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Fiat will launch a new Panda in 2011 after CEO Sergio Marchionne lifted a 15 month spending freeze.

Marchionne’s spending freeze ran from October 2008 to December 2009 and saw the delay of the new Panda, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and a replacement for the Lancia Ypsilon.

In a telephone conference with financial analysts, Marchionne said launching any major new models last year in the middle of the global financial downturn would have been a “waste”.

“That's the reason why I t...Read the full article

Oh. I really like the current Panda. It makes so much more sense than the 500. Lets hope the replacement keeps the simple sturdy theme and doesnt grow bigger.

I dont know why they dont just keep the current Panda going, its safe & cheap & still looks fresh & up to date. They should just market it more, bring out some special editions, new funky colours, maybe refresh the interior, & fit this long-promised new 2-cylinder engine they have been going on about for years. James May drives one- why not pay him to star in an ad campaign? I think theres plenty of life in the little Panda yet!

Autocar:

In a telephone conference with financial analysts, Marchionne said launching any major new models last year in the middle of the global financial downturn would have been a “waste”.

What will sticking a Lancia badge on a Chrysler 300C achieve? Nothing. That too is a complete waste. Come on, this the firm that built the Aurelia, Fulvia, and my favourite the Flavia coupe. What will we get now? Vulgarity made sweeter by a badge?

roverfan1984:

Oh. I really like the current Panda. It makes so much more sense than the 500.

While I absolutely agree I bet the 500 makes a lot more money per unit than the Panda. I have always loved the Panda - simple and sturdy as you say and surprisingly fun to drive as well.

And the May idea is a good one as he is the 'credible' one in that team

The Panda is a great 5 door small car, nice to drive too

Don't spoil it with the new one...

I love the current Panda and FIAT are excellent at these small cars so the new Panda could be even better than this one. Lets hope so

pabs:

FIAT are excellent at these small cars

 

 

As long as it stays a small car.

Bit of a worry rebadging Chryslers as Lancia's though. I like the Italian American angle, but Lancia should be making great cars, not redecorating someone elses mediocre ones.

Strange that, in a/the recession small cars sold brilliantly - including the Panda. I'm not 100% sure freezing the development of the Panda will work in their favour as surely getting out an even more competitive model to take on the i10 should be important?

roverfan1984:

Oh. I really like the current Panda. It makes so much more sense than the 500. Lets hope the replacement keeps the simple sturdy theme and doesnt grow bigger.

roverfan1984:

fit this long-promised new 2-cylinder engine they have been going on about for years.

Totally agree.  Five years and 60k miles in my Panda Multijet and it's very difficult to fault - hopefully they won't make the next one too cutesy in an attempt to cash in on the 500's success.  In fact, all I really want is the slightly higher-powered 1.3 Multijet engine and 100hp looks :-)

As for Lancia re-badging the Chrysler Sebring - hasn't that been one of the most critically panned cars of recent years?  Lets hope the work goes more than skin deep.

lets hope they spend some money on the suspension as the ride on the Panda and all of its derivatives (500 etc) is shocking.

Great little car that has less give in its supension than a mid '60's Mini

Oh dear. Rebadged version of ANY Chrysler = disaster for the Lancia brand!