Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has reportedly halted production of the diesel-powered Fiat Panda, with diesel versions of the 500 also getting the axe as soon as dealerships run out of stock.
According to Automotive News Europe, who learned about this news via two separate sources, diesels accounted for just 15% of all Panda sales through August, and as little as 4% of all 500 sales. FCA has yet to release an official statement on whether or not Panda diesel production has been stopped.
This type of decision was most likely spurred on by the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure, which went into effect in Europe at the beginning of last month. Out of all the European countries, most Pandas are sold in Italy, with a roughly 70% market share.
Both the Panda in question as well as the 500 are powered by 1.3-liter diesel engines, and while a new battery electric 500 is expected to arrive in 2020, the Panda engine range should remain centered on petrol power, although mild-hybrid units could also be in the mix.
Overall, the Panda and the 500 accounted for 47% of all Fiat brand car sales in Europe for the first eight months of 2018, and according to the business plan laid out by former CEO Sergio Marchionne, who died July 25, the 500 and the Panda will continue to be at the center of the Fiat brand in Europe.
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