Fiat and Kartell unveil sustainable Grande Panda concept at Salone del Mobile

Discover the Fiat Grande Panda Kartell concept, revealed at Milan Design Week 2025—a bold collaboration exploring sustainable design and innovative materials.

At the 2025 Milan Design Week, two pillars of Italian creativity reunited under one roof at Salone del Mobile. Taking center stage at Kartell’s stand was the striking Fiat Grande Panda Kartell — a concept car born from the collaboration between the iconic automotive manufacturer and the legendary design house.

The project goes beyond traditional partnerships. It serves as a dynamic laboratory exploring how materials, textures, and identities from both industries can coexist and cross-pollinate. Fiat’s automotive design blends seamlessly with Kartell’s contemporary aesthetic, creating a shared visual language that redefines boundaries.

Revealed to the public between April 8 and 13, the Grande Panda Kartell embodies Fiat’s return to its “home segment,” with a bold red exterior paired with a deep Tasmania Blue interior. The contrast delivers a sophisticated pop-art effect, while Kartell's branding adds playful touches — from wheel hubs to interior detailing with a thermo-embossed “kk” monogram. Inside, a hidden “easter egg” — a signature transparent Kartell lamp — adds a whimsical surprise on the dashboard.

More than a design statement, the vehicle explores sustainable practices. One potential interior element under consideration is the use of second-generation polymer Polycarbonate 2.0 — derived from renewable sources and ISCC-certified — which would align with both brands’ green goals. The concept may also involve a “tex to tex” recycling process, in which textile waste could be transformed into new polyester yarn for upholstery, aiming to support a circular approach to material use.

Fiat CEO Olivier Francois described the collaboration as a vehicle for continuous innovation, enabling both brands to explore new ideas and push creative boundaries. Kartell president Claudio Luti emphasized the shared values and design philosophy behind the project, calling it the result of a two-year creative dialogue that culminated in a presentation symbolic of Italian excellence.

Though there are no confirmed plans for mass production, the Grande Panda Kartell signals a fresh direction — where vehicles become curated expressions of design and sustainability. It’s less about driving and more about redefining how we experience mobility through emotion, form, and forward-thinking materials.

Source: stellantis.com