Fiat puts electric vehicles on hold in New Zealand as it evaluates future models 

Fiat’s local distributor has confirmed it will follow in the footsteps of Stellantis Australia in not replenishing its electric stock. 

Earlier in the week, Stellantis Australia issued a statement regarding the Fiat and Abarth 500e models, explaining how stock levels were almost sold out. 

“Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e stock in Australia has now largely been sold through and, at this stage, we are not planning additional orders while we evaluate future product opportunities for the local market,” said a Stellantis Australia spokesperson.

“We continue to support our Fiat and Abarth customers and dealer network and look forward to sharing more information about Fiat’s and Abarth’s future plans in Australia at the appropriate time.”

A spokesperson for Ateco, the local Fiat distributor, confirmed this “replicates what NZ is following.”

Considering the 500e is the only petrol-powered passenger vehicle Fiat currently sells locally, this move has essentially put half of the brand’s local business on hold. 

The Ateco spokesperson was also sure to mention that this only affects the “electric side of the business, not the petrol side.” 

This means Fiat’s Professional line-up remains unchanged, which includes the Scudo and Ducato vans. 

Despite the announcement, it doesn’t look like Fiat is going anywhere soon, with Stellantis wrapping up its release with the following statement. 

“As part of Stellantis Australia’s ongoing portfolio and product planning process, the availability of specific models can vary over time as we assess market demand and future product opportunities,” the company added.

“We remain focused on ensuring the vehicles we bring to Australia meet customers’ expectations. Following Stellantis’ recent confirmation of Fiat as one of its core global brands, we are excited by the opportunities the brand presents for the future.”