Fiat Panda and Lancia Ypsilon Replacements Pushed Back for 2012

Following CEO Sergio Marchionne's comments at the 2010 Paris Motor Show (see here), Autonews Europe has uncovered new information regarding the Fiat Group's future product launches.

One of Fiat's most important models in Europe, the third generation Panda, was originally due in summer 2010 but its launch had already been pushed back to September 2011. Now, sources inside the company told the news site that the introduction of the small five-door hatchback will be further delayed until January 2012.

The third generation Lancia Ypsilon supermini has also been delayed more than two years, as have the replacements for the Fiat Idea / Lancia Musa small MPV twins and the Fiat Multipla 3+3 seater people carrier, which has been in production since 1998. The latter two launches were scheduled for December 2011 but have now been postponed until the second half of 2012.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne froze his company's spending in 2008 as the financial crisis hit Europe. Spending was set to return to normal this year, but has now been postponed indefinitely in light of what Marchionne perceives as an unimproved European new car market.

He now predicts a weaker Q1 2011 than Q1 2010, due to the ending of scrappage schemes in many European countries. The rest of 2011 is expected to be no better sale wise for Fiat, Marchionne predicts.

Analysts are predicting that Fiat's new car sales are likely to continue to decline without any new products; sales in Europe fell 13.9% to 723,356 vehicles in the first eight months of 2011 in a market that declined only 3.5%, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).

Stuart Pearson, an auto analyst at Morgan Stanley in London, says: "Fiat is playing a dangerous game and by delaying key models risks missing any European Union recovery if they are wrong on the timing. Customers are only paying for brand new metal."

The report did not mention any plans on future Alfa Romeo cars.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: ANE [sub.req]

______________GALLERY - CURRENT GENERATION MODELS______________

Fiat Celebrates Panda's 30th Anniversary with Special Edition Model

The Fiat Panda turns 30 this year and in celebration of the event, the Italian automaker has presented a [supposedly] special edition version with exclusive content. The commemorative model starts out as the Active 1.1, but gains the same black-jean interior trim as the Panda 4x4 Glam as well as a special finish on the B- and C-columns. And well, that's about it.

The Panda Anniversary is available with a choice of three exterior colors - red, white and yellow, with pricing remaining unchanged over the "standard" Active 1.1 at €9,950.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the first generation of the Fiat Panda was introduced in 1980. It remained in production until 2003 when Fiat launched the current, second generation model. Fiat has sold more than 6 million Panda city cars (both generations) to date.

Fiat Panda Mini Receives Subtle Upgrades for the 2010 Model Year

Hmm; finding it a bit difficult to tell the differences between the 2009MY and 2010MY Fiat Panda? Well, can't say that we blame you as we ourselves had to thoroughly check out the press release to discover the changes. On the outside, all 2010 model year Pandas adopt the more contemporary body colored grille found on the 4x2 and 4x4 Dynamic variants, new alloy wheel options, larger exterior mirrors and silver trim finish for the roof bars. Fiat has also added four new exterior colors to the lineup.

Inside, the instrument panel gets fresh graphics while there's also a new selection of upholstery colors.

Mechanical improvements are limited to the introduction of a new 69 horsepower 1.2-liter gasoline engine that emits 113g/km of CO2. In Europe, Panda buyers have a wide choice of gasoline, diesel, natural gas and LPG engines with outputs ranging from 54 to 100 horsepower.

The Panda, which formed the base for the new Fiat 500 and Ford Ka models, was launched in September 2003. In the six years it has been in production, Fiat has sold more than 1.5 million units of the mini hatchback.

Fiat Celebrates Production of 1,500,000th Panda

The evergreen Fiat Panda city car has reached a new milestone as the 1,500,000th example of the model rolled off the Italian company's Poland plant in Tychy. The landmark model is a left hand drive car in magnetic blue with a 1.3 MultiJet engine that is destined for an Italian customer. The second generation Panda was introduced in 2003 winning several awards including the European Car of the Year 2004 title. Fiat said that this year a record number of 285,000 units will be produced.

The five-door mini that is also available in numerous AWD versions has been a runaway success for Fiat as it has remained the best selling A-segment car in Europe without a break since 2003.

