Electric cars have been heralded as the future of driving.
But for some automakers, making the transition hasn’t been smooth. Fiat, once a household name in affordable cars, is finding out just how challenging it can be to gain traction in the growing EV market.
The Italian brand has again paused production of its electric 500e model.
Fiat announced that the assembly line at its Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, will shut down on December 18. It won’t restart until at least January 20, 2025, according to Boosted.
Maserati, which shares the factory space, is also halting production of its GranTurismo and GranCabrio models.
Disappointing Sales Figures
Parent company Stellantis says the production freeze is part of a review of order books. No further details have been shared, leaving questions about the demand for these vehicles.
This marks the second time in less than a month that Fiat has stopped producing the 500e, raising doubts about its future in the electric vehicle market.
Earlier this year, Fiat faced scrutiny from the Italian government over its struggle to boost EV sales.
The company is reportedly considering hybrid versions of the 500 model, a move that could signal a shift away from its all-electric ambitions.
Sales figures for the 500e have been disappointing, particularly in the United States. Despite releasing special editions to entice buyers, Fiat sold fewer than 500 units nationwide this year.
These struggles are part of Fiat’s broader difficulties in the American market, where it has long battled a reputation for unreliable cars—a stigma reflected in the old joke, “Fix It Again, Tony.”
