Fiat aims to win back customers to its core brand with a two-pronged model strategy for the upper and lower ends of the mass-market.
The Fiat Panda and 500 model lines are likely to be expanded from a combined four minicar variants to 12 derivatives that cover the minicar, subcompact and compact segments.
Fiat brand CEO Olivier Francois said the Panda family will be aimed at budget-conscious customers while 500 models will target buyers willing to pay extra to have a more premium product.
"The Fiat brand has two dimensions, Panda-500, functional-aspirational, left brain-right brain," Francois told Automotive News Europe.
The Panda will become a model family designed around functionality, ease of use and value for money, he said. The 500 family will appeal to customers looking for features associated with premium cars such as striking design and good connectivity.
"Every 500 model should have a strong style, as well as a coherent personality and features so it can properly fight in the premium part of each segment where it competes," Francois said.