The Panda, which formed that base for Fiat's 500 retro city car, has been exported to 74 countries including Japan, South Africa and Mexico.

Fiat gets Adventurous with new Panda 4x4 Edition

The 'evergreen' Panda 4x4 Adventure is the latest addition to the range of Fiat's small off-road model. Available for order across Europe, the new series that comes with an automatic four-wheel drive system is offered with a choice of a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 60 horsepower and a 1.3 Multijet16V diesel that makes 70 horsepower. Prices in Italy start from €14,100 ($19,750 US) for the petrol model and from €16,000 ($22,400 US) for the diesel - now that's what we'd call an 'adventurous' price range.

Aside from the green paintjob and the color-keyed bumpers, the Panda 4x4 Adventure is distinguished by the gray central badges, the 'bronzed' head- and tail lights and the tinted windows plus the matt black finish for the pillars, the roof bars, the side bars and the mudguard arches.

A set of 14-inch rims painted in dark grey and wrapped in 165/70 M+S tires along with the black framing of the rear lights complete the exterior changes of the new Panda 4x4 variant.

Fiat did not release any photos of the interior but claims that the Adventure features a washable and anti-tear technical fabric in black as well as scratch-resistant floor mats.

Mechanical upgraded are limited to the reinforced suspension that allows a maximum load of 445 kg. Fiat said that it also offers buyers of the Panda 4x4 Adventure the option of ordering the vehicle with just the front seats which increased the rear compartment space to 1,000lt.

New Fiat Panda 4x4 Glam Edition

Fiat has just launched a new special edition version of its diminutive off-road model for the Italian market. What makes the Panda 4x4 Glam Edition special in Fiat's eyes is the new pearl white finish that's complemented by the aluminum roof bars and the newly styled 15-inch alloy wheels. Similarly, interior mods are limited to the new jean-like seat and door-panel fabrics along with the decorative aluminum trim on the dash. Power for the Panda 4x4 Glam Edition comes from either a 60HP 1.2-liter petrol unit or a 70HP 1.3-liter turbo diesel engine with prices in Italy set at €14,800 and €16,910 respectively.

Fiat Panda Cross Goes on Sale in the UK

Fiat’s stylish version of the Panda 4x4 has finally crossed the English Channel offering UK buyers an alternative proposition in the mini SUV segment. The Panda Cross, which has been available for quite some time in other European markets, stands out from the Panda 4x4 thanks to the new fascia with round light units, the chunky side protection strips in contrasting colours, roof-bars, 15-inch alloys, round taillights and new bumpers. Inside the Cross comes equipped with special two-tone interior trims.

The Panda Cross gets a permanent four-wheel drive system with a viscous coupling and an electronic differential lock while power is provided by Fiat’s 70HP 1.3-liter turbo diesel engine. According to Fiat, the Panda Cross returns 42.1 mpg UK on the urban cycle, 67.3 mpg UK extra-urban, and 54.3 mpg UK (45.2 mpg US) combined. The CO₂ figure is 136 g/km. -Continued

Priced from 11,995 GBP on-the-road, The mini SUV’s standard equipment list includes ESP, air conditioning, radio and MP3-compatible CD player with steering wheel audio controls, and electric power steering.

Blind Justice? Chinese Court Dismisses Fiat’s Claims Against Great Wall

Just a week after a Turin court banned Great Wall from importing the GWPeri into Europe on the basis that it closely resembled Fiat's Panda minicar, and a Chinese court in Hong Kong dismissed Fiat’s claims for infringement by the Chinese car maker. Reuters also reported that Fiat was ordered by the Shijiazhuang Intermediate People's Court to pay 8,800 yuan or about $1,300 in legal fees. As you can see in these pictures here, apparently justice is blind in China...

