Autobianchi Y10 History

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1985, the Y10 replaced the long-running A112 as Autobianchi's single model. Its clean, aerodynamic body achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.31 — impressive for the class — and it introduced Fiat's new FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine), a lightweight, fuel-efficient unit built on a highly automated production line. The Y10 was also a runner-up for the 1986 European Car of the Year award, losing to the Ford Scorpio.

Badge engineering shaped the Y10's market presence: in Italy, France, Portugal, and Japan it was sold as an Autobianchi; in most other European markets it wore Lancia badges as the Lancia Y10. France and Portugal transitioned to Lancia badging in 1989. Sales in the United Kingdom were consistently weak, and the model was withdrawn from that market in 1991.

Production at the Desio plant continued until 1992, when the factory closed; assembly then moved to Arese and Pomigliano d'Arco. The Y10 remained on sale in Italy under Autobianchi branding until 1995, when production ended — taking the Autobianchi marque with it. It was the last car ever to carry the Autobianchi name, closing forty years of the Italian brand's history.