SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 11, 2025 – François Leboine, Head of Design at FIAT, has been honored with the title of 2025 ‘Design Hero’ at the prestigious Autocar Awards, held in recognition of his visionary work on the newly launched Grande Panda — a stylish, affordable model that's redefining expectations in the small car segment.
The French-born designer’s contribution went beyond just aesthetics; his innovative vision helped the Grande Panda also secure the title of ‘Best Small Car’, underscoring the car’s powerful consumer appeal and industry impact.
A bold new standard for affordable car design
The Grande Panda’s recognition is more than a product win — it’s a cultural shift in how affordable vehicles are perceived. Autocar’s Editor, Mark Tisshaw, highlighted the magnitude of this achievement, stating:
“It’s vanishingly rare that a new car is so well received it actually shifts perceptions of the company that created it even before anyone has sat behind the wheel. That’s the sort of instant impact of which car designers dream, but precious few will ever achieve.”
He added:
“In his current role as Fiat’s design chief, François Leboine has led the creation of the new Grande Panda, which combines knowing nods to the 1980s Panda with a fresh design infused with intricate details. It creates new possibilities for a firm, while proving affordable cars can still be stunningly stylish.”
Leading with vision and heart
For Leboine, the award is a testament to the talent and courage of the entire FIAT design team. Reflecting on the recognition, he shared:
“I’m really proud to receive this award on behalf of myself and all my colleagues. We have created a team with a lot of energy and the courage to do things they’ve never done before. I had a clear idea of what I wanted, and they did it fast and with professionalism.”
He continued:
“With the Grande Panda, we have created an icon. The most important thing when I arrived here at FIAT was to bring something affordable, that is smart in the way we built it and which was even more accessible, which is difficult for an electric car but something we achieved with the Grande Panda.”
A designer shaping the future of FIAT
Leboine joined FIAT four years ago and is currently based at the brand’s Centro Stile design headquarters in Turin, Italy. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, his career has been shaped by a deep passion for design that is both emotionally engaging and practically innovative.
Under his leadership, the Grande Panda has become a new symbol for the brand — accessible, intelligent, and unapologetically stylish. For consumers, that means a small car that doesn’t compromise on visual appeal or forward-thinking features, all at a price point that brings electric driving within reach.
Learn more about the Grande Panda
With this double win — ‘Design Hero’ and ‘Best Small Car’ — the Grande Panda is already making waves. Its mix of retro influence and modern flair promises to make it a favorite for drivers who want beauty, efficiency, and affordability all in one.
Learn more at https://www.fiat.com