Indications suggest that the future of the Fiat 124 Spider, based on the Mazda Miata, may be numbered. A recent conversation held by Autocar with Fiat CEO Olivier François sheds light on the gloomy outlook due to sluggish sales.
Reportedly, the Fiat 124 and its sportier variant, the Abarth 124 Spider, are experiencing slow movement off dealership lots in the United Kingdom, leading Fiat to withdraw the model from the market in that region. The vehicles continue to be available for purchase across Europe and the United States.
Discussing the niche status of the 124, François conveyed to Autocar, “It remains profitable for us due to the partnership. It was an opportunity we seized.”
Fiat rejuvenated the iconic 124 nameplate through a collaboration with Mazda, leveraging the existing Miata platform for the present 124, resulting in cost savings on research and development. However, these savings have been eclipsed by currency fluctuations globally and the escalating expenses associated with shipping powertrains from Italy to Japan for the final assembly of the 124 alongside the Miata in Hiroshima.
While sharing the Mazda NE/NF platform with the current “ND” Miata, the 124 stands out with its utilization of a Fiat MultiAir turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
Regarding the future of the brand, François noted, “Although it generates profit and a sense of appeal, I acknowledge that such a vehicle may not be pivotal for the brand’s trajectory. It’s an intriguing prospect for now.”
While recognizing that sports cars may not be a major revenue stream for the company, François emphasized the significance of models like the 124 in maintaining brand identity. Although it will remain a point of interest for Fiat, it is not slated as a primary project in the upcoming years.