China’s Great Wall Banned from Importing Panda Clone to Europe

Following in the footsteps of BMW that managed to stop the Chinese Shuanghuan CEO SUV from being imported into Germany, Fiat has won a court order against China’s auto manufacturer Great Wall Motors (GWM) banning the latter from bringing the GWPeri to Europe. The Italian carmaker had sued GWM both in Italy and China. In the case of the Turin court, it was ruled that the GWPeri looked to close for comfort with the Italian carmaker’s Panda minicar –wonder why…

Under the ruling, Great Wall Motors (see the clones here) should pay a €15,000 or $28,000 fine for importing the first example into Europe. If the Chinese carmaker decides to violate the ruling, GWM will be fined a further €50,000 per car brought into the region. Images of both the GWPeri and the Fiat Panda after the jump. -Continued

GWPeri

Fiat Panda

New Fiat Panda Eco with 5.0lt/100 km or 47MPG Avg. Consumption

As its name suggests, the newest addition in the Fiat Panda family is an eco-friendly model with low CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Based on the Panda 1.1, the 54Hp strong Eco emits 119 g/km of CO2 and features an average consumption in the combined cycle of 5.0 lt/100 km or 47MPG (US). That’s compared to the standard Panda 1.1’s 132 g/km of CO2 and 5.6 lt/100 km.

To achieve these figures, Fiat’s engineers improved the Panda 1.1’s aerodynamics, updated the engine’s electronic control unit, replaced the oil inside the transmission with one that produces less friction and finally, used a set of low rolling resistance tires. Prices for the Fiat Panda in Italy start from €8,830 (about $14,000).

Fiat Launches Special Edition Panda Mamy…

The Panda Mamy is a new limited edition version of Fiat’s city car aimed at young mothers. Based on the 1.2-litre Panda Dynamic, the new Panda Mamy attempts to allure UK mommies through the use of specific colours and materials as well as its useful standard equipment that includes a second internal rear-view mirror for viewing any children on the rear seat and bag hooks in the boot. -Continued

Moreover, the Mamy gets new front seat covers with pockets at the back, washable front and rear seat upholstery, orange air-vent surrounds and special carpet mats with a high grip mat in the boot.

The newest addition in the Panda range is available in two new exterior colours, aubergine and orange (as well as the existing black and grey) the body-colouring is extended to the door handles, door mirrors and boot handle. Unique Mamy logos also feature under each of the front wing indicators.

Although the Mamy comes with more than £1,000 worth of extra equipment, it costs £8,200 or 5 quid less than the Panda Dynamic Aircon model upon it is based.

2010 Fiat Panda III Rendering

Ever since its world preview at the Geneva 2003 Salon, public demand has been high for Fiat’s versatile and spacious mini car. However, unlike its 3door predecessor which remained in production for… 23 years (1980 to 2003), Fiat will not wait until 2026 to present its successor. According to Fiat’s current product plan, the third generation Panda will be unveiled in early 2010. -Continued after the jump

The folks at Infomotori took the liberty to present a design proposition for the new Panda combining styling cues from the current model and Fiat’s latest design trends. The result is an eye-catching mini car that we’d have no problem at all seeing going into production.

Via: Infomotori

Fiat Launches Limited Edition Panda & Grande Punto

Fiat has released two limited edition versions of its best-selling models in the UK. The Panda Special Series 360 and the Grande Punto Special Series 360 feature higher levels of standard equipment at a reasonable price -but that’s about it. -Details after the jump

Based on the 1.2-litre Panda Dynamic, the Panda 360 is distinguished by a special series sticker on the B-pillar, metallic paint and 14-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the car is given a special interior trim which includes the new company logo on the front seats. Air conditioning, a Bluetooth phone system and spilt folding rear seating are also fitted as standard.

This extra equipment has a retail value of £1,600, but the Panda 360’s on-the-road price of just £7,195 is actually £400 less than the price of a Panda Dynamic.

Similarly, the Grande Punto 360 is based on the 1.2-litre Grande Punto Active and is available in 3- and 5-door specification. Recognizable from the outside by the special series sticker, metallic paint, 15-inch alloy wheels and body coloured mirrors, the vehicle also gets a unique interior trim with company logo, air conditioning, Fiat’s Blue&Me™ hands-free media system and a split folding rear seat.

Despite the fact that it gets £1,700 worth of added equipment, the Grande Punto 360 costs £8,495 (3-door) and £9,095 (5-door), which are £55 less than the respective Active versions.