First released in 2007 and updated in 2016, the Fiat 500’s platform is now considered outdated for European cybersecurity and safety standards.
This is why Fiat is shifting its focus to the 500e platform and planning to move production from Poland to Algeria. Ferdinando Uliano, leader of the Federazione Italiana Metalmeccanici union, has announced that a combustion vehicle based on the 500e will begin production in the first quarter of 2026.
Reports indicate that this vehicle will feature an updated 70-ps FireFly engine with mild-hybrid assistance, likely delivering around 69 horsepower.
The conversion of the 500e to internal combustion and its homologation for European sale is a lengthy process, potentially delaying production until summer 2026 or later due to management issues at Fiat.
Stellantis has confirmed that the new 500e mild hybrid will be produced at the Mirafiori plant. Additionally, Jeep plans to manufacture a new hybrid Compass at the Melfi plant on the STLA Medium platform, which supports both electric and combustion engines.
The Brampton assembly plant in Canada will also produce STLA Medium vehicles, including a Jeep Compass for North America. Meanwhile, the Windsor plant will manufacture the STLA Large-based Dodge Charger in both electric and internal combustion versions.