The name of the FIAT automaker is an abbreviation that stands for Fabrica Italiana Automobili Torino. Now FIAT is a giant corporation, which includes more than two hundred enterprises around the world, engaged in the production of not only passenger cars and freight transport, but also planes, trains and more. And at the origins of this legendary brand lies a fairly modest small enterprise for the production passenger vehicles. But let's start in order.
The birth of FIAT
Back in 1899 at dawn automotive era a group of investors led by retired officer Giovanni Agnelli founded a small company, FIAT. The newly created enterprise began its activity with a licensed assembly Renault models with brand new De Dion engines. Agnelli's military past and his political views left an imprint on his character - Giovanni maintained the strictest discipline at the factory, and also actively introduced the ideals of socialism into the production process, believing that entrepreneurs and workers could interact more fruitfully. Production grew rapidly, but to a greater extent not because of the socialist views of the founder of the company, but because in 1903 the Italian authorities eliminated exorbitantly high tariffs on steel imported production. Thanks to this, FIAT produced several models own design: freight transport, buses, taxis, and also began to produce aircraft and ship engines.
Initially, FIAT produced only premium cars, and pretty soon the brand became popular not only in its homeland, but also far beyond its borders. A significant role in the success of the company was played by motor sports - racing car FIAT were serious competitors and often came out winners in competitions, ahead of such recognized leaders in motorsport as Nazzaro, Storero, etc. But the company's name really became on everyone's lips in 1911, when the S61 model equipped with 4 - 10.5 liter cylinder engine and chain rear drive system.
Agnelli understands that the time has come to move from handicraft production to an industrial scale. And in 1912, brand cars begin to be mass-produced. Giovanni was an experimenter, it was he who, one of the first automakers in Europe, had the idea to give his cars a corporate identity. To fulfill his idea, he turned to stylists. And in the same year, the “first-born” of this brand policy was born - Fiat Tipo zero. The novelty was set in motion by an 18-horsepower 1.9-liter engine, which on average consumed 1 liter of fuel per 5.1 km. According to the developers, the maximum speed of the Tipo Zero was 71 km per hour, but in practice it turned out that it was almost impossible to accelerate to it. Even in general car and did not have a particularly original design and looked like models already available in the world, but at the same time Tipo Zero was distinguished by such an opportunity for individualization as 6 different versions of the radiator lining. That is why the model is called the founder of the style of the brand. Bodies for their cars "Fiat", as well as Alfa Romeo ordered in Locati & Toretta, and after a while in Zagato and Touring.
It is noteworthy that even before the start of expansion to Europe in 1909, FIAT made an attempt to “cast the bait” to America by organizing the Poughkeepsie enterprise in the USA. For Giovanni, it has always been a priority to increase control over production. One of the results of this policy was the largest European car complex at that time called Lingotto, which began its activities in 1922. FIAT has set up a complex to start serial production not luxury cars available to a large number of people, and not to units as before. In many ways, the goal was achieved thanks to the use of a conveyor-type assembly.
How did the war affect the history of FIAT
It has often happened in history that major wars have slowed down technical progress, but it also happened that they acted as a catalyst technical revolutions. So it happened with FIAT, which, thanks to the First World War, broke into the lead in the Italian auto industry. During the war and after it, the Italians actively produced military equipment including tanks. And by the 1920s, FIAT had already become the most major automaker in Italy. This was largely due to the professionalism of Vittorio Valletta, who held the position of administrator in the company.
But 1919 and the 1920s were not easy for the brand. During this period, FIAT had a chance to survive more than one strike. Workers under the influence of the communists seized office space and enterprises belonging to the company. Things got to the point that the management was forced to stop production until Mussolini was in power, after which Giovanni again became “at the helm”. In 1927, the IFI holding was founded to perform the functions of managing Fiat, where the Agnelli family still occupies a dominant position.
1932 marked the debut of the Balilla (also known as the 508). The car became the record holder in sales: about 113 thousand copies were sold worldwide. The novelty was equipped with a 3-band gearbox (in 1934 it was replaced by a 4-band one) and a 0.96 liter unit with a return of 20-24 “horses”. This motor accelerated Balilla up to 80 km per hour. It is noteworthy that Balilla was also among the first in the world to receive a "charged" variation - 508 S, which was equipped with an engine with a return of 30-36 "horses".
