Fiat

Founded in 1899, Fiat has maintained its timeless design and style, with the Fiat 500e carrying forward iconic features like the classic nose shape, clamshell hood, and Italian-inspired details.

In 1900, Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Agnelli opened the first Fiat factory in Turin, Italy, with a group of local investors. The company was named Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (FIAT), and it started with a small factory employing 150 people.

In 1901, FIAT initials were first used in a distinctive logo form.

Fiat Industrial Vehicles, Fiat's truck and bus division, was established in 1903 with the introduction of the 24HP model. The division experienced significant growth in production over the years.

Fiat was incorporated in 1906 as the successor to a company formed in 1899 by Giovanni Agnelli. The company quickly gained a lead on its competitors due to the high level of skilled workers in Turin and the local school of engineering.

In 1908, Giovanni Agnelli established the first Fiat factory in the U.S. This expansion marked Fiat's entry into the American market and showcased its growth and global presence.

In response to high tariffs on imported automobiles, the American F.I.A.T. Automobile Company was established in Poughkeepsie in 1909. The first car rolled off the production line in September 1910, with parts shipped from Italy and locally made bodywork.

During World War I, Fiat dedicated its factories to producing essential supplies for the Allies, including aircraft, engines, and vehicles.

After the United States entered the war, production of Fiats in Italy was halted. The Fiat plant was sold to Duesenberg in February 1918, who then transferred the machinery to their plant in Elizabeth, NJ to build aircraft engines.

By 1920, Fiat had an 80% share of the Italian auto market, becoming the largest company in Italy.

In 1921, workers seized Fiat's plants in Italy and raised the red flag of communism, leading to a significant labor dispute that ultimately involved political parties and labor organizations.

In 1922, Fiat initiated the construction of the iconic Lingotto car factory, which became the largest in Europe and pioneered the use of assembly lines in automobile manufacturing.

Fiat inaugurated the Lingotto car factory in 1923, which became the largest in Europe and introduced assembly line production.

La Stampa, one of the major publishing houses, was established in 1926. Fiat Group has interests in several publishing houses and newspapers.

In 1928, Fiat introduced a new model, the 509, which included insurance in the purchase price, offering customers added value and convenience.

Starting in 1931, FIAT began using a single red shield logo without a wreath.

In 1932, Polskie Zakłady Inżynieryjne (PZInż) initiated the production of Fiat 508 in Poland. The model was manufactured until 1939 and also served as a military vehicle.

Fiat was already exporting cars to the UK market by the outbreak of World War II in 1939, with its market share increasing rapidly during the 1970s and 1980s with models like the 127, 128, and Uno.

In 1941, the Bulgarian army bought 100 Fiat 626 trucks after becoming allies with Germany and Italy. These trucks were used by the Bulgarian Army until 1944–1945.

In 1943, the National Liberation Committee removed the Agnelli family from leadership roles in Fiat due to their ties to Mussolini's government. They were not reinstated until 1963.

In 1945, the National Liberation Committee ousted the Agnelli family from Fiat's leadership due to their association with Mussolini's government.

Since 1948, Raja Motors has been the authorized manufacturer of Fiat motor vehicles in Pakistan, starting with VESPA scooters and later expanding to include the Fiat Uno in 2001.

Fiat passenger cars started being assembled in South Africa in 1950.

In 1954, Premier Automobiles in Mumbai was licensed to manufacture versions of the Fiat 1100 specifically for the Indian market, despite not being a subsidiary of Fiat.

In 1955, Fiat agreed to a deal with Yugoslav carmaker Zastava to assemble Fiats for Eastern Europe, marking the beginning of their collaboration.

In 1960, the first Argentinian produced Fiat passenger car, a Fiat 600, was produced at the car plant in Caseros, Argentina.

In 1962, Zastava launched the Zastava 750, their version of the Fiat 600 minicar, which continued production until 1981.

In 1963, Giovanni Agnelli's grandson, Gianni Agnelli, regained control of Fiat, leading the company through a period of explosive growth in the 1960s.

