‘The 500 will never die, with them also Panda’

‘The 500 will never die, with them also Panda’


The The Fiat 500 is immortal. This is a summary of the statements of Francois Lebointhe head of design of the Turin brand, about the future of the Italian city car, spoke a lot in recent weeks.

In recent days Fiat has presented new concepts and futuristic designs, but between the Mega Panda, Camper and pick-up, there will be always room for a new Fiat 500. “Charm will never die“, says Leboine, explaining that the Turin company has two “animation“. The first is that of “Sweet life“, included by 500 and its successors, while the second is that of the language “more practical and functional“, according to the idea of Plant original by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

These two personalities of our brand respond to two different types of customers. We’re really excited to have them because they’re two interpretations that, for designers, are both very interesting to interpret and play with.“. Adopt two different design languagesFiat”it will never be too repetitive or boring“.

The head of design then spoke about future concept, explaining that they get inspiration from the historian Turin ingot, starting with windows from the same factory, which inspired the pixel-style headlights and brake lights. But beware of thinking that new cars have retro style: “What we get from Lingotto is eternal modernity. I don’t think there’s anything retro about what we did. I am completely satisfied with this. We use the past tense to tell stories, but in fact the products we make are very modern and look to the future“.

Then the conversation turned Concept of Centoventiwhich the Fiat Panda 2024 electric B-SUV comes from”Centoventi is still in our minds – said Leboine – and is indeed included in these concepts. It was a great concept car that translated Fiat’s strong philosophy in terms of simplicity, convenience, flexibility, all the smart solutions that Fiat is so good at offering.“.

Closing again on 500: “If you are talking about 500 it is a different story. We are talking about customers who really like the vintage atmosphere of the 500, which will never die. It is a story that is not fashionable. It’s just forever. This car is forever“.