Four years later, the FIAT Topolino, also known as the FIAT 500, saw the light of day, which at that time became the smallest serial car in the world. Designed for two people, the novelty was immediately nicknamed "Mouse" by the people. The car had an original appearance, a 0.57-liter engine, and a rear-wheel drive platform mounted on a short frame with slots to reduce weight. Despite the small volume power unit, as much as possible "Mouse" accelerated to 85 km per hour. On average, Topolino consumed about 6 liters of fuel per hundred kilometers. Also, the model had a wide variety of variations. Due to the low cost, relatively high reliability and special charm, the car was popular not only in Italy, but throughout Europe. For twenty years since the start of production, about 519 thousand copies of the miniature FIAT 500 have been sold. In 1957, a new generation of Topolino rolled off the assembly line, the style of which Italian specialists used already when recreating the model in the early 2000s.
As history has shown, Italy chose the wrong political direction, embarking on the "rails of fascism" and this path had a negative impact on the fate of FIAT. Due to the Second World War, most of the concern's enterprises were destroyed, and those that survived were nationalized after the liberation of the country. Due to open support of the fascist regime, Agnelli was removed from the leadership, and soon after that he died. Despite the nationalization, Vittorio Valette remained in fact in charge of the company. This is what saved FIAT.
The revival of the former glory of the automaker FIAT
And here, finally, came the industrial explosion. First, FIAT releases the 1500 D model, followed by the various versions equipment 1100 V. Last station wagon immediately attracted the attention of motorists due to its good looks, which immediately caught the eye of a heart-shaped grille. The 1100 V was driven by a 1.09-liter 4-cylinder engine, docked with a 4-band gearbox.
Soon, the 4-door FIAT 500 C, as well as the 1500 E and 1100 E models, which have become the flagship of the company's product range, will soon leave the assembly line of the company.
In the early 1950s, FIAT management decided to update the model range, and a novelty with the 1400 index appeared in it. It was a car with a monocoque body, the engine line of which, starting in 1953, also began to include a diesel unit. This allowed the FIAT 1400 to become the first car in Italy with this type of engine. In the “base”, a 1120-kilogram car was equipped with a 1.4-liter diesel engine that develops a power of 44 “horses”. This motor accelerated the car as much as possible up to 120 km per hour. To equip this car, FIAT also used for the first time door armrests and located under the instrument panel. hand brake. In the same year, the company produces quite popular 1100/103 and 103 TV.
Five years later, miniature models of Cinquecentos and Seicentos, which have a fairly affordable cost, enter Italian roads.
FIAT's new course of action
The beginning of the 60s and again the new course of the company. FIAT is privatized and is headed by the grandchildren of the founder of the brand, who are introducing new approaches to auto production, which made it possible to strengthen the group's position in the global automotive market. The FIAT factories were reorganized, and a new compact car FIAT 850 rolled off the assembly lines. In the shortest possible time, the compact was sold in the amount of 3 million copies.
In 1966, the Italians and the USSR sign an agreement on the construction of the Volga Automobile Plant (VAZ). A year later, the brainchild of this cooperation, the FIAT 124, saw the light of day. The first copies of the model brought from Italy simply disintegrated on the cobblestones, “pleased” with an imminent breakdown of the brakes and the vagaries of an outdated motor. Initially, 124 was renamed 124R, and soon VAZ-2101. Together with the name, the model by that time had changed almost all the “stuffing” (including the motor, brake mechanisms and suspension) to a more suitable real Russian roads. But the body design changes almost did not touch. "Kopeyka" had a laconic and elegant appearance that was decades ahead of the trends of the Russian automotive industry.
In 1969, the company produces sports and elegant model Dino. Also this year, the Lancia brand is included in the group. FIAT does not stop growing for a day - in parallel with the production of new models, the concern is building new factories all over the planet.
As the oil crisis raged around the world in the 1970s, FIAT focused on modernizing production processes and improving the quality of existing products. After a succession successful cars in 1978, a rather unsuccessful Ritmo model was released, which, although it did not become popular, is still considered a landmark in the history of the company. All because after its failure and the transition of production to more high level automation concern has stepped far ahead.
Debuted at the beginning of the decade new compact Panda. This model has been successfully off the assembly line for two decades. During this period, 60 variations of the Panda were produced and, in general, about 4 million copies of the model were sold. And even in the next century, a car with a simple appearance, low cost and unpretentious repair remains one of the most bought in Europe.
In the 83rd year, the concern at the Geneva Motor Show presents a revolutionary model called Uno, which was developed almost from scratch using many advanced technologies. Innovations affected not only the electronics and materials used, but also the design of the power unit. The car was produced in Italy until 1995, after which it was replaced by the Punto model, but the Uno is still produced in Turkey, Poland and Egypt.
