AUTONEWS

Fourth-generation Fiat Panda will have a heat engine

It has been clear for more than a year that the Fiat Panda is starting a new chapter in this decade. The fourth generation of the little Italian is expected next year and will again be a compact but slightly taller model, interspersed with influences from the 2019 Centoventi Concept. electric is the only choice, but this turns out to be something different. Although Fiat says it wants to become the 'Tesla of the people', the new Fiat Panda will still be available with petrol engines. This is evident in Stellantis' future plans for its Italian production. He talks about keeping an eye on the 'Euro 7 impact on the Fiat Panda'. So there are some concerns about the Panda's fuel future, but an electric version is also in the works. The new Fiat Panda will logically be on the same basis as the group members Peugeot (e)-208 and Opel Corsa Electric. After all, this e-CMP platform is suitable for both fuel and electric power. So count on the mild hybrid's 1.2 PureTech petrol power sources for the new Panda, but also a 156 hp electric powertrain. Focus on Italian production The new Panda will roll off the line in Italy and it certainly isn't the only new model that could carry the 'Made in Italy' label. Stellantis now announces that, contrary to previous plans, it wants to build not four, but five models in Italy. Four of them are 'premium models' for 'foreign brands', so not for Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati or Lancia, the fifth is from one of these brands and is on Stellantis' new STLA Medium base. The latter could be the successor to the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Stellantis is investing an unspecified amount (at least €100m) in its Italian factory in Melfi. A new ‘Stantitis Gigafactory’ is being built in Termoli and Stellantis will also start developing batteries in Italy this year. Next year, a new plant will begin production of eDCT transmissions. Finally, there is another interesting news about commercial vehicles: Stellantis and Toyota are joining forces for the production of a new large van that will also be available with electric powertrain. Probably the successor to the completely renovated Fiat Ducato/Peugeot Boxer/Citroën Jumper/Opel Movano.

AutoWeek