Fiat Eyes 73mph Speed Cap for City Cars

Fiat is exploring the possibility of imposing a 73mph speed cap on its smaller, city-oriented vehicles. The manufacturer's head, Olivier François, has expressed skepticism regarding the mandatory installation of expensive advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) in cars primarily used in urban areas. He argues that these technologies, including sensors and cameras, are often designed for higher speeds and contribute to a substantial increase in the cost of city cars.

This proposal contrasts with the European Union's General Safety Regulation, which requires all new motor vehicles to be equipped with ADAS features such as lane-keeping assistance and automated braking. Officials estimate these measures could save numerous lives and prevent thousands of serious accidents by 2038. Additional safety requirements, including driver distraction warnings, are set to be implemented from July 2026.

François suggests that capping speeds at the average maximum legal limit in Europe (73mph) would be a more pragmatic solution for vehicles like the Fiat 500 and Panda. He noted that much of the mandated technology is often superfluous for cars driven in cities with lower speed limits. Separately, Fiat is promoting its electric vehicle range, offering incentives on models like the 500e and 600e.