FIAT

Fiat's multi-energy solution in Europe

The Italian brand is preparing for a year of sales growth thanks to its new models equipped with gasoline and hybrid engines, not forgetting the 100% electric versions.

The change in Fiat's industrial and commercial policy – ​​the return to internal combustion engines – is expected to impact its financial results this year. After 2025, described by its executives in Spain as a "year of resilience," with a 19% drop in sales compared to the previous year, the outlook is much more optimistic for 2026, with the arrival of new models.

Returning to combustion... It's no secret that the rise of battery-electric cars has been a hard blow for all brands that invested heavily in them. Fiat was one of the first to wake up, bringing back combustion engines to its product line (with or without hybridization) to recover its sales levels in important European countries like Spain.

Last year, 20,926 FIATs were registered, of which 11,112 were commercial vehicles. The late arrival of the Grand Panda (in the summer) and the 600 with a combustion engine only partially compensated for the absence of a 500 hybrid (fully electric), which had been one of the best-selling models in previous years.

The outlook for 2026 is much more encouraging. On the one hand, the new 500 Hybrid, presented a few months ago, will arrive in February. The launch offer, with financing, includes a down payment of €3,200, 24 monthly installments of €99 and a final payment of €14,768. But an increase in sales of the Grand Panda is also expected, particularly its gasoline version, which will complement the electric and hybrid models.

The FIAT range will expand significantly this year. For example, a new Sport version of the 600 (B-segment SUV) will be launched, along with a combustion-only version and the sporty electric Abarth Competizione with 280 hp. Two new models are expected to be launched in the second half of the year: the F2X (C-segment coupé SUV) and the F2V (B-segment SUV), both equipped with 100 hp and 145 hp (hybrid) gasoline engines.

FIAT Spain estimates that with the arrival of these new models and versions – and especially the highly anticipated 500 hybrid – sales will not only recover but increase by 50%. The passenger vehicle range will expand to eight or nine different models, from the A-segment to minivans.

Fiat's multi-energy solution in Europe, part of Stellantis' "Dare Forward 2030" strategy, is based on technical flexibility to offer electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids (mild-hybrid) on the same platform, adapting to market demand and regulations. The main objective is the transition to a 100% electric brand by 2030, but with a pragmatic approach, maintaining electrified combustion options to ensure accessibility.

Key points of the multi-energy strategy...Hybrid and Electric in the same model: Fiat is reintroducing hybrid versions of models such as the 500 (500 Hybrid) alongside the 100% electric version (500e), a response to the demand for more affordable cars.

Common Platforms (Smart Cars): Use of modular platforms that support combustion and electric motors, allowing the production of the same model in "combustion/hybrid" and "fully electric" variants, as in the case of the new Grande Panda.

Focus on local production (Italy): The 500 Hybrid will be produced at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, alongside the 500e, maximizing plant efficiency.

Product line 2025/2026 (below):

Fiat Grande Panda: Debut with electric and hybrid options.

500 Hybrid & 500e: Return of the mild-hybrid version to work alongside the 500e, with production starting at the end of 2025.

End of traditional engines: The Tipo model will leave Europe in 2026, with the Panda family taking over the entry-level position, reinforcing electrification.

The role of the Stellantis...Fiat benefits from the "STLA Small" and "STLA Medium," native platforms for electric vehicles (BEVs) that also allow, through adjustments, the accommodation of electrified combustion engines (hybrids), facilitating the energy transition.

Ultimate goal: "Green for All"...Although the goal is 100% electric by 2030, Fiat adopts a "sportiness and accessibility" approach, using electrification to reduce CO2 emissions, but without abandoning the entry-level market that still seeks hybrid vehicles.

Autonews