Fiat will launch several new models between 2014 and 2018
in a bid to increase its global sales by 26 per cent. The Italian brand
will split its European lineup in two categories, a rational side and an
emotional side. For its presentation, the Italian automaker represented
the rational side with its Panda model while the emotional side with
its popular 500.
Olivier Francois, Chief Executive, Fiat confirmed during the presentation that the overdue Fiat 500X
SUV would soon be unveiled. The SUV was originally due to be released
last year, and share strong links with the Jeep Renegade. A yet to be
defined specialty car will also be introduced to the US market from next
year.
The Italian automaker plans to launch new models for each
side of the company’s personality. The lower end of the lineup will see
the launch of a new compact model which will replace the Bravo, as well
as a mysterious LCV derivative. In addition, a B-segment model will be
launched in 2016 as a replacement for the Punto with a compact crossover
coming in 2017. Lastly, a redesigned Panda will arrive for the rational
side of the brand in 2018.
The emotional side of the Fiat will receive the Fiat 500X
crossover in the later part of the year. The mysterious specialty model
announced by the Italian carmaker will arrive in 2015. The specialty
model is expected to be a sportscar which Fiat has co-developed with Mazda. This model may be sold as a Fiat model despite being initially planned as an Alfa Romeo.