In 1966, Fiat assisted USSR state industries in constructing a new car factory called AvtoVAZ on the Volga river, leading to the development of the city of Tolyatti. The factory produced the Lada, a popular Soviet car.

In 1967, Fiat made its first acquisition by purchasing Autobianchi, which helped the company outstrip its main European competitor, Volkswagen, in sales volume.

In 1968, Fiat produced 1,750,000 vehicles and its sales volume climbed to $2.1 billion, establishing itself as a dynamic automaker in Europe and a potential challenger to the supremacy of Detroit.

In 1969, Fiat purchased controlling interests in Ferrari and Lancia, expanding its portfolio and influence in the automotive industry.

In 1970, Fiat employed over 100,000 people in Italy and produced 1.4 million cars, marking the highest production numbers in the country.

In 1971, Fiat acquired Abarth, leading to the creation of high-performance vehicles with a focus on racing, such as the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth and the Abarth 750 Bertone.

Fiat established their first car manufacturing plant in Betim, Brazil in 1973, after initially focusing on assembling tractors in the region. This marked the beginning of Fiat's strong presence and leadership in the Brazilian automotive market.

In 1974, Fiat closed down its Fiat Industrial Vehicles operation and collaborated with OM, Lancia, Magirus, and Unic to establish IVECO.

Towards the end of 1976, the Libyan government acquired a 9.6% shareholding in Fiat, injecting £250 million into the company, amidst financial pressures faced by the auto industry.

In 1977, Fiat introduced the Fiat 133 in Argentina, which was essentially a rebadged Seat 133 but manufactured in Argentina.

Teksid S.p.A., the largest iron foundry group globally, was founded in December 1978. The company specializes in producing components for automobiles and commercial vehicles.

In July 1979, Fiat Automóveis introduced the Fiat 147, the first mass-produced car in Brazil to run on ethanol fuel. This version was known as cachacinha due to its scent resembling the Brazilian drink.

In 1980, Fiat started a joint venture with PSA called Sevel Argentina, which lasted until 1995, marking a significant partnership in automobile manufacturing.

In 1981, Zastava introduced the Zastava Koral to fill the minicar gap in their range, based on the Fiat 127 and known as Yugo Tempo in certain markets.

Due to declining sales and reputation for poor quality, Fiat exited the United States car market in 1983. The decision marked the end of an era for Fiat in North America.

In October 1984, Fiat Automóveis launched the Fiat Uno in Brazil, which continued production until 2013. The Fiat Uno was later renamed Fiat Mille, with a total production of 3.6 million vehicles.

In 1986, Fiat took control of the renowned Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from the Italian government, strengthening its position in the automotive market.

In 1989, Fiat made the decision to withdraw from the Australian market while maintaining its presence in New Zealand.

In 1991, FSM manufactured the Cinquecento, continuing the partnership between FSO and Fiat. This model added to the range of Fiat vehicles produced in Poland.

In 1992, two high-ranking corporate officials within the Fiat Group were arrested on charges of political corruption, impacting the company's reputation.

Fiat acquired the luxury car manufacturer Maserati in 1993, adding another prestigious brand to its portfolio.

On 20 December 1996, Fiat opened a new factory in Córdoba, Argentina, marking the beginning of modern day automobile manufacturing for the company.

Fiat India Automobiles Private Limited, a joint venture between Fiat and Tata Motors, was founded in 1997. The company manufactures various Fiat models in India.

In 1998, Paolo Fresco assumed the role of Chairman at Fiat, aiming to introduce a shareholder-focused approach to the company's operations.

In 1999, FIAT reintroduced the wreath-style logo to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the company.

Fiat and General Motors established joint ventures in 2000, which later faced complications and were scaled back by 2005.

By 2002, Fiat had built over 1 million vehicles in Italy across six plants, contributing to more than a third of the company's revenue.

In 2003, Fiat sold off its insurance operations conducted through Toro Assicurazioni and its aviation business, FiatAvio, streamlining its focus.

