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FCA Drops Diesel Option for Panda Minicar

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV has stopped building a diesel version of its Panda minicar.

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV has stopped building a diesel version of its Panda minicar.

Sources tell Automotive News Europe that production for the model at FCA’s plant in Pomigliano, Italy, ended on Sept. 1. The timing coincides with Europe’s switch to the more demanding WLTP emission certification test.

FCA, which said earlier this year that it will drop diesels from all passenger vehicles by 2021, declined to confirm the report.

The Panda’s 1.3-liter diesel has been supplied by FCA’s engine plant in Bielsko-Biala, Poland. Diesels accounted for about 15% of Panda sales last year. The model is marketed primarily in Italy.

ANE notes that the same engine also is being phased out as an option for FCA’s Fiat 500 minicar, which shares a platform with the Panda. The online newspaper says only 4% of 500s sold through August this year were diesel powered.

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