Fiat Australia is quietly pulling two popular EVs from the market, with no replacements confirmed. Discover why the automaker is hitting pause.

Buying a new car today isn't as simple as it was a few years ago and with more brands in the market, the competition is even higher than before. That growing competition is now forcing some familiar names like Fiat Australia to rethink their strategy.

The Italian automaker Fiat has confirmed it will stop importing its Fiat 500e electric hatchback and Abarth 500e electric hot hatch into Australia. With only a few vehicles left in dealer stock nationwide, the move leaves Fiat and Abarth without any passenger cars in the local market for now. According to Stellantis Australia, no further orders are planned while the company reviews future opportunities and decides what comes next for the brand.

Chinese EV Brands Are Changing the Game

Over the past few years, Chinese carmakers have transformed Australia's automotive market. By offering electric vehicles packed with technology at lower prices, they have attracted a growing number of buyers.

That shift has made life increasingly difficult for several established European brands. Fiat's decision follows a similar move by French automaker Peugeot, which recently scaled back its Australian operations amid challenging market conditions.

A Stellantis Australia spokesperson said:

“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.”

While some consumers have wondered whether Fiat discontinued in Australia completely, Stellantis has made it clear that the brand is not leaving the country.

What Happened to Fiat's Sales?

Fiat has sold just 144 vehicles in Australia so far this year, including only 13 in the latest month. That puts the brand behind some luxury sports car makers in monthly sales. The company also struggled to gain momentum with its Abarth 500e. After launching in 2024 with a drive-away price of around $64,000, the model later received a significant price cut to help clear remaining stock.

Meanwhile, demand for electric vehicles continues to grow across Australia. EVs accounted for more than 23% of all vehicle sales in June, while Chinese brands such as BYD recorded impressive growth as buyers looked for value and affordability.

Could Fiat Make a Comeback?

Even though the Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e are disappearing from showrooms, Fiat's Australian story may not be over yet.

As Business Fortune observes, the company still sells commercial vehicles such as the Scudo and Ducato vans, and Stellantis has not ruled out bringing new passenger vehicles to Australia in the future. Overseas, Fiat already offers models such as the Fiat 600 SUV and the Grande Panda, although no local launch plans have been announced.

FAQs

Why is Fiat stopping imports of the Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e?

Fiat says increasing competition, especially from affordable Chinese EV brands, has made the market more challenging.

Is Fiat leaving Australia?

No. Fiat is still operating in Australia and continues to offer its commercial vehicle range.

Are any Fiat 500e or Abarth 500e vehicles still available?

Yes, but only a small number remain in dealer stock across Australia.

Will Fiat launch new cars in Australia?

Stellantis has not announced any replacement models yet, but it is reviewing future opportunities for the brand.

What does this mean for the Australian EV market?

It shows how competitive the market has become, with newer brands gaining popularity through lower prices and strong technology offerings.