SALES BLUNDER? You Won’t Believe How Many Fiat 600e Sold In Q1 2024

Fiat's New Subcompact Four-Door Sold Only 2,613 In Europe During The First Quarter...

Robert S. Miller May 3, 2024

In the realm of electric vehicles, the Fiat 600e entered the European market with hopeful anticipation, yet its initial sales figures have fallen short of expectations. As the latest offering from the Italian automaker, Fiat, the 600e aimed to carve its niche in the rapidly evolving landscape of electric mobility. However, with only 2,613 units sold across Europe in the first quarter of 2024, it’s clear that the journey to widespread adoption has hit a bump in the road.

The numbers speak volumes when compared to the standout performers of the quarter. While the Dacia Sandero claimed the title of Europe’s best-selling car with a staggering 70,567 registrations, the Fiat 600e pales in comparison. Even within the realm of electric vehicles, where sustainability and innovation are driving forces, the Tesla Model Y soared ahead with 57,922 units sold, leaving the 600e trailing behind.

Interestingly, France emerged as a beacon of hope for Fiat, with nearly 65% of the total 600e units sold finding homes in this historically strong market for Italian cars. Despite facing stiff competition from the likes of the Peugeot e-208, which clocked in at 10,077 units sold, the 600e held its ground, outperforming several rivals.

One potential lifeline for 600e lies in the hybrid model. With consumers increasingly drawn to the versatility and familiarity of hybrid technology, offering a hybrid variant of the 600e could breathe new life into its sales figures. By marrying the efficiency of electric power with the convenience of hybrid flexibility, Fiat may unlock a wider audience eager to embrace sustainable mobility without sacrificing convenience.

However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. The struggle of the Fiat 500e, which faced low demand in the United States leading to a temporary plant shutdown, serves as a cautionary tale. In such a climate, the prospect of introducing a sportier version, the Abarth 600e, raises eyebrows. With a 240-horsepower electric motor under its hood, akin to the upcoming Lancia Ypsilon HF, Fiat aims to appeal to performance enthusiasts. Yet, the question looms: can the high performance variant thrive if the standard model falters?

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CloversPlusCats May 03, 2024 #1

Sandero comparison is an odd one. That's a dirt cheap econobox vs an all electric, slightly premium crossover.
I'm guessing the hybrid isn't out the oven yet, definitely would be higher sales then.

France will probably remain it's best market. I believe in March they killed off incentives for non-EU built EVs over there, thus the more comparable EX30, MG4, Dacia Spring, etc probably falls behind, if not almost ties to the 600e due to this. And because registrations come out monthly, we won't have to wait too long to find out how it's done in April.

Sweden's April registrations are out already, and results for Stellantis are atrocious.

EVs Take 56.9% Share In Sweden - Volvo EX30 Is The Top BEV - CleanTechnica

April saw plugin EVs take a 56.9% share in Sweden, up modestly YoY from 55.7%. BEVs share fell slightly YoY, while PHEV share climbed.

cleantechnica.com

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TripleT May 04, 2024 #2

I honest to god didn't know it was Launched. Maybe because it not in this market but saw almost nothing on it the UGLY Junior getting all the attention.

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bill burke May 04, 2024 #3

Encouraged to see tangible evidence in a shift in policy at Stellantis. Call it a blunder, call it weak leadership, call it myopic acquiesce to over estimated trending by intimidated “yes people” but thank God someone admitted corporate’s poor judgement and a necessary quick change in course. Is that an iceberg I see off our bow Capitan Tavares?
Encouraged that this change will save products like the Recon and Wagoneer S and essentially the whole Chrysler brand, now acknowledging publicly that more mainstream power plant options are under serious consideration seems obvious. Corporate talk for “we screwed up big time”.
I think it critical that even if the near term offerings are all electric at launch, on that important day one, the powers that be must announce other options to save what on paper seems to be truly outstanding products. Absolutely critical, a Titanic course correction moment for sure.

CloversPlusCats May 04, 2024 #4

The 600 was just kinda revealed and that was it. Another small electric crossover for Europe.
The Junior was dealt with what the new Ypsilon was/is dealing with: Is it true to the rather premium and fancier heritage dripping brand or is it just a spiced up Peugeot in a tuxedo? The styling strayed somewhat far from any other Alfa in the lineup, and the icing on the cake was the government warning them over the Milano name.

I think the small PSA platform cars for Europe were always destined to get both petrol and plug power from the start. The brand new platform cars were only said "it's possible" for.