On Monday, FCA Serbia will officially mark the successful implementation of its new project at the Stelantis factory in Kragujevac with the introduction of production lines for the electric model, “Fiat Grande Panda.” The event will be attended by top state officials and Stelantis representatives. This new model will be available in both electric and hybrid versions, initially launching in Europe before expanding to the Middle East and Africa.
The “Fiat Grand Panda,” a B-segment car under four meters in length, is the first in a new family of models set to debut annually until 2027. President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, announced that a significant event will be held in Kragujevac next week to mark the beginning of electric vehicle production, with serial production expected to start in two months.
The new “Fiat Grand Panda,” inspired by the 1980s model, was officially introduced on July 11 at the 125th anniversary celebration of Fiat’s founding in Turin. This model represents Fiat’s return to the global market and is built on three key pillars: Italian design, a global platform, and local relevance. The design draws from the iconic 1980s “Panda,” known for its social acceptability and simplicity.
The starting price for the fully electric “Fiat Grand Panda” is set below 25,000 euros. With state subsidies, the base model could cost around 18,000 euros in Serbia, significantly reducing the cost of a domestic model by 7,000 euros.
This model features a unique multi-energy platform, allowing for global adaptability, and an integrated spiral charging cable. This innovative charging solution simplifies the process and reduces clutter compared to traditional cables. The “Grande Panda” offers compact dimensions (3.99 meters long, 1.57 meters high, and 1.76 meters wide) while maintaining a spacious interior, including a 361-liter trunk and 13 liters of storage in front of the passenger.
The production of the “Fiat Grand Panda” in Kragujevac is expected to boost domestic vehicle manufacturing, create jobs, and enhance exports and GDP, according to Ivan Nikolić, a scientific associate and director for development projects at the Economic Institute in Belgrade. Nikolić noted that this new model is a significant step for Stelantis and Fiat, offering a versatile global platform with different energy options and positioning itself as a competitive player in the compact car market.
Additionally, on the occasion of a significant anniversary and the birthday of renowned fashion designer Giorgio Armani, a new partnership between Fiat and Armani was announced. This collaboration, which follows their 2020 launch of the exclusive 500e model, will produce a “Made in Italy” vehicle named the “500e Giorgio Armani.”
