FIAT unveils new family of Panda-inspired concept cars

The announcement of this global initiative was made through a video, where Olivier Francois, FIAT's CEO and Stellantis’ Global CMO, presented from Italy's counterpart of Geneva with a vibrant Panda. This model serves as the inspiration for the new family of concepts.

Francois stated: “FIAT is a global brand with 1.3 million cars sold last year and solid leadership in many parts of the world. We are in a global game and our next step will be to transition from local products to a global offer that can benefit all of our customers everywhere in the world. We are excited to share this glimpse into our future; a very near future actually, since the first car will be presented in four months during the brand’s 125th anniversary celebration. That car will then be followed by one new model every year.”

The ethos behind the upcoming vehicles is that functionality should always be paired with enjoyment, underpinned by a unified global platform enabling the production of new models with local relevance. Regardless of their creation location, these models can be manufactured globally, ensuring accessibility for customers worldwide. This versatile multi-energy platform will support a range of powertrains, including electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engines. Moreover, the new series will emphasise efficient spatial design and the use of sustainable materials, with each model uniquely embodying the brand's ethos of inclusivity, affordability, and innovation. These vehicles will feature modular interiors, distinctive aesthetics, and bold characters.

FIAT’s commitment to producing more sustainable and cost-effective vehicles is evident in its ‘less is more’ strategy, which includes eliminating superfluous components and reducing the use of pollutants such as chrome, alloys, leather, and seat foams. Enhanced aerodynamic designs, as seen in the fastback concept, and a focus on modularity, a hallmark of FIAT’s Italian creativity, are also part of this approach. The use of a transversal platform and up to 80% common parts across models – such as interior elements – facilitates more efficient manufacturing, affordability, and uniqueness for customers.

City Car 

The first concept is the new City Car. Bigger than the current Panda, a sort of ‘Mega-Panda’, its design was also inspired by the brand’s birthplace: the iconic Lingotto building in Turin with its famous rooftop test track. FIAT’s designers were inspired by some of the Lingotto’s special features when creating the new design language: including structural lightness, space optimisation and brightness. Meanwhile, the oval shape of the ‘La Pista 500’ track on the roof made its mark on some of the aspects of the new model’s interiors: from the dashboard to the display and seats. 

Moreover, FIAT is putting a special emphasis on the use of sustainable materials, including recycled plastics and bamboo fabrics. The brand also aims to remove some of the barriers to a more sustainable mobility, including making plugging and unplugging easier with a ‘self-winding cable’. The high driving position and robust design make this city car the perfect ally for customers all over the world, especially in crowded urban environments. But, at the same time, it offers roominess and versatility for family weekend trips and holidays.  

Pick-Up

The pick-up is the second concept. FIAT’s new pick-up concept puts the fun into functionality and responds to the global rediscovery of free time as a value for people. Fun and practicality will spread throughout the world with this model. This vehicle blends the concept of a pick-up with the functionality of an LCV and the comfort of a SUV in a size that is suitable to urban environments all over the world. Outdoor activities are more than hobbies, and this pick-up is perfectly designed to get the most out of one’s lifestyle.

Fastback

An heir to two of the Brand’s biggest hits – the Fiat Fastback in Brazil and the Fiat Tipo in the Middle East and Africa – this fastback aims to follow in their footsteps and establish itself at a global level in Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and even Europe. This concept is made on the same modular platform and features a sporty flair. The Fastback is proof that FIAT can improve its sustainable commitment without giving up on performance: the dynamism of the silhouette and its aerodynamic performance offers lower consumption and additional modernity and youthfulness when compared to many SUVs. 

SUV

The fourth concept is a spacious family SUV, a sort of ‘Giga-Panda’. FIAT’s SUV concept meets customers’ ultimate needs in terms of safety, versatility, and design, bringing roominess and robustness to families all over the world.  

Camper 

The last concept is the ultimate do-it-all vehicle, as it features the new dolce vita style and reconnects people to each other and nature. This concept pays homage to the ‘Fun-ctionality’ of the Panda from the 80s, recalling the versatility of a car that was made for the city with the features of a SUV and the soul of a trusty companion.