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.

The third generation Lancia Ypsilon supermini has also been delayed more than two years, as have the replacements for the Fiat Idea / Lancia Musa small MPV twins and the Fiat Multipla 3+3 seater people carrier, which has been in production since 1998. The latter two launches were scheduled for December 2011 but have now been postponed until the second half of 2012.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne froze his company's spending in 2008 as the financial crisis hit Europe. Spending was set to return to normal this year, but has now been postponed indefinitely in light of what Marchionne perceives as an unimproved European new car market.

He now predicts a weaker Q1 2011 than Q1 2010, due to the ending of scrappage schemes in many European countries. The rest of 2011 is expected to be no better sale wise for Fiat, Marchionne predicts.

Analysts are predicting that Fiat's new car sales are likely to continue to decline without any new products; sales in Europe fell 13.9% to 723,356 vehicles in the first eight months of 2011 in a market that declined only 3.5%, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).

Stuart Pearson, an auto analyst at Morgan Stanley in London, says: "Fiat is playing a dangerous game and by delaying key models risks missing any European Union recovery if they are wrong on the timing. Customers are only paying for brand new metal."

The report did not mention any plans on future Alfa Romeo cars.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: ANE [sub.req]

______________GALLERY - CURRENT GENERATION MODELS______________

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.

Fiat Launches Special Edition Panda Mamy…

The Panda Mamy is a new limited edition version of Fiat’s city car aimed at young mothers. Based on the 1.2-litre Panda Dynamic, the new Panda Mamy attempts to allure UK mommies through the use of specific colours and materials as well as its useful standard equipment that includes a second internal rear-view mirror for viewing any children on the rear seat and bag hooks in the boot. -Continued

Moreover, the Mamy gets new front seat covers with pockets at the back, washable front and rear seat upholstery, orange air-vent surrounds and special carpet mats with a high grip mat in the boot.

The newest addition in the Panda range is available in two new exterior colours, aubergine and orange (as well as the existing black and grey) the body-colouring is extended to the door handles, door mirrors and boot handle. Unique Mamy logos also feature under each of the front wing indicators.

Although the Mamy comes with more than £1,000 worth of extra equipment, it costs £8,200 or 5 quid less than the Panda Dynamic Aircon model upon it is based.

Fiat Launches Limited Edition Panda & Grande Punto

Fiat has released two limited edition versions of its best-selling models in the UK. The Panda Special Series 360 and the Grande Punto Special Series 360 feature higher levels of standard equipment at a reasonable price -but that’s about it. -Details after the jump

Based on the 1.2-litre Panda Dynamic, the Panda 360 is distinguished by a special series sticker on the B-pillar, metallic paint and 14-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the car is given a special interior trim which includes the new company logo on the front seats. Air conditioning, a Bluetooth phone system and spilt folding rear seating are also fitted as standard.

This extra equipment has a retail value of £1,600, but the Panda 360’s on-the-road price of just £7,195 is actually £400 less than the price of a Panda Dynamic.

Similarly, the Grande Punto 360 is based on the 1.2-litre Grande Punto Active and is available in 3- and 5-door specification. Recognizable from the outside by the special series sticker, metallic paint, 15-inch alloy wheels and body coloured mirrors, the vehicle also gets a unique interior trim with company logo, air conditioning, Fiat’s Blue&Me™ hands-free media system and a split folding rear seat.

Despite the fact that it gets £1,700 worth of added equipment, the Grande Punto 360 costs £8,495 (3-door) and £9,095 (5-door), which are £55 less than the respective Active versions.

Fiat Panda Sport by Novitec

With the SEMA show in full thrust, it’s all about tuning this week. However, time to take a break from all that SEMA madness and see what’s going around in Europe. Novitec presented a performance pack for the sport version of Fiat’s successful little mini hatch, the Panda.

The Panda Sport is already one of the nicest looking mini cars in its class (hey Hyundai, take a look at how you really design a contemporary mini), and with the addition of Novitec’s new blacked out alloy rims, a dual exhaust pipe and a roof spoiler, things only get better. Additionally, Novitec has slightly raised the 1.4-litre engine’s output from 100 to 106 Hp. -More pics after the jump

Via: Motorpasion