Report: Fiat to Begin Assembly of New 2012 Panda Mini in November

The first examples of the successor to Fiat’s current generation Panda city car will roll off the production line in Italy this November, according to a top Fiat executive. The third generation of the Panda is scheduled to make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September.

"We are on track in refurbishing Pomigliano, which will become a truly state-of-the-art plant when it begins production in November," Fiat Group chief manufacturing officer Stefan Ketter told Autonews Europe.

Last year, Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that the updated Pomigliano d'Arco plant in central Italy would manufacturer the new Panda as part of the firm’s “Fabbrica Italia” (Italian factory) plan to increase vehicle productivity in Italy from around 650,000 units in 2010 to approximately 1.4 million cars in 2014.

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Fiat gets Adventurous with new Panda 4x4 Edition

The 'evergreen' Panda 4x4 Adventure is the latest addition to the range of Fiat's small off-road model. Available for order across Europe, the new series that comes with an automatic four-wheel drive system is offered with a choice of a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 60 horsepower and a 1.3 Multijet16V diesel that makes 70 horsepower. Prices in Italy start from €14,100 ($19,750 US) for the petrol model and from €16,000 ($22,400 US) for the diesel - now that's what we'd call an 'adventurous' price range.

Aside from the green paintjob and the color-keyed bumpers, the Panda 4x4 Adventure is distinguished by the gray central badges, the 'bronzed' head- and tail lights and the tinted windows plus the matt black finish for the pillars, the roof bars, the side bars and the mudguard arches.

A set of 14-inch rims painted in dark grey and wrapped in 165/70 M+S tires along with the black framing of the rear lights complete the exterior changes of the new Panda 4x4 variant.

Fiat did not release any photos of the interior but claims that the Adventure features a washable and anti-tear technical fabric in black as well as scratch-resistant floor mats.

Mechanical upgraded are limited to the reinforced suspension that allows a maximum load of 445 kg. Fiat said that it also offers buyers of the Panda 4x4 Adventure the option of ordering the vehicle with just the front seats which increased the rear compartment space to 1,000lt.

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Fiat Panda and Lancia Ypsilon Replacements Pushed Back for 2012

Following CEO Sergio Marchionne's comments at the 2010 Paris Motor Show (see here), Autonews Europe has uncovered new information regarding the Fiat Group's future product launches.

One of Fiat's most important models in Europe, the third generation Panda, was originally due in summer 2010 but its launch had already been pushed back to September 2011. Now, sources inside the company told the news site that the introduction of the small five-door hatchback will be further delayed until January 2012.

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Fiat Panda and Lancia Ypsilon Replacements Pushed Back for 2012

Following CEO Sergio Marchionne's comments at the 2010 Paris Motor Show (see here), Autonews Europe has uncovered new information regarding the Fiat Group's future product launches.

One of Fiat's most important models in Europe, the third generation Panda, was originally due in summer 2010 but its launch had already been pushed back to September 2011. Now, sources inside the company told the news site that the introduction of the small five-door hatchback will be further delayed until January 2012.

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Fiat Panda Mini Receives Subtle Upgrades for the 2010 Model Year

Hmm; finding it a bit difficult to tell the differences between the 2009MY and 2010MY Fiat Panda? Well, can't say that we blame you as we ourselves had to thoroughly check out the press release to discover the changes. On the outside, all 2010 model year Pandas adopt the more contemporary body colored grille found on the 4x2 and 4x4 Dynamic variants, new alloy wheel options, larger exterior mirrors and silver trim finish for the roof bars. Fiat has also added four new exterior colors to the lineup.

Inside, the instrument panel gets fresh graphics while there's also a new selection of upholstery colors.

Mechanical improvements are limited to the introduction of a new 69 horsepower 1.2-liter gasoline engine that emits 113g/km of CO2. In Europe, Panda buyers have a wide choice of gasoline, diesel, natural gas and LPG engines with outputs ranging from 54 to 100 horsepower.

The Panda, which formed the base for the new Fiat 500 and Ford Ka models, was launched in September 2003. In the six years it has been in production, Fiat has sold more than 1.5 million units of the mini hatchback.

12:06 PM | 0 comments | Read More

Fiat Panda Mini Receives Subtle Upgrades for the 2010 Model Year

Hmm; finding it a bit difficult to tell the differences between the 2009MY and 2010MY Fiat Panda? Well, can't say that we blame you as we ourselves had to thoroughly check out the press release to discover the changes. On the outside, all 2010 model year Pandas adopt the more contemporary body colored grille found on the 4x2 and 4x4 Dynamic variants, new alloy wheel options, larger exterior mirrors and silver trim finish for the roof bars. Fiat has also added four new exterior colors to the lineup.

