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Fiat sees demand for new hybrid 500e small car of 100,000-110,000 units a year

MILAN — Market demand for Fiat's new hybrid 500e small car amounts to around 100,000-110,000 units a year, a group executive said on Thursday, as the company offers a cheaper version of its fully-electric model (EV). Fiat maker Stellantis last month announced it would add hybrid versions of its 500e small electric car and Jeep Compass SUV, to be manufactured in Italy, amid a global slowdown in electric car sales. The "mild" hybrid 500e will combine a petrol engine and a battery, but not have a plug. The head of the Fiat brand for Europe Gaetano Thorel said in a media roundtable that market demand for the hybrid 500e was worth 100,000-110,000 units per year. The fully electric version sold fewer than 80,000 units last year. "There are many clients out there who would like to own a 500e, but cannot afford it. Now we're giving them a chance to own it," he said. The hybrid 500e will be based on the same platform as the 500e EV, while Fiat is phasing out the old version of the 500, both petrol-powered and hybrid, which was assembled in Poland. The selling price of the 500e EV starts form around 29,000 euros ($31,600), excluding government purchase incentives. It is also being launched in the United States. Fiat brand CEO Francois Olivier said the hybrid 500e would cost "a few hundred euros" more than the one produced in Poland, which starts from around 18,000 euros, as it will offer further technological features. Production is expected to start in the first quarter of 2026 in the Mirafiori complex in the Fiat's hometown of Turin, in Italy. ($1 = 0.9187 euros)

Fiat 500e recalled over possible half shaft separation

The recently launched, all-electric Fiat 500e is already facing its first recall. According to The Detroit News, more than 270 of the EVs are being recalled to replace bolts that secure the vehicles' half shafts. The official number of affected vehicles has not been announced as of this writing, as Chrysler will not inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of this issue until it accounts for all problematic 500e models that are currently sitting on dealer lots.
Chrysler confirmed to the News that the problem is in no way related to the 500e's electric powertrain, simply the half shafts. The automaker launched an investigation into this problem after learning that a customer's vehicle experienced power loss. Engineers reportedly found that two assembly steps had not been completed, and that this could lead to half shaft separation.
No injuries or accidents related to this problem have been reported. Chrysler will contact owners of the affected 500e models, who will receive rental vehicles while their Fiats are being fixed. Of course, all repair work will be completed free of charge.

Abarth 595 50th Anniversary Edition is a birthday present worth waiting for [w/video]

Props must be paid to the people at Abarth, who could've celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 595 - the model that put this performance brand on the map back in the 1960s - with a special edition appearance package and called it a day. But no, that's not how Abarth does things. Instead, it is producing 299 units of this 595 50th Anniversary Edition model that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, and it's received much more than a new suit for its big 5-0 celebration.
In addition to the matte white finish and historical livery that reinterprets the original car's look, this progeny of the original 595 also receives a substantial bump in power - an increase of 20 horsepower over the standard 500 Abarth for a new total of 180. The upgraded engine is paired with an "Abarth Competizione" transmission, and the sizzling hatchback rides on 17-inch alloy wheels that hide larger Brembo brakes sized 12 inches in diameter. Not that the standard 500 Abarth sounds wimpy (quite the contrary, actually), but the 595 receives a new "Record Monza" variable back-pressure dual-mode exhaust for an even more stirring soundtrack above 3,000 rpm. The interior, meanwhile, is adorned with red leather seats featuring white inserts and red stitching, and a black leather steering wheel with red inserts, as well as its own assortment of historical logos.
The 595 50th Anniversary Edition will be available to order on September 15th, though we expect the entire lot to go quickly and haven't been told yet if any are earmarked for sale in the US. Our fingers are crossed.