Fiat has always been synonym of innovation, prestige, and tradition. Indeed, this Italian auto manufacturer is both contemporary and old. How? Let鈥檚 find out by deep-diving into the history of FIAT.
The first 40 years
1899-1911
The Societ脿 Anonima Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (aka FIAT), was born on July 11, 1899. Giovanni Agnelli was on the Board of Directors, but quickly distinguished himself as the Company’s innovator.So, he became Managing Director of Fiat in 1902.
In 1900, the first Fiat factory opened in corso Dante, in Turin, with a workforce of 150 people. It manufactured 24 cars during the first year, including the 3 陆 CV. When Italy hosted the first Car Tour of the country, nine Fiats crossed the finish line. That鈥檚 when the company had entered the world of racing.
In 1908, Fiat opened the Fiat Automobile Company in the US. At that time, a Fiat was a luxury item. Towards the end of Fiat’s early production period, the company underwent a few changes. The manufacturer began fitting its cars with electrical accumulators. Also, it patented the cardan transmission.
1912 to 1925
Under the new leadership of Giacomo Malle Trucco, construction of the Lingotto factory began. The works started in 1916 and they ended six years later. Immediately, the plant became the symbol of the automotive industry in Italy. At its time, it was also the largest factory in Europe, with an assembly line of five floors. During WWI, the company started supplying the Allied Forces with weapons, aircraft, and military vehicles.
After WWI, the company entered new sectors, like electricity, public transportation lines, and railway. By 1923, the Italian manufacturer was growing and developing. That鈥檚 when Giovanni Agnelli became its CEO. Several new car models were released, including the four-seat 509.
The company wanted to create industrial mass production in order to decrease the cost of their cars. As the company grew worldwide, Fiat also grew internally. They were quick to recognize their employees’ needs and established a health care plan, sports clubs, and specialized schools.
1926-1938
When Mussolini’s took the power, the history o Fiat changed. Fiat had to abandon many of its plans, especially the international expansion. In fact, the Italian dictator asked the manufacturer to focus on the local market. That鈥檚 when the company launched its first 500, aka the Topolino. Plus, the Mirafiori plant opened.
History of Fiat, through the 90s
1939-1964
奥丑别苍听WWII started,听the production of cars nearly ceased. Instead, the production of military vehicles, aircraft, and weapons increased. During WWII, many of Fiat’s听factories were destroyed. But reconstruction quickly began.
Two new cars, the听500听and听1400听were introduced for mass production, while the company continued its research on aircraft and marine engines. Italy was in the middle of an economic boom. And its automobile sector was the driving force. Hence, new models joined the market.
1965-1990
Fiat听continued to experience growth,听in both exports and domestic sales. However, this was also the beginning of the infamous听trade union conflicts.The grandson of founder Giovanni Agnelli,听Gianni Agnelli, became President of Fiat in 1966.听His first model was the听850.
To keep Fiat on the path to automation,听Robogate was introduced to factories. This was a flexible robotic system听for assembling bodywork. Fiat began to听acquire听other well-known Italian brands such as听Lancia, Ferrari,听Alfa Romeo听and听Maserati.
Fiat from 1991 to 2003
New models entered the production line. Especially worth mentioning is the supermini Punto. Since it was named Car of the Year in 1995.
Years of changes
1996 saw听changes at the top of Fiat as听Cesare Romiti听took听over as听CEO. During the 1990s, the company faced a听crisis. Indeed, competition was becoming real. In 1998, Fiat released the听Seicento听as a replacement for the 500. The car became听听known as a great compact car, perfect for city driving. The innovative design of the听Multipla听was once featured in a modern art exhibit at New York City’s听MOMA.
A New Century
In 2000, Fiat听顿辞产濒貌听was introduced at the Paris Motor Show. It was named 2006 International Van of the Year. Gianni Agnelli died in 2003. One year later, the new Panda became the 2004 Car of the Year.
An ongoing story
Fiat continues on the path of innovation and technology. In spite of the 2008 crisis, the company introduced new models: the听Alfa 159, the听Fiat Nuova 500听and听La Grande Punto. Between 2010 and 2014, the company restructered its sectors’ organization through the creation of听Fiat Industrial.
It seems like the success of the Italian manufacturer is bound to last. As the entry to the US market shows.
loved reading your news on this car ,i always loved and still have a vw beetle it’s ole repair or change my sons landlady has a fiet did I miss spelled it.anyhow looked in window loved it nicly decorated for comfort i want one looked them up read this on car made first in italy neat can’t afford a new one can only finance maybe 7.000 thanks for your read again sandi