Inside, the instrument panel gets fresh graphics while there's also a new selection of upholstery colors.

Mechanical improvements are limited to the introduction of a new 69 horsepower 1.2-liter gasoline engine that emits 113g/km of CO2. In Europe, Panda buyers have a wide choice of gasoline, diesel, natural gas and LPG engines with outputs ranging from 54 to 100 horsepower.

The Panda, which formed the base for the new Fiat 500 and Ford Ka models, was launched in September 2003. In the six years it has been in production, Fiat has sold more than 1.5 million units of the mini hatchback.

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Fiat Celebrates Production of 1,500,000th Panda

The evergreen Fiat Panda city car has reached a new milestone as the 1,500,000th example of the model rolled off the Italian company's Poland plant in Tychy. The landmark model is a left hand drive car in magnetic blue with a 1.3 MultiJet engine that is destined for an Italian customer. The second generation Panda was introduced in 2003 winning several awards including the European Car of the Year 2004 title. Fiat said that this year a record number of 285,000 units will be produced.

The five-door mini that is also available in numerous AWD versions has been a runaway success for Fiat as it has remained the best selling A-segment car in Europe without a break since 2003.

The Panda, which formed that base for Fiat's 500 retro city car, has been exported to 74 countries including Japan, South Africa and Mexico.

7:12 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Fiat Celebrates Production of 1,500,000th Panda

The evergreen Fiat Panda city car has reached a new milestone as the 1,500,000th example of the model rolled off the Italian company's Poland plant in Tychy. The landmark model is a left hand drive car in magnetic blue with a 1.3 MultiJet engine that is destined for an Italian customer. The second generation Panda was introduced in 2003 winning several awards including the European Car of the Year 2004 title. Fiat said that this year a record number of 285,000 units will be produced.

The five-door mini that is also available in numerous AWD versions has been a runaway success for Fiat as it has remained the best selling A-segment car in Europe without a break since 2003.

The Panda, which formed that base for Fiat's 500 retro city car, has been exported to 74 countries including Japan, South Africa and Mexico.

7:12 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Fiat gets Adventurous with new Panda 4x4 Edition

The 'evergreen' Panda 4x4 Adventure is the latest addition to the range of Fiat's small off-road model. Available for order across Europe, the new series that comes with an automatic four-wheel drive system is offered with a choice of a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 60 horsepower and a 1.3 Multijet16V diesel that makes 70 horsepower. Prices in Italy start from €14,100 ($19,750 US) for the petrol model and from €16,000 ($22,400 US) for the diesel - now that's what we'd call an 'adventurous' price range.

Aside from the green paintjob and the color-keyed bumpers, the Panda 4x4 Adventure is distinguished by the gray central badges, the 'bronzed' head- and tail lights and the tinted windows plus the matt black finish for the pillars, the roof bars, the side bars and the mudguard arches.

A set of 14-inch rims painted in dark grey and wrapped in 165/70 M+S tires along with the black framing of the rear lights complete the exterior changes of the new Panda 4x4 variant.

Fiat did not release any photos of the interior but claims that the Adventure features a washable and anti-tear technical fabric in black as well as scratch-resistant floor mats.

Mechanical upgraded are limited to the reinforced suspension that allows a maximum load of 445 kg. Fiat said that it also offers buyers of the Panda 4x4 Adventure the option of ordering the vehicle with just the front seats which increased the rear compartment space to 1,000lt.

9:42 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Fiat gets Adventurous with new Panda 4x4 Edition

The 'evergreen' Panda 4x4 Adventure is the latest addition to the range of Fiat's small off-road model. Available for order across Europe, the new series that comes with an automatic four-wheel drive system is offered with a choice of a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 60 horsepower and a 1.3 Multijet16V diesel that makes 70 horsepower. Prices in Italy start from €14,100 ($19,750 US) for the petrol model and from €16,000 ($22,400 US) for the diesel - now that's what we'd call an 'adventurous' price range.

Aside from the green paintjob and the color-keyed bumpers, the Panda 4x4 Adventure is distinguished by the gray central badges, the 'bronzed' head- and tail lights and the tinted windows plus the matt black finish for the pillars, the roof bars, the side bars and the mudguard arches.

