Latest news with #500e
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Fiat revives petrol appeal with manual 500 hybrid After EV Misstep
FIAT is preparing to reintroduce a petrol-powered version of its iconic city car, the 500, this time blending a mild-hybrid powertrain with a six-speed manual gearbox. Recently released teaser images reveal a traditional gear shifter positioned in the familiar retro-themed interior, marking a return to basics that Fiat hopes will resonate with buyers seeking charm, efficiency, and affordability over outright performance. The upcoming 500 Hybrid will be powered by a modest 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, paired with mild-hybrid technology, delivering approximately 69hp. While modest in output, the emphasis of this model lies not in speed but in its accessible nature–a clear shift from the more premium electric 500e, which has struggled to capture a significant share of the European market. This new version of the 500 has a somewhat unconventional origin. Fiat originally engineered the latest 500 platform exclusively for electric power, creating the 500e with the aim of embracing the EV transition. However, with lukewarm reception and slow sales of the all-electric model, exacerbated by frequent pauses in production, the brand found itself needing to pivot. In response to consumer hesitation over full electrification, Fiat opted to reconfigure the 500e's platform to support an internal combustion engine. This reverse engineering process required adjustments to the chassis to house a petrol motor and the associated cooling systems. Visually, the most significant change is the addition of a functional front grille, necessary for engine cooling, which breaks slightly from the smoother, grille-less front end of the EV. Otherwise, the 500 Hybrid remains true to the modern, minimalist aesthetic introduced by its electric counterpart. Fiat's latest move signals a recognition that not all consumers are ready to abandon petrol just yet. By offering a familiar, manual-equipped city car with mild-hybrid efficiency, the company hopes to reconnect with traditional buyers who found the electric 500e either too costly or restrictive. The 500 Hybrid serves as a bridge between Fiat's EV ambitions and the enduring demand for accessible petrol mobility.
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic car brand boss gives major update on merger with rival as firms say EV push is slashing sales
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BOSS of an iconic car brand has revealed a major update on its merger with a rival, as the company admits the EV push is hurting sales. Despite rumours of a potential tie-up between Stellantis and Renault, both companies have denied seeking a partnership. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Renault group reported record sales last year Credit: Getty 2 Stellantis manages several brands, including the supercar maker Maserati Credit: Alamy John Elkann, Stellantis Chairman, told the Financial Times: "We are not discussing any merger." Management at the automotive giant has been turbulent following the resignation of the former CEO, Carlos Tavares, who they still haven't replaced. The automotive giant currently oversees many carmakers such as Peugeot, Fiat and Vauxhall. However, Stellantis has several underperforming brands, such as Chrysler, described as "a shadow of its former self," according to Another failing car manufacturer is Abarth, which has seen revenues drop during its push to go fully electric. This has caused major concern at Stellantis, adding to the company's decision not to get involved in a massive merger. Last year, the Auto conglomerate recorded a 12 per cent drop in shipments, which they blamed on "temporary gaps in product offerings". On the other hand, the Renault group reported their highest sales. The two major companies share a common ground regarding the future of cars in Europe. Both share concerns over strict emission regulations negatively impacting their profit and production of gas-powered city cars. Fiat 500e production paused The European Union recently granted automakers an extension to meet their emission targets. However, by 2030, stricter regulations will come into force, banning the sale of new cars with harmful emissions across the EU. This comes after Europe's second-largest carmaker halted production of an iconic model as its EV lineup faces "deep trouble". An initial manufacturing break at Stellantis has now been extended as bosses report a collapse in demand for electric cars. The Fiat 500 was one of the vast company's most successful and beloved models across two production runs lasting a collective 35 years. Dating back to 1957, it has sold more than six million units between its two iterations. However, the 500e, unveiled in 2020 as an electric alternative, has proved less popular. The model is intended as the long-term successor to the 500 beyond the 2035 ban on petrol and diesel car sales. But stuttering demand has now forced a pause in its production. The latest data suggest that both the petrol and electric 500 sol 74,885 units from January to July. That's almost a quarter down on the same period last year. Bosses told Autocar that poor sales were "linked to the deep difficulties experienced in the European EV market by all producers." They have also reportedly told union reps that the electric car segment is facing "deep trouble" more generally. Fiat CEO Olivier François said: "We obviously, like everyone else, thought that the world would go electric faster and the cost of electrification would go down faster. "But we couldn't imagine that Covid would happen, shortage of raw materials would happen [and] the European Society – not all, not the youngest part – would turn their backs on the sustainable solutions. "But this is the reality. We have to face those realities."
