Make Lancia great again
2024-12-18T11:57:00
Brutalist architecture, classic italian furniture and bold geometry are the nucleus of Lancia’s revival. Car Design News paid a visit to Centro Stile to hear from new design boss – and brand super fan – Gianni Colonello
For years Lancia was the forgotten brand in what was then the FCA portfolio. Lacking the glamour of sister brand Alfa Romeo or the everyman charm of Fiat, the Italian brand was like the office plant that never got watered but was somehow still alive.
Key to Lancia’s survival was the Ypsilon, known overseas under the Chrysler name, which sold by the hatful. The merger of FCA and PSA to form Stellantis in 2021 brought with it a restructure and an ambition to restore the brand back to the glory days of Italian state visits and 80s rally championships.
The resurrection began with Jean-Pierre Ploué’s appointment as design director of Stellantis’ European brands, who in turn was charged with giving special attention to Lancia. Car Design News spoke to JPP as he was new into the role, and understandably details were sketchy.