A set of 14-inch rims painted in dark grey and wrapped in 165/70 M+S tires along with the black framing of the rear lights complete the exterior changes of the new Panda 4x4 variant.

Fiat did not release any photos of the interior but claims that the Adventure features a washable and anti-tear technical fabric in black as well as scratch-resistant floor mats.

Mechanical upgraded are limited to the reinforced suspension that allows a maximum load of 445 kg. Fiat said that it also offers buyers of the Panda 4x4 Adventure the option of ordering the vehicle with just the front seats which increased the rear compartment space to 1,000lt.

9:42 AM | 0 comments | Read More

New Fiat Panda 4x4 Glam Edition

Fiat has just launched a new special edition version of its diminutive off-road model for the Italian market. What makes the Panda 4x4 Glam Edition special in Fiat's eyes is the new pearl white finish that's complemented by the aluminum roof bars and the newly styled 15-inch alloy wheels. Similarly, interior mods are limited to the new jean-like seat and door-panel fabrics along with the decorative aluminum trim on the dash. Power for the Panda 4x4 Glam Edition comes from either a 60HP 1.2-liter petrol unit or a 70HP 1.3-liter turbo diesel engine with prices in Italy set at €14,800 and €16,910 respectively.

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Fiat Panda Cross Goes on Sale in the UK

Fiat’s stylish version of the Panda 4x4 has finally crossed the English Channel offering UK buyers an alternative proposition in the mini SUV segment. The Panda Cross, which has been available for quite some time in other European markets, stands out from the Panda 4x4 thanks to the new fascia with round light units, the chunky side protection strips in contrasting colours, roof-bars, 15-inch alloys, round taillights and new bumpers. Inside the Cross comes equipped with special two-tone interior trims.

The Panda Cross gets a permanent four-wheel drive system with a viscous coupling and an electronic differential lock while power is provided by Fiat’s 70HP 1.3-liter turbo diesel engine. According to Fiat, the Panda Cross returns 42.1 mpg UK on the urban cycle, 67.3 mpg UK extra-urban, and 54.3 mpg UK (45.2 mpg US) combined. The CO₂ figure is 136 g/km. -Continued

Priced from 11,995 GBP on-the-road, The mini SUV’s standard equipment list includes ESP, air conditioning, radio and MP3-compatible CD player with steering wheel audio controls, and electric power steering.

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Blind Justice? Chinese Court Dismisses Fiat’s Claims Against Great Wall

Just a week after a Turin court banned Great Wall from importing the GWPeri into Europe on the basis that it closely resembled Fiat's Panda minicar, and a Chinese court in Hong Kong dismissed Fiat’s claims for infringement by the Chinese car maker. Reuters also reported that Fiat was ordered by the Shijiazhuang Intermediate People's Court to pay 8,800 yuan or about $1,300 in legal fees. As you can see in these pictures here, apparently justice is blind in China...

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China’s Great Wall Banned from Importing Panda Clone to Europe

Following in the footsteps of BMW that managed to stop the Chinese Shuanghuan CEO SUV from being imported into Germany, Fiat has won a court order against China’s auto manufacturer Great Wall Motors (GWM) banning the latter from bringing the GWPeri to Europe. The Italian carmaker had sued GWM both in Italy and China. In the case of the Turin court, it was ruled that the GWPeri looked to close for comfort with the Italian carmaker’s Panda minicar –wonder why…

Under the ruling, Great Wall Motors (see the clones here) should pay a €15,000 or $28,000 fine for importing the first example into Europe. If the Chinese carmaker decides to violate the ruling, GWM will be fined a further €50,000 per car brought into the region. Images of both the GWPeri and the Fiat Panda after the jump. -Continued

GWPeri

Fiat Panda

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New Fiat Panda Eco with 5.0lt/100 km or 47MPG Avg. Consumption

As its name suggests, the newest addition in the Fiat Panda family is an eco-friendly model with low CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Based on the Panda 1.1, the 54Hp strong Eco emits 119 g/km of CO2 and features an average consumption in the combined cycle of 5.0 lt/100 km or 47MPG (US). That’s compared to the standard Panda 1.1’s 132 g/km of CO2 and 5.6 lt/100 km.

To achieve these figures, Fiat’s engineers improved the Panda 1.1’s aerodynamics, updated the engine’s electronic control unit, replaced the oil inside the transmission with one that produces less friction and finally, used a set of low rolling resistance tires. Prices for the Fiat Panda in Italy start from €8,830 (about $14,000).

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