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic car brand boss gives major update on merger with rival as firms say EV push is slashing sales
THE BOSS of an iconic car brand has revealed a major update on its merger with a rival, as the company admits the EV push is hurting sales. Despite rumours of a potential tie-up between Stellantis and Renault, both companies have denied seeking a partnership. 2 The Renault group reported record sales last year Credit: Getty 2 Stellantis manages several brands, including the supercar maker Maserati Credit: Alamy John Elkann, Stellantis Chairman, told the Financial Times: "We are not discussing any merger." Management at the automotive giant has been turbulent following the resignation of the former CEO, Carlos Tavares, who they still haven't replaced. The automotive giant currently oversees many carmakers such as Peugeot, Fiat and Vauxhall. However, Stellantis has several underperforming brands, such as Chrysler, described as "a shadow of its former self," according to read more on motors Another failing car manufacturer is This has caused major concern at Stellantis, adding to the company's decision not to get involved in a massive merger. Last year, the Auto conglomerate recorded a 12 per cent drop in shipments, which they blamed on "temporary gaps in product offerings". On the other hand, the Renault group reported their highest sales. Most read in Motors The two major companies share a common ground regarding the future of cars in Europe. Both share concerns over strict Fiat 500e production paused The European Union recently granted automakers an extension to meet their emission targets. However, by 2030, stricter regulations will come into force, banning the sale of new cars with harmful emissions across the EU. This comes after Europe's second-largest carmaker halted production of an iconic model as its EV lineup faces "deep trouble". An initial manufacturing break at Stellantis has now been extended as bosses report a collapse in . The Fiat 500 was one of the vast company's most successful and beloved models across two production runs lasting a collective 35 years. Dating back to 1957, it has sold more than six million units between its two iterations. However, the 500e, unveiled in 2020 as an electric alternative, has proved less popular. The model is intended as the long-term successor to the 500 beyond the . But stuttering demand has now forced a pause in its production. The latest data suggest that both the petrol and electric 500 sol 74,885 units from January to July. That's almost a quarter down on the same period last year. Bosses told They have also reportedly told union reps that the electric car segment is facing "deep trouble" more generally. Fiat CEO Olivier François said: "We obviously, like everyone else, thought that the world would go electric faster and the cost of electrification would go down faster. "But we couldn't imagine that Covid would happen, shortage of raw materials would happen [and] the European Society – not all, not the youngest part – would turn their backs on the sustainable solutions. "But this is the reality. We have to face those realities."
Miami Herald
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Fiat's New Hybrid 500 Will Get a Manual Transmission
Fiat is doing something unusual: pairing a hybrid powertrain with a six-speed manual transmission. Official teaser images of the upcoming 500 Hybrid show a slick black shifter inside the familiar retro-styled cabin. The transmission is expected to be connected to a 1.0-liter three-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, likely borrowed from the Fiat Pandina. That engine only makes around 69 horsepower - similar to the previous gas-powered 500 that went off sale last year - but the appeal here isn't outright speed. That appeal rests within the 500's charm, efficiency, and affordability. Fiat's goal isn't to build a hot hatch; it's to bring back an accessible, gas-powered option for buyers who found the electric 500e either too expensive or too limiting. Ironically, Fiat had to reverse-engineer this version of the 500. The 500 Hybrid is based on the same architecture as the 500e, which was initially developed to be electric-only, but after the 500e failed to gain traction in Europe, Fiat was forced to rethink its approach. Slow sales and repeated production pauses signaled that the brand needed to meet buyers where they were, particularly those not yet ready to go full EV. That meant redesigning parts of the EV's platform to accommodate a small engine and the cooling systems that come with it. The only major visual change is a functional front grille added for the hybrid's cooling needs. Otherwise, the car retains its clean, electric-era styling. Fiat CEO Olivier François summed it up clearly: "500 Hybrid offers affordable electrification and iconic style, proof that social relevance is at the core of the brand mission." Translation: the 500e's pricing and EV-only setup weren't aligned with its traditionally budget-conscious buyers, and the new hybrid version is meant to fix that. The move also helps Fiat stay competitive in a segment that still values manual transmissions, particularly in European markets, where drivers are more accustomed to shifting gears themselves. The brand hopes that this blend of modern tech and old-school feel will help bring customers back. For now, the 500 Hybrid is a Europe-only affair. That may frustrate American fans of small, engaging city cars, especially after the 500e finally arrived in the U.S. in 2024. There's been no announcement of a stateside release for the hybrid, but given the buzz it's generating, Fiat could reconsider. Meanwhile, the Abarth performance version of the 500 will remain EV-only. Fiat says the hybrid engine simply doesn't deliver enough power for the Scorpion-badged hot hatch. Still, the regular 500 Hybrid seems to have struck a balance between nostalgia and necessity, one that might just be what Fiat needed all along. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
All-new Fiat 500 will receive combustion alternative amid EV disinterest
Reflecting a growing trend of indifference to electric vehicles among all global automakers' customers, Fiat has now confirmed it will be reintroducing a petrol-powered option to its latest-generation 500. Looking for a new or used Fiat? Find it here with CARmag! Initially launched exclusively as an electric vehicle, the retro-inspired hatchback will soon be available with a hybrid powertrain. This decision comes after the all-electric 500e reportedly fell short of sales expectations, leading to production pauses. Pre-production of the hybrid 500 has commenced at Fiat's Mirafiori plant in Turin, with full-scale manufacturing slated to begin in November. The company anticipates an annual output of up to 100 000 units once production is fully operational. This move marks a significant pivot for Fiat, especially considering the previous generation petrol-powered 500 continued its European run until just last year and remains available in select non-EU markets. Related: Fiat Gives Scudo Panel Van Sporty S-Design Treatment While Fiat has yet to release official technical specifications for this new entry-level model, the provided images clearly reveal the presence of a manual gearbox. Sources in Italy suggest the hybrid powertrain will pair a six-speed manual transmission with a 1.0-litre mild-hybrid three-cylinder engine, expected to produce around 70 horsepower, mirroring the previous hybrid and the enduring Panda. Visually, the hybrid variant, reportedly named the 500 Torino, maintains a strong resemblance to its electric sibling. The fuel cap's placement remains consistent, and the overall design language is largely unchanged. Inside, the most apparent difference will be the traditional gear lever and clutch pedal. While the instrument cluster in prototypes remains concealed, subtle variations from the EV's display are anticipated. Interestingly, this return to combustion power will not extend to a revived Abarth version (yet). Fiat's performance division is committed to an EV-only strategy, deeming the mild-hybrid engine insufficient to meet Abarth's performance standards. Packaging constraints stemming from the 500's initial design as an EV, coupled with increasingly stringent emissions regulations, further solidify the electric future for the hot hatch variant, at least within Europe. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post All-New Fiat 500 Will Receive Combustion Alternative Amidst EV Disinterest appeared first on CAR Magazine.
