The stories are different, but we’re two people brands and share a lot. I think what’s interesting is that we can divide the market in terms of size. We can be the specialist in smaller cars and then Citroën has more legitimacy to cover the D-segment – and, of course, there will be some overlap in the middle.”
Corsa rival in 2023
The first new Fiat, a rival to the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa, is “Punto size but not called Punto”, said François, referencing the popular Fiat supermini that was withdrawn from sale in 2018 after 25 years and three generations.
There are likely to be hybrid and fully electric variants of the new supermini as Fiat tentatively steps towards going fully electric by 2027 at the latest, said François.
“We’re decisively betting on electric for Europe,” he said. “We’ll ramp up with electric versions on every new car and at some point make a switch.
“Fiat should be the people’s Tesla: electric for all. Clearly, we need the cost of electrification to go down. By 2027, we will be ready, but possibly before. It will depend on cost. I want us to be the first mass-market brand to be electric-only.”
