First Unit Preproduction Of Fiat 500 Hybrid Launches From Factory, Mass Produced By End Of 2025

Pre-production version of Fiat 500 Hybrid in Mirafiori, Italy. (Doc. Stellantis)

JAKARTA - Fiat confirmed that the first unit of pre-production of 500 Hybrids has been assembled at the Mirafiori plant, Italy while strengthening brand positions in the European electrification market.

Fiat and CMO Stellantis CEO Olivier Francois said the 500 Hybrid model would later be offered at affordable prices with its iconic style that characterizes the brand.

"With 500 Hybrids, we are strengthening production at Mirafiori to ensure factory productivity and meet demand," Francois was quoted as saying on Stellantis' official website, Wednesday, May 14.

He also confirmed that the Fiat 500 Hybrid will only be assembled in Italy, side by side with Panda at the Pomigliano plant.

"Our characters are in Italy and it's no coincidence that the two most iconic FIATs are made here: Pandas in Pomigliano and 500 in Mirafiori," said Francois.

The introduction of 500 Hybrids further strengthens the ranks of brands from the country of Pizza as well as affirms long-term commitments to cultural values in Italy.

Not only closely related to culture in Italy, this compact-sized hatchback also further highlights Fiat's intention to contribute to more sustainable green mobility.

The manufacturer, which is under the auspices of Stellantis, has not disclosed further details about 500 Hybrids, but is expected to adopt a Firefly 1.0 liter 3-cylinder mid-hybrid engine that has been around for 500 years and the Panda, according to the Autocar alert.

Another interesting thing is that this iconic car will offer a manual transmission of six accelerations in its interior. This is certainly good news for Fiat lovers in Europe.

Meanwhile, the appearance of the outside has not changed compared to the other 500 or 500e that are electric. However, the front grip has undergone little change so that it contributes to the wind flow to cool the engine.

Fiat confirmed that it will start assembly of a production version of 500 Hybrid in Mirafiori, Italy in the late quarter of this year with the hope of launching to market starting in early 2026.

Earlier COO Stellantis Europe, Jean-Phillipe Imparato said 500 Hybrids would be the final offering before the model changed generations by the end of the decade.

"The 500 model will be completed with a hybrid version of the 500 EV versions in November 2025. Second, the next generation of 500 will be around 2029 in Mirafiori, Italy. Then, Panda will be built in Pomigliano in 2030," said Imparato, quoted from Autocar last January.