Next-Generation Fiat Panda Production Announcement Expected On April 28th!

All-New Electrified Model Will Be Produced In Serbia...

Robert S. Miller April 20, 2022

Just over a week ago, MoparInsiders.com discussed the production issues surrounding the Stellantis (FCA Serbia) assembly plant in Kragujevac, Serbia. The facility which currently produces the Fiat 500L multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has faced several supply chain issues due to constant parts shortages and slow sales of the 500L. The plant was even shut down for a 50-day period earlier this year due to ongoing issues.

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As we reported, FCA Serbia operates the plant as a joint venture with the Serbian government. FCA Serbia, which owns 67% of its capital, and the Serbian government, which owns the remainder.

Thanks to InfoKG, a news publication from Kragujevac, we are now hearing there is some validity behind some recent rumors about the future of the plant. That includes rumors of the discontinuation of the 500L and the production launch of the upcoming electrified fourth-generation Fiat Panda, there.

According to InfoKG, an announcement about the upcoming changes will be made by FCA Serbia on Thursday, April 28th.

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Recently, Stellantis officially confirmed that the next-generation Fiat Panda would not be produced in the Pomigliano Assembly Plant. Instead, the current model will continue in production at the Pomigliano plant until 2026. Meaning that the two vehicles will coexist with the same nameplate for a couple of years. A similar situation is currently used for the Fiat 500 lineup.

The fourth-generation Fiat Panda will likely offer all-electrified powertrains, and be based on the CMP platform as Stellantis will not start using the new STLA platform for smaller cars until 2026. The new Panda could borrow a lot of its components from the 500e, including its 42 kWh battery pack and its GKN Automotive G400 IPMS interior permanent-magnet synchronous e-motor.

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It is rumored that the next-generation Fiat Panda, will be based on the 2019 Fiat Centoventi Concept. The Centoventi Concept received great praise due to its innovative interior, customizable exterior, and multiple upgradable battery packs.

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bill burke Apr 20, 2022 #1

Rapid replacement of aging or unpopular vehicles must become a necessary program in a very competitive global market. Call it a “Rapid Deployment Team” that can be integrated quickly into any brand team to expedite the change in less time along with a new strategy for marketing. This will be a team with one focus, one agenda and the assets to take charge and pull out all stops to get something done. The Fiat 500L is a perfect example, no tears shed for it, only a rush to get it out the door as soon as possible and something new to replace it quickly. The Panda is something new and needed immediately for this factory. A Rapid Deployment Team might have had this done already. Past practices are antiquated and costly. The operative thinking now is get it done yesterday.

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patfromigh Apr 21, 2022 #2

Here is a link to Fiat's EV Day presentation. The Centoventi Concept appears at the 4:23 mark. I believe a vehicle of this shape and size would be popular in the United States.

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bill burke Apr 21, 2022 #3

This video encapsulates the essence of my post, pragmatic, utility, value, reliability, cute and fun. This is the new re-launch approach I have advocated in a nutshell. I can not imagine this projected new Fiat lineup will not gain a decent following in North America. As I said, round two harkens.