The first electric cars from Kragujevac have been delivered to customers in Europe. While the company’s leadership has remained silent, trade unions are expecting mass production of electric vehicles and the launch of hybrid models soon. The “Grande Panda” may make its appearance for domestic buyers at the Belgrade Car Show in March, according to RTS. Without much fanfare, the first electric “Pandas” have left Kragujevac and are headed to European markets. Fiat has registered around 15,000 orders for these vehicles. “The fact that we have sent out a number of vehicles to their final destination, which are the customers who are genuinely interested in our model across Europe, is a good start and a positive benefit,” said Saša Đorđević, president of the Independent Union of FSA in Kragujevac.
Currently, production in Kragujevac operates on a single shift. The union expects that soon 300 to 400 Fiat “Pandas” will come off the assembly line daily.
“There are plans to hire more workers because, naturally, the larger production expected in the near future will require additional employees. So, I believe that we will soon see a completely different picture,” added Saša Đorđević.
The factory is changing the economic landscape of Šumadija and Pomoravlje
Economists are anticipating a significant shift in the local economy, particularly in Kragujevac, according to RTS. Predrag Lučić, Director of the Regional Chamber of Commerce in Kragujevac, highlights that the economy of the Šumadija and Pomoravlje administrative region has historically achieved an annual foreign trade surplus of up to half a billion euros.
“With the launch of this factory, this amount could increase to one billion euros,” said Lučić, mainly thanks to the export of the electric “Panda.”
A family car nearly four meters long, with a trunk capacity of 360 liters, can travel up to 320 kilometers on a single charge.
Stellantis’ ambitions
Economist Veljko Mijušković adds that this is part of a broader strategy by the Stellantis group, which aims to introduce the “Panda” not only in the European market but also in Africa and Asia. Serbia could become a significant center for the production and export of these vehicles.
Predrag Lučić reiterates that with the start of electric car production, hybrid cars, and organized tram production, Kragujevac is positioning itself as one of the key centers of the e-mobility industry in Europe.
Sales in Serbia are expected to begin at the end of March, during the Belgrade Car Show. As previously announced, the price will be around 25,000 euros, with buyers in Serbia also eligible for state assistance of 5,000 euros.
