SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 11, 2025 – Fiat has once again captured global attention with its latest innovation, as the Grande Panda has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award 2025 in the “Product Design” category. This honor highlights the model’s groundbreaking design and commitment to sustainability while celebrating the unmistakable charm of Italian automotive craftsmanship.
Award-Winning Design with a Purpose
Recognized during the Red Dot Designers’ Night in Essen, Germany, the Grande Panda was praised by an international jury of 43 design experts for its originality, sustainability, and emotional appeal. From its pixel-inspired lighting to its eco-conscious materials, the car embodies a new generation of responsible mobility.
Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, shared his pride in the recognition:
“Our objective with Grande Panda was to bring together simplicity, ingenuity, and style. Winning the Red Dot Award with a car that so much embodies the evolution of Fiat's DNA is a great source of pride. We see this prestigious award as an indication that responsible mobility can still spark emotions.”
A Tribute to Heritage with Modern Innovation
The Grande Panda is Fiat’s bold reentry into the B-segment—a category the brand has historically dominated. Drawing inspiration from the legendary 1980s Panda, the new model was designed at Centro Stile in Turin and reflects a balance between nostalgia and futuristic thinking.
Some of the standout features include:
- PXL LED lighting, which stretches from the grille to the headlights, echoing both retro video games and the architectural identity of the Lingotto factory.
- Recycled materials integrated into the interior, including aluminum and plastic from beverage cartons—equivalent to 140 cartons per vehicle.
- BAMBOX Bamboo Fiber Tex®, an exclusive bamboo-based fabric used in the dashboard, offering both a natural aesthetic and sustainable innovation.
Blending Emotion with Practicality
The Grande Panda is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a joyful, functional, and environmentally responsible driving experience. The design philosophy behind the model stays true to Fiat’s Italian roots: a fusion of beauty, ingenuity, and purpose.
Francois Leboine, Head of FIAT Design, commented on the significance of the award:
“Our goal with the Grande Panda was to reinterpret a beloved icon through a contemporary lens, blending emotional design with functionality – a hallmark of Italian creativity. We wanted to create more than a car – a symbol of how Fiat can respond to new mobility needs with ingenuity and style. In true Italian spirit, fun follows function – our design brings joy not only through aesthetics but also through ingenious, emotional solutions. Winning the Red Dot Award is an extraordinary recognition for the entire team behind the project, and a celebration of Italian design at its best.”
A Global Stamp of Design Excellence
The Red Dot Design Award, with origins dating back to 1955, remains one of the world’s most respected design competitions. It recognizes innovation across product, brand, and design concept categories, based on criteria such as originality, usability, and environmental impact.
Experience the Award-Winning Grande Panda
Consumers eager to experience the Grande Panda’s award-winning features firsthand will be able to find the model in Fiat showrooms across Europe. With its blend of style, sustainability, and nostalgic flair, the Grande Panda is not just a car—it’s a statement of future-focused Italian design.
Learn more at www.fiat.com