Stellantis revives 30-year-dead Autobianchi badge on Fiat Pandina for legal reasons

Stellantis is breathing new life into the Autobianchi brand—defunct since 1995—by slapping the historic badge onto a special edition of the Fiat Pandina. The move appears to be a legal maneuver to preserve Stellantis’ trademark rights under European regulations, which can revoke unused brand names after a set period. The revival comes via the Tributo Autobianchi edition, a limited-run special model based on the rugged Pandina Cross variant. Spy shots from Italian outlet Quattroruote show a heavily camouflaged prototype wearing Autobianchi badges on the rear doors, hinting at a nostalgic throwback wrapped in retro styling cues. The Autobianchi name traces its roots to 1955, when it was founded as a joint venture between Bianchi, Pirelli, and Fiat. The brand became synonymous with small, front-wheel-drive city cars, most notably the iconic A112 hatchback, which sold over 1.2 million units between 1969 and 1986. Despite the marque’s dissolution in 1995, Stellantis retained the trademark rights—until now. The Tributo Autobianchi Pandina will likely share the same underpinnings as the standard model, which has barely evolved since the third-generation Panda debuted in 2011. Mechanically, it will stick with the 1.0-liter three-cylinder Firefly mild-hybrid engine producing 69 HP (52 kW / 70 PS), mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Expect visual upgrades including new front bumper trim, bespoke alloy wheels, and a vintage beige-brown paint finish reminiscent of the Autobianchi color palette. Inside, the cabin may feature retro-inspired touches and updated materials. Stellantis has not confirmed whether this is a one-off tribute or the start of a broader revival strategy. However, the move effectively blocks the Italian government’s earlier plan to offer dormant Stellantis brands like Autobianchi and Innocenti to Chinese automakers. With the Pandina itself nearing the end of its lifecycle—expected to continue production into the late 2020s—this special edition serves as a farewell nod to Fiat’s heritage while keeping the brand name legally protected.