FIAT REFRESHES TEAM IRELAND FLEET WITH ALL NEW GRANDE PANDA

Photographed Left to Right: Peter Sherrard (CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland), Sarah Lavin (two-time Olympian), Philip Doyle (two-time Olympian and Olympic Bronze medallist), John Saunders (Managing Director at Fiat Ireland) and Thomas Barr (three-time Olympian).

Fiat Ireland has refreshed the Team Ireland fleet with the all-new Grande Panda, swapping out the current fleet of Fiat 600s as part of its role as Official Vehicle Partner to the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI).

The handover took place at Team Ireland HQ which is located in the Sport Ireland Campus in Abbotstown, the same venue used for the official Irish launch of the Grande Panda to the motoring press in April, making it a fitting setting for the next chapter of the partnership.

Team Ireland athletes Sarah Lavin, Philip Doyle and Thomas Barr were on hand to welcome the new fleet and see the Grande Panda up close ahead of getting behind the wheel.

As part of the partnership, Fiat provide Team Ireland athletes access to a dedicated fleet of cars, supporting those based in Ireland with training and events, as well as athletes living and training abroad who need a car for short trips home. Two Fiat Professional vans complete the fleet, providing additional space whenever equipment needs to travel too.

Photographed Left to Right: Thomas Barr (three-time Olympian), Sarah Lavin (two-time Olympian) and Philip Doyle (two-time Olympian and Olympic Bronze medallist).

Speaking at the handover, John Saunders, Managing Director of Fiat Ireland, said:

"Handing the keys to this new fleet of Grande Pandas over to Team Ireland is a proud moment for us. It's a car that's already picking up major international awards, and to see it now supporting our athletes with training and competing on the road to Los Angeles 2028 is exactly what this partnership is about."

Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, added:

"Fiat's continued support takes a real, practical worry off our athletes' shoulders. Reliable transport to training and competitions makes a genuine difference to their day to day lives and having the new Grande Panda join the fleet is a great example of Fiat backing our athletes in a tangible way as they prepare for the road ahead."

The Grande Panda is available in full electric and mild hybrid variants with prices starting from €22,995 and Irish drivers can take a test drive in Fiat Dealers nationwide.  Since its launch, the Grande Panda has already picked up a string of industry honours, including the Red Dot Award 2025 for Product Design and 'Best Small Car' at the 2025 Autocar Awards. The Fiat model range is due to expand further later this year with the arrival of the Grizzly SUV and Grizzly Fastback, with plans in place to bring these new models into the Team Ireland fleet in future.

About Fiat Ireland

Established in Turin in 1899, FIAT is one of the oldest brands in the world with a 127-year-long tradition in the design of small and medium-sized city and family cars and light commercial vehicles. Today it is a global brand whose mission is to make relevant mobility accessible to everyone, everywhere. Fiat Ireland has been in the Irish market for over 100 years and is part of Gowan Auto, the exclusive importer and distributor of Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Honda, Jeep, Leapmotor, Opel, and Peugeot in the Republic of Ireland. Gowan Auto, a member of the family-owned holding company, the Gowan Group, recently made a significant commercial investment in a new Citywest premises, to future-proof the business and to meet its dealer partners’ sales, parts, technical and after-sales needs, more readily. The company has set its sights on considerable, sustainable growth in the coming years, with much emphasis being placed on strengthening its franchise Dealer Networks.

About the Olympic Federation of Ireland

The Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) is dedicated to supporting Irish athletes and coaches achieve success on the world stage, fostering a culture of excellence, and inspiring the next generation.