The Fiat Punto exited manufacturing in 2018, and the model has been with no mild automobile in Europe since then.

That’s set to alter.

Fiat is asking its new 600e a alternative for the Punto, and it’ll be joined by a brand new electrical Panda. Fiat can also be weighing a new-generation Punto, additionally with electrical energy.

However Fiat may have had a Punto alternative loads sooner, based on firm CEO Oliver Francois.

“Again then, in 2013, we did have a venture to switch Punto,” mentioned Mr Francois.

The third-generation Punto had debuted in 2005 on a then-new platform co-developed with Basic Motors as a part of the 2 corporations’ short-lived tie-up.

But it surely had been left to wither, receiving a number of facelifts as a substitute of a brand new era, and was axed with out alternative in 2018.

Its axing got here shortly after Euro NCAP re-tested the hatchback, giving it the authority’s first-ever zero-star ranking.

Mr Francois confirmed an unique sketch of the proposed Punto alternative, resembling the outgoing 500X – and due to this fact trying like a larger-scale 500 metropolis automobile.

“[Sergio] Marchionne was skeptical concerning the B-segment, too aggressive, not worthwhile sufficient, so we got here up with a much bigger 500 they usually preferred the concept,” mentioned Antonio Massacesi, head of recent merchandise at Fiat, referring to the previous Fiat Chrysler Cars (FCA) CEO.

“Extra aspirational than a Punto or a Fiesta or a Clio, therefore, a lot better pricing, so we deliberate it they usually accredited it.

“Then few months later, we needed to cease it, then it was a go once more, then cease once more, as a result of truly to make it correctly we wanted an entire new platform, the outdated platform from the Grande Punto was out-of-date each on security and emissions and not one of the different manufacturers may share the price.

“So, an entire new platform for only one automobile? It was a no-go.”

Now that Fiat is a part of Stellantis, nevertheless, it has entry to extra platforms that may be shared throughout a number of manufacturers.

Below FCA, the one different model promoting automobiles as small as a Punto or 500 was Lancia (Dodge has offered rebadged Hyundai and Mitsubishi fashions this measurement, however solely in Mexico), which made platform-sharing troublesome.

Fiat’s new 600e, in distinction, shares underpinnings with fashions from DS, Jeep, Opel and Peugeot.

Whereas Fiat has been with no mild automobile in its house market, leaving a spot between the five hundred and Panda metropolis vehicles and the Tipo small automobile, its Latin American operations have had the Argo hatch and Cronos sedan to supply patrons on this section.