Abarth, the iconic Italian performance brand, is reconsidering its electric-only strategy after experiencing a significant decline in sales and facing customer dissatisfaction with its EV offerings. The company’s European boss, Gaetano Thorel, has confirmed that Abarth is exploring the possibility of reintroducing gasoline-powered vehicles to cater to traditional fans who prefer modifiable internal combustion engines.
Key Takeaways
- Abarth’s electric models have seen a sharp decline in sales, with only 273 cars sold in the UK this year compared to 954 last year and over 5,000 in 2018.
- The brand is considering developing a new petrol-powered Abarth based on the Fiat 500 Hybrid platform.
- Customer feedback indicates a strong preference for internal combustion engines due to their modifiability and character, which electric vehicles cannot match.
Abarth’s decision to pivot back towards gasoline engines is driven by significant drops in sales figures. In the UK alone, Abarth has sold only 273 cars this year compared to 954 at the same time last year and a peak of over 5,000 units in 2018. The brand’s European boss, Gaetano Thorel, stated that customers are not satisfied with electric motors despite their performance capabilities.
Thorel explained to Autocar that Abarth is considering developing a new petrol-powered model based on the Fiat 500 Hybrid platform. This move comes after Fiat discontinued its traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models, forcing Abarth to adapt by converting electric models back into ICE vehicles.
The Fiat 500 Hybrid currently uses a naturally aspirated 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine producing just 64 horsepower and taking 16.2 seconds to reach 62 mph. This performance falls short of Abarth’s high-performance standards, which typically emphasize torque at higher revs and the ability for enthusiasts to modify their vehicles.
Technical challenges also stand in the way of a straightforward return to gasoline engines. The Fiat 500 Hybrid platform was not designed with combustion engines in mind, leaving little room for stronger powertrains or adequate cooling systems. Thorel admitted that the engine’s torque delivery is unsuitable for Abarth’s performance-oriented approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Abarth sales declining?
Sales have declined due to customer dissatisfaction with electric vehicles, which cannot be modified or tuned like traditional internal combustion engines. Additionally, the performance of current models does not meet expectations.
What is Abarth planning next?
Abarth is exploring the possibility of developing a new petrol-powered model based on the Fiat 500 Hybrid platform to cater to its traditional customer base who prefer modifiable internal combustion engines.
The shift back towards gasoline engines reflects Abarth’s commitment to meeting the demands and preferences of its core audience. However, technical constraints will likely require innovative solutions as the brand navigates this significant change in strategy.
