Fiat Chrysler Automobiles plans to exit minicar segment in Europe! Yes the The leader of that market catagory is joining other badges in killing off their smallest cars due to the increasing development costs to make them meet tougher emissions limits.
FCA CEO Mike Manley said the automaker plans to try to shift Fiat’s minicar customers to the “B” (subcompact) segment.
“In the very near future you will see us refocus on this higher-volume, higher-margin segment, and that will involve a move away from the minicar segment,” Manley told analysts on FCA’s third-quarter earnings call on Oct. 31.
The retro-styled Fiat 500 three-door hatchback and the Panda hatchback dominate Europe’s minicar segment but they are need of a style refresh soon.
The retro looking three-door 500 is now 12-years. The 500 look was inspired by Fiat’s iconic original 500 launched in 1957.
Their other minicar, the third-generation Panda went on sale in February 2012.
Word on the street says this move would happen by 2024. FCA has not given out details on the its plans to end the cars,
