The Fiat brand’s key new model over the next two years is the next-generation Panda (above: The current Panda model). This will be based on the architecture of the 500 – itself a significant evolution of the current Panda model – with significant improvements in torsional rigidity, crash structures, the new 900cc SGE engine, and a 100mm increase in wheelbase over the outgoing model. The plan, which outlines new products for the next two years (2010-2011), reveals that there will only be two new Fiat Group Automobiles models during that period – the next-generation Fiat Panda and Lancia Ypsilon, both already a long way down the development road, outside the already-previewed Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Fiat Doblò. Next year, Lancia will roll out another facelift for its long-serving Ypsilon as well as the Musa and a Model Year upgrade for the Delta. The Polish-built replacement for the current Ypsilon will hit showrooms in 2011.

Fiat Group has announced its European product plan for the next two years after a meeting was between the company’s senior management, Italian unions and the Italian government at the Palazzo Chigi in Rome yesterday. The plan, which outlines new products for the next two years (2010-2011), reveals that there will only be two new Fiat Group Automobiles models during that period – the next-generation Fiat Panda and Lancia Ypsilon, both already a long way down the development road, outside the already-previewed Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Fiat Doblò. The rest of the product plan consists of a mix of facelifts, adaptations and models derived from the Chrysler alliance.

The sparseness of all-new product implies there is to be a drastic scaling-back of R&D during the period. Also not mentioned and now on the backburner are several important future new offerings, including the new sub-A segment city car, dubbed the Topolino, and the 500 Giardiniera, an estate version of the Fiat 500 in the style of the MINI Clubman.

The Fiat brand’s key new model over the next two years is the next-generation Panda. This will be based on the architecture of the 500 – itself a significant evolution of the current Panda model – with significant improvements in torsional rigidity, crash structures, the new 900cc SGE engine, and a 100mm increase in wheelbase over the outgoing model. In the presentation, Fiat states that it is considering building the Panda at Alfa Romeo’s Pomigliano d’Arco factory in Naples, to ease congestion at the Tychy plant in Poland. Also included in the plan for next year is the new Doblò, which was presented to the press this month; a Model Year update for the 'free space'; and a Chrysler derivative for Fiat in I-segment, possibly a rebadged Dodge Nitro. For 2011, alongside the new Panda, there will be rebadged 5- and 7-seater versions of the Dodge Journey minivan, a facelift for the Turkish-built Linea, a Model Year upgrade for the Punto EVO, and a second Chrysler Group-derived SUV.

Next year, Lancia will roll out another facelift for its long-serving Ypsilon and Musa, and a Model Year upgrade for the Delta. The Polish-built replacement for the current Ypsilon will hit showrooms in 2011, along with a string of rebadged Chrysler models. Curiously, the presentation implies Lancia will attempt to sell a re-engineered version of the current D-segment Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible under its own brand in certain European markets, while the forthcoming 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan and Town & Country minivan are also both scheduled to join the Lancia model stable.

For Alfa Romeo the picture is at its bleakest: it will receive no new models during the 2010-2011 period once the new C-segment Giulietta arrives early next year, with Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne apparently carrying through his threat to freeze all new model development. Gone is talk of a Giulia-tagged coupé in time for the anniversary year in 2010, or any thoughts of rear-wheel drive vehicles; instead the possibility is raised of a high-performance, GTA-branded version of the Alfa 8C Competizione to provide the company with a centenary year ‘halo’ model, although if realized this machine will come to the market almost seven years after the car was first shown as a concept at the Frankfurt IAA. As well as the Giulietta and the 8C GTA, there will be a Model Year update for the 159 sedan and the Sportwagon derivative next year, and a facelift for the Mito in 2011.

The Fiat Professional division counts on the new Fiat Grande Punto-platform based Doblò Cargo van version in the first year of the plan, alongside a Model Year update for its smaller sister, the Fiorino. In 2011, meanwhile, it will get a van version of the next-generation Panda, as well as Model Year tweaks for the SEVEL-built Scudo and Ducato vans. The Strada pick-up, which is imported from Brazil to selected European markets such as Italy, will also benefit from a facelift.

Finally, Abarth will receive two new versions of the 500 next year: the 500 TC, expected to be a new high-performance range-topper, while the new 500C convertible will also join the brand’s range. It will also upgrade its B-segment presence from the existing Grande Punto to a new performance version of the new Punto Evo, taking its mechanical package from the MiTo QV. Abarth has no plans for new or facelifted models listed for 2011 and investigations into a dedicated sportscar have been shelved.