. After a few weeks, it will be the turn of the fully electric version, which will help expand the offering with a battery-powered engine.

A bet for the future of the Fiat brand

The Fiat Grande Panda represents a pillar of the strategy to relaunch the Fiat brand. With its eye-catching design and versatility that recalls the iconic Fiat 500, Stellantis hopes to replicate the success of the Citroën C3, the technical twin of the Panda. In Turin, important numbers are expected, and the growing sales of the Fiat 600 and the Topolino are positive signs for the future of the Big Panda. Based on the performances, there is also the possibility of seeing a 4×4 version of the model, although its realization depends on economic feasibility. Thorel also suggested the possibility of introduce a version exclusively with a combustion engine of the Fiat Grande Panda, equipped with a 1,2-liter 100-horsepower engine, powered entirely by gasoline. This version would follow the offering of the Citroën C3, which offers gasoline, hybrid and electric engines.

With the launch of the Grande Panda, Stellantis intends reverse the negative trend of the 2024 salesThe model represents a concrete response to the new emissions regulations and an opportunity to consolidate the Fiat brand in a highly competitive context.

THEattention now turns to January 28th, when orders will begin in Italy, with models and prices more accessible to the market. This could mark the beginning of a new phase for the automotive sector in Italy, with Stellantis in urgent need of a relaunch after a difficult year.

Read Also: Stellantis Crisis, Elkann and Marchionne's Legacy

comments