The Algerian market launch of the Fiat Grande Panda is yet to be scheduled. The vehicle is being produced locally at the Stellantis factory in Tafraoui, Oran. According to Agenzia Nova, an Italian private agency, the new Fiat model is expected to be launched in a few months. Initially, Fiat Algeria had announced that the sales of the Grande Panda would start in February 2026.
The Grande Panda is assembled at the Tafraoui factory, which already produces the Fiat Doblò for the Algerian market. This new model holds a special place in the industrial development of the factory as it is produced using the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) system. This system involves the assembly of separate components and a greater involvement of the factory in the production process.
The CKD production system is considered a significant step for the Algerian automotive industry, marking the first time a vehicle has been produced in Algeria using this method. It allows for certain industrial operations to be carried out locally, including welding and painting of the bodywork. Stellantis has announced a local integration rate of 20%, with plans to increase it progressively to over 30%.
The Grande Panda joins other vehicles produced at Tafraoui, including the Fiat Doblò in utility and tourism versions, and the Fiat 500 Hybrid, whose production was stopped in September 2025. The factory, inaugurated in December 2023, is set to increase its production capacity. Stellantis aims to produce 90,000 vehicles in 2026 and plans to reach a capacity of 135,000 units per year by 2028.
To support this growth, Stellantis announced a new investment in April, which includes the extension of welding and assembly lines and the construction of new workshops dedicated to painting. The project is expected to create over a thousand direct and indirect jobs. Italian Ambassador to Algeria, Alessandra Schiavo, visited the Tafraoui factory on October 7, meeting with its officials and discussing the evolution of production and development prospects.
During her visit, Alessandra Schiavo also met with the Wali of Oran, discussing the prospects of strengthening economic and cultural cooperation with Italy. The development of the Tafraoui factory aligns with the Algerian authorities' goal of increasing local industrial production and reducing dependence on imports. For Stellantis, Algeria is an important market in North Africa and an industrial base to support its development on the continent.
The postponed launch of the Fiat Grande Panda in Algeria comes as the country seeks to boost its automotive industry. The Algerian government's efforts to encourage local production and reduce imports are expected to continue, with the Fiat Grande Panda being one of the key models in this strategy.
Key points
- The Fiat Grande Panda is produced at the Stellantis factory in Tafraoui, Oran, using the CKD system.
- The local integration rate for the Grande Panda is currently 20%, with plans to increase it to over 30%.
- Stellantis aims to produce 90,000 vehicles in 2026 and reach a capacity of 135,000 units per year by 2028.
