Grey Fiat 500es could be set to disappear from the brand’s range under a shake-up planned by boss Oliver Francois. The Frenchman, who has been at the helm of Fiat and Abarth since 2011 and was the driving force behind the introduction of the all-electric 500, told journalists at the Abarth 500e premiere that he was planning a cull of dull colours as a response to the economic troubles facing the European market.  

“You know, we have a recession coming and the biggest strength of Fiat is to be an anti-cyclical, anti-crisis brand.” explained Francois. “So I’m seriously considering killing grey. We are a colourful brand. Simple, colourful, joyful.”

Francois suggested that he could wield the axe across the entire Fiat range in an effort to brighten up the brand’s offerings. He explained that all Stellantis Group brands are under pressure to rationalise and simplify ranges to help ease production bottlenecks. In addition to streamlining engine and trim lines, Francois wants Fiat to have a brighter, more outgoing look and feel.  

Fiat currently offers the 500e in seven colours, including the under-threat Mineral Grey that has been part of the range since launch. As part of Francois’ drive to add more colour to the range, the new Abarth 500e will not be available initially in its traditional white or grey shades. The launch Scorpionissima model will only be produced in Acid Green and Poison blue shades. 

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Covers officially come off sporty new Abarth 500e

New Abarth 500e is typical of the brighter, more 'joyful' models that boss Olivier Francois wants to introduce