The Fiat 500X Might Be On The Chopping Block, According To CEO

Currently, the 500X is the only vehicle available in Fiat showrooms, after the 500 hatchback, 124 Spider convertible, and 500L MPV were all killed off in the US. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Italian brand announced the iconic 500 hatchback's return to US shores, in the form of the all-electric 500e.

It would seem perfectly sensible to keep the 500X in the lineup alongside the 500e to keep sales in check. But while speaking to Car and Driver in LA, Fiat CEO Olivier François hinted otherwise, saying that the 500X will not be part of the automaker's electrification strategy, and that there will be no replacement when its production cycle ends.

"Fiat is the 500, no other car," François told Car and Driver. "I have a very clear plan not to do anything else than the 500." According to Fiat, the 500X will remain available for the time being, but will be discontinued when its current generation is over. The automaker did not comment on when that will happen.

François went on to say that Fiat's future in the US will be more of an experiment for parent company Stellantis, ahead of its full-fledged shift to EVs. When the 500e arrives in 2024, Fiat will be toying with multiple ideas and strategies, including monthly subscriptions, online sales, limited-production special editions, and possible car-sharing services.

Dropping the 500X may seem like an unusual move as SUVs are all the rage, but Fiat is one of the smaller, more unique brands under the Stellantis umbrella, making it a great candidate for experimentation ahead of the EV era. However, taking these risks with such a small brand could also hurt Fiat. The brand is on shaky ground as it is, and an all-electric city car might not help in a market where small cars are not exactly welcomed.

It's also worth noting that the 500X could be joining a relatively long list of other vehicles being axed under Stellantis, including the Dodge Charger and Challenger, Chrysler 300, Maserati Ghibli, and Ram ProMaster City.

Do you think Fiat is making the right call?

Source: Car and Driver

Images: Fiat