Stellantis will announce a hybrid version of its Italian-built 500 EV, sources said.
MILAN (Reuters) – Fiat owner Stellantis (NYSE:) is expected to unveil a hybrid version of its 500e compact electric car on Monday to be produced at its Mirafiori plant in Italy, two sources familiar with the matter said. News Europe.
The announcement is expected at a meeting in Turin between unions and CEO Carlos Tavares, who has been calling for a new, higher-capacity, cheaper model to revive Mirafiori’s production.
The 500e is assembled on site in Fiat’s historic home of Turin, but a global slowdown in fully electric car sales has significantly slowed Stellantis’ production and led to longer vacation periods for factory workers.
The move could also help the automaker improve its relationship with the Italian government. The Italian government has often criticized the group for declining production in Italy and for producing some of its Fiat and Alfa Romeo models abroad.
Stellantis, Italy’s only major carmaker, and the government are discussing a plan aimed at restoring the group’s domestic production to around 1 million vehicles by the end of 2010, from about 750,000 last year.
On Saturday, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said an agreement was expected within a few days, including the announcement of a new model for Stellantis’ Italian plant.
Automotive News Europe revealed Monday morning that production of the new hybrid 500e could begin in late 2025. He added that Stellantis is targeting a total annual production of 200,000 500s at Mirafiori, including 125,000 hybrids, compared to less than 80,000 produced last year.
The hybrid 500e is based on the same platform as the 500e EV, and Fiat is phasing out older versions of the petrol-powered and hybrid 500 assembled in Poland.