Alexandre
The thermal Fiat 500, one of the bestsellers of Fiat is at a crucial crossroads for its future. Currently produced in Tychy, Poland, this version guarantees substantial annual production. However, the electric version, the 500e, is manufactured at Mirafiori under the aegis of Stellantis, where falling demand poses significant challenges, having even led to numerous production stoppages. What does the future hold for this car? Here are our 3 hypotheses.
Assumption 1: the definitive discontinuation of the Fiat 500 combustion engine
Although the discontinuation of the combustion-powered Fiat 500 is one of the options (probably Stellantis' at the time of the 500e's launch), this prospect seems unlikely for the time being. The combustion version enjoys great popularity, which contrasts with the difficulties encountered by the electric version.
Scenario 2: Update to meet new standards
The most plausible scenario at present would be a updating the Fiat 500 thermal model to comply with new standards ADAS mandatory from July 2024. This strategy would enable Fiat to continue selling the combustion version for many years to come, while keeping production in Poland.
Assumption 3: conversion of 500e production to an internal combustion engine at Mirafiori
Another scenario envisages current production of the 500e could be converted to an internal combustion engine at the Mirafiori plant, revitalizing local production and increasing volume to over 200,000 units. However, this idea has yet to be officially confirmed by Stellantis, leaving it in the realm of speculation.
Nevertheless, Stellantis' silence leaves the future of the Fiat 500 thermal uncertain. The next few months (or even weeks) will be decisive in determining which scenario materializes, but one thing is certain: the Fiat 500 must continue to generate volume at a level of between 150,000 and 200,000 units per year. In the meantime, Stellantis has announced a 100 million euro investment to develop the electric model.
It's hypothesis 3 that would make sense: putting a hybrid combustion engine in the 500e.
The old 500 is starting to look dated, at least 14 or 15 years old. It's a good city car, but the new 500 marks a big step forward.
The 500th alone will never be enough to generate sufficient sales, as we can see from the production stoppages.
I repeat myself and I repeat here that only a version 500 thermal hybridization reinforced in the new body! And tight prices!!! Will boost its sales like never before!!!! The Fiat 500 is an icon that will always be safe on our roads!!!! But would Stellantis want it??? not sure. Italians should Manifest!!!
Merci Thank you merci a vous tous
you're a fine analyst, and you should be recruited your "I said it, I said it" shows that you're well aware of the high value of your opinion, Too bad Stellantis doesn't recruit these decision-makers on this site!
Hi I am retired and I dream of a 500 C hybrid unfortunately my pension of 900 € / month prohibits me. Also I dream of this car in leasing without contribution on 120 months to 115 € max.... Dream dream dream....
If Fiat wants to increase its profitability, it has to move upmarket, if only to keep up with the competition. Attractive design won't be enough, so we need to take advantage of the new 500's advances to either transform it into a hybrid with the GSE 1.0L engine, as the reviews above call for, or significantly reduce the 500e's introductory price to around 21,000 euros like the hybrid version - and offer optional wooden dashboards or specific decals. To achieve this, sharing batteries and engines seems to me to be an essential first step, while the other would be to postpone the model's renewal so as to be able to amortize it over a longer period. But there's a big "but": the Italians, who are the historic brand's first customers, aren't really convinced by electric vehicles, at least for the moment, not least because of the lack of recharging infrastructure in the country. In my opinion, the decision will depend on whether or not the Italian government chooses to financially support either project with generous subsidies, which is what Carlos Tavares is demanding for his shareholders. And this decision also depends on a European subsidy. So the future of the 500 will be decided on several levels.
Yes, we must continue to keep the 500e, even if it means lowering the price to keep up with Renault's iconic R5.
Yaka , we have to, as for the vaccine, everyone has become a specialist in politics, builders on the forums
Everyone has the right to give their opinion. I'll let that last comment pass, but if your opinion consists of just judging other people's opinions, it's useless and won't get past moderation.
Mutualizing the battery - Chinese and produced by CATL, and more South Korean and therefore cheaper - and the engine with other Stellantis products, for example the new C3 and Panda, is precisely what is underway as part of the 100 million investment and not the speculation of a 'yaka' fan... that's essentially what Alexandre wrote 20 days ago. Blackmailing the Italian government for jobs in exchange for subsidies is factually and publicly what Carlos Tavares is doing via the press, and the lack of infrastructure that will be resolved at EU level as part of the 'green pact' signed in 2019 is factual too. Finally, 21,000 euros is 25,000 euros - Alexandre mentioned a price 10,000 euros lower than that of the base 600e - minus the bonus in France, and it's a price that's well suited to the level of sales of the hybrid version. I'm not making this up. And finally, unlike the vaccines, 'everyone' couldn't care less about the Fiat 500e's sales trend or its future. Only enthusiasts discuss it and get informed on the subject easily enough.
The 500 thermo will be produced in Algeria and no longer in Poland. It remains to be seen whether it will still be sold in Europe. In all likelihood, it won't. Let's hope that the 500e will also be available as an internal combustion model.
Yes, we must continue to keep the 500e, even if it means lowering the price to keep up with Renault's iconic R5.
With the e-C3 starting at 23,300 euros excluding bonuses in France, it would be better... At least to reach 21,000 euros after bonuses.
The most logical solution to preserve volumes and image would be to offer both combustion and electric power on the 500e. A 1.0 100 hp BVA hybrid engine would be a good complement and would extend the model's life (something the brand is never too afraid of). Thinking a little further ahead, Stellantis could renew the electric model on a Smart Car platform in 2027, as planned, and leave the combustion-powered 500 for two more years (like the 2008, which should accompany the new model when the generation changes), just to maintain sales.
While we're on the subject of extrapolations, Abarth could also take advantage of this with the Firefly in 150 and 180 hp, and frankly, that would be very, very nice.