Lancia is getting ready to facilitate its 10-year-long strategic plan starting in 2024, including an all-new three-model range and its expansion in European markets. The Italian brand has now revealed the lengths of the upcoming Ypsilon, Aurelia, and Delta, as part of an official announcement for the appointment of five new Brand Managers in Europe.
The new-generation Lancia Ypsilon, set to debut in 2024 with hybrid and fully electric variants, will measure around 4 meters (157.5 inches) long. This represents an increase in footprint compared to its 3,840 mm (151.2 in) predecessor that has been on sale since 2011 sharing its platform with the Fiat 500.
The larger body will place the Ypsilon in the core of the supermini segment which is still quite popular in Europe. The new model will be based on the STLA Small architecture. The same platform will eventually underpin Stellantis’ entire small-sized model portfolio, including the Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa, Citroen C3, a yet-unnamed Fiat supermini, and an array of B-SUVs.
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The next Lancia model will be the Aurelia flagship, measuring 4.6 meters (181 inches) long. Unlike previous Aurelia models that came in sedan, coupe, spider, and convertible bodystyles, the reincarnation will adopt a crossover bodystyle in line with the predominant design trend of our times. It will feature a fully electric powertrain, and most likely be based on the STLA Medium architecture. Lancia is not the only Stellantis brand with a crossover flagship, following the example of the Citroen C5 X and steering away from sedans like the Lancia Thesis.
The third and last model of the Lancia Renaissance will be the new Delta, set to be unveiled in 2028, measuring 4.4 meters (173.2 inches) long. It will take the form of a compact hatchback honoring its routes. Lancia describes the new Delta as a “sculpted and muscular car with geometric lines” making us believe it will be a modern take of the Giugiaro-designed original. We also know it will be fully electric, likely based on the STLA Medium architecture.
Lancia will go EV-only from 2028, which means that this is the date when the hybrid variant of the Ypsilon will be discontinued, while its three-model range will cover 50 percent of the market.
In earlier announcements, we also heard about the reinterpretation of iconic elements, illuminated grilles, and luxurious retro-flavored interiors featuring eco-sustainable materials and plenty of technology. Lancia has now revealed the interior design will be inspired by the Gamma, Thema and Flavia models. As for the onboard tech, the S.A.L.A. (Sound Air Light Augmented) intelligent virtual interface will give access to the sound system, air conditioning and ambient lighting through a single button.
Lancia will expand in European markets outside Italy, creating 100 new dealerships in 60 major European cities and betting on an optimistic 50 percent of online sales. In order to do that, the company appointed five Brand Managers: Paola Pichierri for France, Niccolò Biagioli for Germany, Francesco Colonnese for Spain, Patrice Duclos for Belgium and Luxembourg, and Patrick Zegwaard for The Netherlands. Raffaele Russo has been reconfirmed as the Brand Manager for Italy, and Roberta Zerbi, Head of Lancia Brand for Europe, will be the commercial coordinator in the region.
Lancia said that the five first countries were selected for their passion for “Made in Italy” products (Spain, Belgium, and France), for the relevance of online sales (The Netherlands and Germany), and for the popularity of premium B-Segment models (all five of them).