In March 2004, Fiat Automóveis introduced its first flex-fuel model, the Fiat Palio, in Brazil. This marked the beginning of Fiat's venture into flexible-fuel vehicles in the Brazilian market.

In the summer of 2004, Sergio Marchionne was appointed as Fiat's chief executive. Under his leadership, Fiat's market share expanded from 5.8 percent in 2004 to 9.1 percent by March 2009.

In 2005, Fiat partnered with Ford to develop a new small car, resulting in the Fiat 500 and Ford Ka.

In 2006, FIAT launched its Motor Village flagship store concept starting with Mirafiori Motor Village in Turin.

On April 17, 2007, Fiat Automobiles' light commercial vehicle unit, Fiat Veicoli Commerciali, was rebranded as Fiat Professional.

In 2008, Fiat and the Serbian ministry of economic and regional development reached a memorandum of understanding for the acquisition of Zastava's Kragujevac plant. This led to the establishment of a new company, Fiat Automobili Srbija, with Fiat holding a 70 percent stake.

On June 7, 2009, the Indiana State Police Pension Fund, the Indiana Teacher's Retirement Fund, and the state's Major Moves Construction Fund requested the US Supreme Court to delay the sale of Chrysler to Fiat, arguing that it violated US bankruptcy law by favoring unsecured creditors over secured creditors. The Supreme Court later lifted the temporary hold, allowing Fiat to acquire Chrysler.

On June 9, 2009, the US Supreme Court lifted the temporary hold on the sale of Chrysler to Fiat, clearing the way for Fiat to acquire Chrysler despite legal challenges from various funds.

In 2010, Fiat entered into a joint venture with GAC Group in China to create GAC Fiat Automobiles Co, leading to the production of a localized version of the Dodge Dart sold as the Fiat Viaggio.

On January 3, 2011, Fiat Industrial S.p.A. was listed on the Milan stock exchange.

On January 10, 2011, Fiat announced that it had raised its stake in Chrysler from 20% to 25% after meeting the first of three performance objectives, solidifying its ownership in Chrysler.

In a regulatory filing dated July 22, 2011, Fiat reported holding a 53.5% interest in Chrysler, with expectations to reach 58.5% by the end of the year through the achievement of performance objectives.

Fiat collaborated with Mazda in 2012 to create a new rear-wheel-drive roadster for Alfa Romeo and Mazda brands.

In 2013, Fiat S.p.A. was the second-largest European automaker by volumes produced and the seventh in the world.

On January 21, 2014, Fiat announced the acquisition of the remaining shares of Chrysler owned by the VEBA for $3.65 billion, completing the process of taking full ownership of Chrysler.

On January 29, 2014, it was announced that Fiat S.p.A. would be merged into a new Netherlands-based holding company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA). The merger received necessary shareholder approval on August 1, 2014, and became effective on October 12, 2014.

On 29 January 2014, Fiat S.p.A. was merged into a new Netherlands-based holding company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, with the merger becoming effective on 12 October 2014. This marked a significant restructuring within the Fiat Group.

In 2015, Fiat introduced the Fiat 500X, a compact crossover SUV, to the market.

The 2016 Fiat 500X was launched, offering updated features and design compared to its predecessor.

In 2018, Fiat's range of passenger car engines comprised eleven units, including eight petrols and three diesels.

In 2019, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA) merged with the French manufacturer PSA Group, forming a new conglomerate named Stellantis in 2020.

In 2020, Fiat announced the discontinuation of the Fiat 124 Spider and 500L models. This decision marked a shift in Fiat's product lineup as they focused on new offerings.

In 2021, Fiat Chrysler merged with the French company PSA Group to form Stellantis. This merger marked a significant consolidation in the automotive industry.

On October 13, 2022, Fiat Brand and the Algerian government signed an agreement for local production of vehicles and development of the automotive sector in Algeria.

Fiat announced the upcoming release of a new plug-in car, the Fiat 500e, set to launch in 2024. This move reflects Fiat's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.