Fiat-Chrysler has been slow and hesitant about electric cars. But it appears that Olivier François, Fiat’s brand president, is finally coming around to EVs. He explained why the demand for the new Fiat 500, which is exclusively electric, could “explode.”
When the electric Fiat Centoventi was revealed as a concept car at 2019’s Geneva Motor Show, it was easy to dismiss as auto-show razzle-dazzle. The cute Panda-inspired model had barn-style doors, a pegboard dashboard, and interchangeable seats and a roof. But now there are signs that the all-electric Fiat Centoventi is going into production – with the promise of the industry’s first add-as-you-go battery system.
Fiat is debuting its new Concept Centoventi at the Geneva Motor Show. An extremely customizable concept EV, the Centoventi would offer consumers the chance to change nearly everything about the car, from exterior to interior to battery range.
FCA’s outspoken CEO, Sergio Marchionne, has been known for being highly critical of electric vehicles, which has significantly slowed down the electrification of FCA’s lineup of vehicles.
But the industry is undoubtedly moving forward with all-electric vehicles and now FCA is announcing new electric vehicles coming under its Jeep, Maserati, and Fiat brands within the next 4 years.
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FCA’s outspoken CEO, Sergio Marchionne, has been known to make unpopular but frank comments about electric cars and the future of the auto industry. The man in charge of Alfa, Fiat, Chrysler and Jeep, called for its customers not to buy his electric car, the Fiat 500e, because he estimates the company is losing about $10,000 per units.
In a recent interview with Car Magazine, he reiterated his comments and elaborated on how he doesn’t understand how anyone can make money selling electric cars other than to comply with government mandates. He also made some interesting and somewhat confusing comments on Tesla’s success.
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Speaking today on CNBC, Ferrari chairman and Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne spoke affirmatively when asked if he believes Apple will make a car. The Ferrari boss explained that he believes the automobile space is one in which Apple can exhibit its skills, clarifying that he believes Apple will have a car assembled rather than building it on their own. Marchionne added that Apple has not approached Fiat for being its partner for assembling a car.
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