Lancia currently has a one-model range that is exclusively available in Italy. However, this is going to change soon as Stellantis has big plans for the historic brand.
Automotive News reports that Lancia will unveil a trio of brand new models between 2024 and 2027: a city car, a compact crossover, and a compact hatchback. Stellantis Global Chief Design Officer Jean-Pierre Ploué will be responsible for the design, after pledging to create a fresh identity for Lancia inspired by its illustrious 115-year history.
The current generation Lancia Ypsilon might be performing well in terms of sales in its home market with more than 3 million units sold in 35 years, but the aging platform won’t hold for much longer. The Fiat 500-based model premiered more than 10 years ago at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Since then it has received a series of special editions and updates, including a facelift in 2015, the addition of a mild-hybrid version in 2020, and another discreet facelift in 2021.
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According to the latest report, Lancia has already started the development of an all-new city car to replace the Ypsilon with a scheduled reveal in mid-2024. It will be based on a new version of the CMP / eCMP platform currently underpinning the likes of the Peugeot 208 and 2008, Opel Corsa and Mokka, and DS3 Crossback. This means it will be Lancia’s first fully electric model but it will also be available with a petrol engine as an alternative.
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Lancia’s second new model will follow in the first quarter of 2026 in the form of a fully electric compact crossover. This one will be based on the STLA Medium platform that will also underpin several future models from the Stellantis brand portfolio. Four of those medium-sized cars will be produced at the Melfi plant in Italy, according to the workers’ unions.
Last but not least, there is another project on the horizon although this one hasn’t been green-lit yet. Rumor has it will be a compact hatchback that could potentially revive the Delta name. If Lancia ensures there will be enough demand for this segment in the future, the hatchback will be unveiled towards the end of 2027.
While nothing is official yet, we would love to see new models proudly wearing the Lancia badge and really hope that those long-term plans materialize. As a reminder, the last time FCA Group tried to revive Lancia was with rebadged Chrysler models for the European market – something that didn’t end up well.
Stellantis has declined to comment on the report but we wouldn’t be surprised if a future strategic plan is announced sometime in the next months. A few days ago, Lancia started publishing episodes of the docufilm “Elegance on the move” exploring the brand’s history. The official 115th birthday celebration is scheduled for the 27th of November 2021.
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Either way, Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, has secured 10 years’ worth of investments for Lancia, Alfa Romeo, and DS Automobiles. During that period, the three premium brands of the group need to define their vision, build a roadmap, share development costs, and prove they can be viable in the long term.