‘Panda and 600 catch it’
The now very old Fiat 500 with fuel engines will soon stop here. There was a striking rumor that there will also be a fuel version of the currently only electric Fiat 500e, but Fiat’s CEO does not see that happening.
After 17 years, the curtain will soon fall in Europe for the now mild-hybrid powered Fiat 500. The time would already be in July, it was reported. Autonews recently, partly due to the EU’s new security requirements that come into effect that month. To make up for the loss of the 500, Fiat is said to be working on a fuel-powered brother of the electric Fiat 500e. Striking, as until now the car seemed only intended for electric propulsion. However, Fiat CEO Olivier François now almost refers the rumor to the land of fables.
In conversation with the same medium, the Frenchman indicates that he does not expect such a car to come, although the idea seems to have been on the table. “We are somewhat conflicted about adding a mild-hybrid 500 to the 500e family, but I don’t expect us to do that. The model fits very well as an EV and, in our opinion, it fits well with our icon that it’s electric.” According to François, the gap that the Fuel 500 will soon leave behind can easily be filled with fuel models that are already available or are about to appear. He specifically refers to the new Fiat 600 and the new Panda. After all, not only will there be an electric Panda, but just like with Stellantis cousin Citroën ë-C3 (Aircross), fuel engines will also be available. François also hopes that sales of the Fiat 500e itself will pick up somewhat and hopes, among other things, for financial incentives from the Italian government.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl