Fiat History

From 1899 to Today

Fiat has held a leading role in the automotive industry since its conception, which occurred at the dawn of the Italian industrialization era. From the moment it first appeared on the market, Fiat has been extensively developed and is recognized worldwide. Its logo is a great status symbol because of the superior cars the Company produces and the prestige of its history and tradition.

Fiat 1899 to 1911

The charter of Societa Anonima Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino was signed on July 11, 1899. Giovanni Agnelli was on the Board of Directors. He was determined Fiat would be highly successful and had great strategic vision. He became Managing Director of Fiat in 1902.

Fiat's First Factory

In 1900, the first Fiat factory opened in Carso Dante. The workforce consisted of 150 people. The first year saw 24 cars roll off the assembly line, including the 3/12 hp. By 1904, a Fiat logo had been designed. It was oval with a blue background. When Italy hosted the first Car Tour of the country, nine Fiats crossed the finish line. By 1902, driver Vincenzo Lancia won the Sassi-Superga uphill race in a 24 hp Fiat. Giovanni Agnelli, President of Fiat, drove an 8 hp Fiat in the second Italian Car Tour and set a record in that race.

In 1908, Fiat opened its first factory in the US. The Company grew in leaps and bounds. Soon, factories were being built that produced specific parts. Fiat continued to grow at a swift rate. It wasn't long before trucks, trams, marine engines and commercial vehicles flanked the Fiat cars.

A Company Overhaul

Within a few years, Fiat overhauled production. The Company fitted its cars with electrical accumulators. Fiat patented the cardan transmission. Cars continued to win competitions and races, often setting new records.

Fiat 1912 to 1925

Under the leadership of Giacomo Malle Trucco, construction of the Lingotto factory began in 1916. It was the largest factory in Europe, with five floors. A futuristic test track was constructed on the roof. The factory was completed in 1922 and became the symbol of the automotive industry in Italy.

New Sectors

Fiat began to explore new sectors. It became active in electricity and public transportation lines, the railway and the steel industry. A subsidiary was established in Russia and Fiat Lubrificanti was founded. When WWI began, the Company produced almost entirely for the army.

Crisis and Recovery

When the war ended, a time of crisis hit Fiat. Recovery came quickly. By 1923, Fiat growth recommenced because of a very effective cost-cutting policy. At that time, Giovanni Agnelli was promoted to CEO of Fiat. Several new car models were released, including the four-seat 509. Fiat set a goal to create industrial mass production in order to decrease the cost of their cars. A holding company was established to enable purchasers to pay for Fiats through installments. Fiat grew internally between 1912 and 1925. They recognized their employees' needs and established a health care plan, sports clubs and specialized schools.

Fiat 1926 to 1938

While Mussolini's autarchic policy was alive and well in Italy, Fiat had to revamp its plans for an international presence. Concentration was turned to the domestic market. Commercial vehicles and trucks had their technology changed considerably during the 1930s. During this era, Fiat's aviation and railway sectors continued to grow.

Two new Fiats were introduced between 1934 and 1936. The Topolino ( left)  was the smallest utilitarian car in the world and continued to be produced until 1955. The Tariffa minima, better known as the Balilla, was very popular because gas mileage was so high.

The Mirafiori Plant

The Mirafiori Plant introduced advanced principals for industrial organization in 1937. The factory's focus was directed toward mass production.

Fiat 1939 to 1951

When WWII broke out, the production of cars was reduced drastically and the manufacture of commercial vehicles was rapidly increased. Giovanni Agnelli, the President of Fiat, died in 1945. Vittorio Valletta was given the position.

During WWII, many of Fiats factories were destroyed. Reconstruction began in 1948. Profits increased considerably and more employees were hired.

Research

Fiat committed to innovation and research after the war.

Two new cars, the 500 and 1400 were introduced and mass production included the installation of heating and ventilation systems for the first time. Fiat continued its research on aircraft and marine engines. In 1951, the G830 jet aircraft was born; the first for Italy.

The 1400 diesel was introduced in 1953. By 1958, Fiat had grown in the production of both cars and farm machinery. Fiat established plants abroad and Mirafiori doubled its factories. Italy was in the middle of an economic boom and its automobile sector was the driving force behind it. 

Below you can see a pretty funny video about Fiat 500

New Fiat Models

The Fiat 600 was introduced in 1955. It was a big utilitarian automobile with the engine mounted in the rear. The New 500 was released in 1957. By 1960, the Giardinetta version was produced - a precursor of the Station Wagon. This was also the time when the Fiat 1300, 1500 and 1800 were released.

^{A funny video showing a Fiat 1970s 124}

Fiat 1965 to 1977

Fiat experienced a growth of production in the mid 1960s, as well as a growth in exports. Ration changed from one car for every 96 Italians to one in 28. Fiat took advantage of the increase and established several factories in southern Italy. Trade union conflicts became the norm. By 1969, hours on strike were over 15,000,000.

The first new Fiat to be released during these years was the 850. In 1971, the 127 debuted and was a great success. It was the first Fiat to have front wheel drive. The 127 was named Car of the Year 1971.

Fiat Presidency

The grandson of founder Giovanni Agnelli, Gianni Agnelli, and his namesake, became President of Fiat in 1966. He ensured the Company followed a trend toward increased automation in the production process. This helped Fiat continue on the path of technological innovation while coping with the global oil crisis.

Fiat 1978 to 1990

Robogate, a flexible robotic system for assembling the bodywork on the Fiat was introduced to factories in 1978. Robogate kept Fiat on the path to automation of production, as well as innovation.

Between 1978 and 1990, Fiat setup numerous operations as independent companies. These included Fiat Auto, Fiat Avio, Fiat Engineering, Comau, Fiat Ferraviaria, Magnet Marelli and Teksid.

The Fiat Panda was styled by Guigiaro for Fiat in 1980. The Fiat Uno, which became the emblem of Fiat Auto's renewal was introduced in 1982. The Uno featured radical changes in its electronics and choice of the material used to build it. The 1000 Fire engine was introduced at this time.

In 1989, the Tipo was released. It had cutting edge technical solutions and marked a conquest for Fiat technology. It was named Car of the Year ( I am not sure why ....)

Fiat 1991 to 2003

In 1990, the Fiat Tempra made its debut. One year later, the 500 was released. The Fiat Punto and the Fiat Coupe rolled off the assembly line. The Punto was named Car of the Year in 1995.

Fiat made its debut into the sector of SUVs in 1994, with the introduction of the Fiat Ulysse. In 1995, the Bravo, Brava and the Barchetta were released. In 1996 and 1997, Fiat Palio came onto the market, along with the Fiat Marea and the Fiat Marea WE.

Administration Changes

In 1996, Cesare Romiti took the office of CEO at Fiat. Honorary President of the Fiat Group was Gianni Agnelli. The parent company moved to the Palazzina Fiat of Lingotto in 1997 from Corso Marconi. The Palazzina Fiat of Lingotto had been transformed into a Convention Complex and Trade Show.

Crisis

During the 1990s, Fiat was once again facing a crisis. In order to cope, the Company expanded further into the international market. It successfully attained a global presence and achieved more than 60% of sales outside of Italy.

To commemorate the 100 Year Anniversary of Fiat, the Company logo was revised from the oval to a round version.

In 1998, the Fiat Seicento was released. It was great for driving in the city. The Multipla was introduced the same year.

A New Century of Fiat

In 2000, the Fiat Diablo was introduced at the Paris Motor Show as both an informal car and a commercial vehicle. The Fiat Stilo was released in 2001, with numerous options and highly sophisticated technology, as well as a new design.

2002 saw the New Fiat Ulysse, the Fiat Multipla and the Fiat Stilo MW restyled. The new Punto was launched in 2003 with an innovative 1.3 Multijet 16v. That fall, the new Panda was released and was almost immediately named Car of the Year.

In January 2004, the Fiat Idea made its debut. It was the first MPV built by Fiat and the design was truly unique. The Idea was made taller to improve visibility and its interior was enhanced for flexibility.

Fiat Today

2007 will see the Fiat 500 have stiffer suspension, wider fenders and a 150 hp turbo 4-cylinder engine that will run from zero to 60 in eight seconds. Fiat continues on the path of innovation and superior technology into the 21st century.

By Mary M. Alward