Iconic brand stops importing cars

Iconic brand stops importing cars Another carmaker has stepped back to pause and consider what its future in Australia looks like. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading Save 30% All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All other in your area Fiat has announced it has stopped importing passenger vehicles into Australia, as it assess what its future line-up may look like. Read more It is understood this isn't the end for Fiat cars in Australia, but a break to work out the models in its line-up that would best suit. "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. We remain focused on ensuring the vehicles we bring to Australia meet customers' expectations," said a company spokesperson. "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. "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. "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." Fiat has only sold 144 vehicles through the first six months of this year in Australia, which is down 30 per cent compared to the same period last year. Fiat 500e (Image: Tom White) Its range of commercial vehicles is faring better, and sold 139 in June alone. Fiat has an expanding range of SUVs overseas, including the Grande Panda and Grizzly. These models are both electrified and better suited to Australian tastes. Peugeot , which is also owned by Stellantis, also closed up shop in Australia earlier this month. The French brand's local distributor, Inchcape, handed back the keys to its selling rights and there is no immediate taker to pick up where they left off. The writing was on the wall for Peugeot after a string of tough years that culminated in 373 sales through the first five months of this year, which was down 35 per cent compared to the same period last year. This follows a circa-29 per cent drop in 2025, and losing a quarter of sales in 2024. More from Car News As it happens Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.