It is the end of an era for Fiat, and the Italian brand’s cars are no longer available in South Africa.
Parent company Stellantis has quietly discontinued the Fiat 500, the marque’s sole remaining vehicle locally, after its sales slowed to a trickle.
The 500 was launched in 2008 as a fashionable, retro car competing against models like the MINI, and had received a number of updates, most recently in 2024 to celebrate Fiat’s 125th anniversary.
The Fiat 500 was originally launched in 1957 as a compact, affordable vehicle for the masses. Now in its third generation, the model has sold more than 7.5-million units globally and is still sold in Europe with electric and newly introduced hybrid models.
Before Stellantis taking over the operations of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles South Africa in 2021, Fiat marketed several other models locally including the Panda, 600, Multipla, Palio, the Abarth high-performance sub brand, and the Strada three-quarter tonne and Fullback one-tonne bakkies. The marque also sold vans such as the Doblo Cargo, Ducato and Fiorino under the Fiat Professional range.
Fiat was introduced to the country in the 1920s when the first vehicles were imported into the country, and local assembly began in Port Elizabeth in the 1950s.
In its heyday Fiat was a household name in South Africa, particularly with the Uno hatchback which was produced at the Nissan factory in Rosslyn from 1990 to 2006 and sold more than 116,000 units.
Stellantis South Africa confirmed to Business Day it is no longer selling vehicles under the Fiat brand, but said Fiat remains present in the country and that there are “exciting developments” underway.
Stellantis South Africa continues to market Alfa Romeo, Opel, Peugeot, Citroën, Jeep and the recently launched Chinese brand Leapmotor in its diverse lineup.
Business Day
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