Non-Electric Concepts with 80% Shared Parts: Breaking the Mold
Fiat has recently announced the release of five new concepts inspired by the popular Panda model, set to debut within the next three years. Following a “less is more” philosophy, each concept boasts unique features that cater to different lifestyles around the world.
Stellantis’ worldwide platform will enable the realization of this, as it has the capacity to support an all-electric motor, a hybrid configuration, and a traditional internal combustion engine. In order to promote sustainability, the Italian brand will eliminate superfluous components and minimize the usage of harmful materials such as chrome and leather, opting instead for eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, these models will share up to 80% of their components in an effort to streamline production and reduce waste.
The latest collection of products includes a compact car, a truck, a sports coupe, an off-road vehicle, and a recreational vehicle.
The City Car concept is set to be slightly bigger than the current Panda, drawing inspiration from the well-known Lingotto building in Turin and its iconic rooftop test track. This unique track, named La Pista 500, will influence the design details of the dashboard and seats, utilizing sustainable elements such as recycled plastics and bamboo fabrics. According to previous sources, it is speculated that this new Panda model could potentially have a price point below $30,000.
The Pick-Up concept aims to emulate the triumph of the Strada pickup, which currently holds the title of Brazil’s top-selling vehicle. As a practical option, Fiat will emphasize utility while still maintaining its trademark enjoyable driving experience. Alongside this, the Fastback concept will make an appearance, with Fiat asserting that it serves as evidence of the brand’s ability to “enhance its dedication to sustainability without sacrificing performance.”
The next concept in line is an SUV, which has been compared to a “Giga-Panda” due to its spacious design that caters to the needs of families. The final concept, named Caper, is a versatile vehicle that draws inspiration from the 1980s-era Panda’s “Fun-ctionality.”
The main idea of these four concepts is to emphasize the importance of modularity, allowing for cars to be sold in various markets and sizes while utilizing similar components. This results in a more streamlined manufacturing process and ultimately lower prices for consumers.
The initial fresh vehicle from this clique is set to debut in July of 2024, followed by an additional release every year for the subsequent three years. There is no definitive confirmation if any of these purportedly universal models will make their way to America, as our market was not mentioned specifically. It appears that we will have to settle for the Fiat 500e until the brand has established enough stability to embark on more daring ventures.
