Fiat to launch 500X this year, 'specialty' vehicle in 2015

Fiat will launch several new models between 2014 and 2018 in a bid to increase its global sales by 26 per cent. The Italian brand will split its European lineup in two categories, a rational side and an emotional side. For its presentation, the Italian automaker represented the rational side with its Panda model while the emotional side with its popular 500.

Olivier Francois, Chief Executive, Fiat confirmed during the presentation that the overdue Fiat 500X SUV would soon be unveiled. The SUV was originally due to be released last year, and share strong links with the Jeep Renegade. A yet to be defined specialty car will also be introduced to the US market from next year.

The Italian automaker plans to launch new models for each side of the company’s personality. The lower end of the lineup will see the launch of a new compact model which will replace the Bravo, as well as a mysterious LCV derivative. In addition, a B-segment model will be launched in 2016 as a replacement for the Punto with a compact crossover coming in 2017. Lastly, a redesigned Panda will arrive for the rational side of the brand in 2018.

The emotional side of the Fiat will receive the Fiat 500X crossover in the later part of the year. The mysterious specialty model announced by the Italian carmaker will arrive in 2015. The specialty model is expected to be a sportscar which Fiat has co-developed with Mazda. This model may be sold as a Fiat model despite being initially planned as an Alfa Romeo.