Stellantis has announced that it will launch the Fiat Strada half-ton bakkie in left-hand-drive markets in sub-Saharan Africa, starting this month.
This excludes South Africa, where the Strada was discontinued in 2012.
Should the compact bakkie return to South Africa, it will not be before 2025.
As South Africa is a right-hand-drive market, it is fairly costly to reconfigure the made-in-Brazil vehicle for local buyers.
Stellantis South Africa says it cannot confirm whether it will produce the Strada at its new R3-billion plant in the Eastern Cape set for completion by the end of 2025.
The runout of the Nissan NP200 half-ton bakkie will, as it stands currently, spell the end of the popular compact bakkie market in South Africa.
The Strada should offer a leap forward for the half-ton market in Africa, as it also sports a double-cab version.
This should appeal to buyers who are unable to afford a traditional one-ton bakkie.
“The Fiat Strada is a flexible partner for individuals who welcome change and push their limits, because it combines the practicality of a family vehicle with the dependability required in a business environment,” says Stellantis Middle East and Africa COO Samir Cherfan.
“With this new vehicle, we expand our range of mobility solutions into the emerging entry-level pick-up segment, catering to the needs of our sub-Saharan African customers.
“This reaffirms our commitment to strengthening our leadership in the light commercial vehicle market within the region.”