FCA has already told its suppliers that its next-gen small car models will utilize a PSA Group architecture, specifically the Common Modular Platform (CMP) which currently underpins the Peugeot 208 and 2008, the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa and new Mokka, plus the DS3 Crossback.
All these cars feature not only internal combustion setups, but also fully-electric variants, which bodes well for Fiat Chrysler and its global ambitions.
According to Autonews Europe, FCA sent a letter to its suppliers in late July, asking them to immediately stop any research, development and tooling construction activities regarding future B-segment models (meaning either small or subcompact).
Read: Fiat Considering Tipo-Derived Compact SUV, Because That’s Where The Money Is
Fiat Chrysler said that it would build CMP-based small cars at its plant in Tychy, Poland, a location that currently makes the Fiat 500 and Lancia Ypsilon. FCA could reportedly build as many as 400,000 CMP-based models per year there.
Meanwhile, FCA and PSA have to continue to compete with each other until the merger is completed in order to avoid any possible antitrust issues.
No more minicars
FCA already announced that it will exit the minicar segment going forward, and will focus its efforts on small cars.
“In the very near future you will see us refocus on this higher-volume, higher-margin segment, and that will involve a move away from the minicar segment,” stated FCA boss Mike Manley last year during a Q3 earnings call.
While a timeline for a return to this segment has yet to be set publicly, some industry insiders believe that it will happen by the year 2024. With that in mind, we expect Fiat to bring back the Punto nameplate, which was once its most successful model in Europe.
