With combustion engines, the Fiat 500 regular will continue to be available
Today marks the debut 2019 Geneva Motor Show. However, some automakers from FCA are eager to discuss next year’s event. Fiat has announced a new 500, after learning that Maserati will bring the Alfieri in its production form to the show’s 90 edition.
The next-generation 500 will ride on a new platform for electric vehicles. However, it won’t mean the end of the ICE powered city car. Fiat plans to keep the current model on sale – which has existed since 2007, but with some styling and technical upgrades.
Olivier Francois, the company’s boss, stated to Autocar that the next-gen 500 would be a completely new model but still retain its familiar size. The 500 Giardiniera wagon will make its long-awaited return. It will be spacious and distinctive, while also featuring a unique design.
Francois then mentioned that the next iteration it of Italy’s most famous city car, the 500, will be priced higher in an effort to make it more affordable. However, Francois claims it will not affect sales as the 500 is still very popular with customers. Francois didn’t rule out the possibility of the zero-emissions version returning to rear-wheel drive, although it is not clear at this time.
Fiat may decide to discontinue some models, so focusing on Panda and 500 could have an impact on other models. The Punto was already scrapped in Europe. Autocar speculates that the Tipo could be retired, even though it has been around for three years.