Fiat suspends passenger car sales in New Zealand

The local distributor of iconic Italian carmaker Fiat has confirmed it is pulling its passenger vehicle line-up from New Zealand. The marque will continue to have a presence in the market via its commercial vehicle wing.

The news echoes a similar announcement made across the ditch by Stellantis Australia last week.

In a brief statement to CarExpert NZ, a representative from Fiat distributor Ateco New Zealand said its position “replicates what Stellantis Australia have outlined”, before referencing several lines from Stellantis Australia’s statement.

Fiat New Zealand’s passenger vehicle line-up currently consists of the fully electric 500e and Abarth 500e, as well as the petrol-powered Abarth 695. The Italian manufacturer’s Fiat Professional commercial line-up, meanwhile, includes the Scudo and Ducato. 

With respect to its passenger vehicle line, Fiat has not closed the door to Australia and New Zealand entirely, as it pledges to “evaluate future product opportunities for the local market”. But, it has not provided a timeline for this self-imposed hiatus.

Whilst neither Fiat's Australian nor New Zealand offices confirmed a reason for the decision, it is one of several brands that has seen its sales figures drop as competition from new brands from China has grown in recent years.

“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,” said a Stellantis Australia spokesperson in a statement issued to Australian media last week.

“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.

“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. 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.” 

A cursory online search of Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e stock online revealed less than half a dozen 2026 model year units still advertised for sale online around the country. 

Fiat is the latest brand to either suspend their passenger vehicle wings in New Zealand, or exit the market altogether. 

French brand Renault is in an identical position, still existing in our market via its commercial vehicle range but having dropped passenger vehicles — with a promise that it will evaluate future opportunities. 

The distributor of fellow Stellantis firm Opel confirmed it had exited our market back in February of this year. And earlier this month, it was announced that KGM would also depart the New Zealand market.