In late 1985, FIAT made the mistake of stepping into premium segment market. Equipped with front-wheel drive, the Croma hatchback had roomy luggage compartment, stepped back door and was produced for eleven years. But after the demand for it fell to almost zero, the company still decided to leave this class. The Croma was based on a common European chassis, which also served as the basis for the Lancia Thema, Saab 9000 and Alfa Romeo 164.
In 1986, the concern completely absorbed Alfa Romeo, which further strengthened Fiat's position in the global car market. For Alfa Romeo, the merger was a great happiness, because the brand, which was almost bankrupt at that time, after the takeover, not only retained its authenticity, but also received an additional round in development.
In the late 80s, the concern decided to play with “large forms”: the Tipo 5-door hatchback, the Tempra Station Wagon station wagon, the Marengo van, etc. were released. But buyers reacted rather coolly to these models.
90s in the history of the brand
The company's total sales decreased significantly. FIAT, which previously developed at a rapid pace, began to clearly feel the onset of the crisis. New cars no longer shocked the public as before, they lacked a certain “zest” and they immediately got lost in the traffic.
During the period of the 90s, several iconic models can be noted, including the Fiat Coupe, a front-wheel drive sports coupe built on the chassis from the Bravo model. The car, which has become legendary today, set in motion a 220-horsepower turbo engine, which allowed the model to create serious competition for its eminent rivals. A variation of the Coupe was also released, which received the prefix Turbo in its name. This novelty, capable of accelerating up to 250 km per hour, easily overtook Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
In early 1994, within the framework of cooperation between the Italians and the French automaker PSA, the debut of the minivan family took place. Seven and eight-seater cars were equipped with a system front wheel drive and a transverse engine and in the FIAT version were called Ulysse. A few years later, a group of U64 cargo-passenger families was created on the same chassis.
In the 90s, the company tried to make the most of its available chassis. But what can be created from the rather banal Punto platform? It can truly be a masterpiece of the Italian automotive industry, if you invite highly qualified specialists from the Pininfarina studio to participate in the development. And in 1995, at the Geneva Motor Show, the premiere of the Fiat Barchetta sports car equipped with a front-wheel drive system took place, which immediately received the title of the most beautiful car with folding roof. Five years later, a luxury sports car called the Barchetta Riviera debuted at the Turin Motor Show.
The situation in the company was slightly improved by the small car Seicento that appeared in the spring of 1998 - perfect car for residents of metropolitan areas. The Seicento story ended only 7 years later with the release of the 50th Anniversary special variation.
The FIAT brand in the new millennium
At the beginning of the new millennium, FIAT began to develop a new segment. In the autumn of 2000, the premiere of the Doblo model was held in Paris, which was offered in cargo and passenger versions. Two years later, the 3-door Stilo hatchback appeared on the Italian market. Although the company pinned on the novelty big hopes, planning to release for about seven years, but already in 2007 the production of the hatch was discontinued.
During the 2000s, the concern several times faced serious financial problems, but this did not stop the FIAT Group from continuing to produce passenger models and expand. Under his "roof" gathered not only auto companies, but even tractor factories.
Unfortunately, all the new cars coming out over the past decade have failed to return the auto giant to its former greatness. The company's sales in Europe have been falling inexorably for the last 4 years. IN soon FIAT intends to invest approximately 9 billion euros in its development. These funds will be spent not only on the creation of new models and the support of their "daughters", but also the restoration of production facilities in their homeland. Today, the brand places its main hopes for “rising from the ashes” on several of its models, including the FIAT 500, Punto and Panda. So in 2016, the company intends to present a new generation of FIAT 500. The developers promise that the legendary hatchback will receive economical engines, as well as a high-tech salon. In addition, in the spring of 2014, the automaker announced the release of special variations of the Punto and Panda models. New items aimed at a youth audience will receive the Young prefix in their names. Cars are distinguished not only by their stylish and bright appearance, but also by advanced electronics.
A significant event in the history of the concern occurred at the end of January 2014, when Fiat completely took over by Chrysler. After that, the Italian-American tandem decided to continue its activities under a single name. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and with a new logo. This alliance should allow the Italians to devote more energy to the resuscitation of their business in Europe.
On July 11, 1899, a new company was registered in Palazzo Bricherasio - “Società Anonima Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino”. The first plant of the company was opened already in 1900 in Corso Dante. The company employed 150 people who assembled 24 cars of the 3/12 HP model, which has one distinctive feature - the cars did not have a reverse gear.
In 1902, a racing-built Fiat 24 HP driven by Vincenzo Lancia won the Sassi-Superga hill climb competition.
Managing Director Giovanni Agnelli personally took part in the Second Tour of Italy and set the record with the 8 HP.
In 1908, the Fiat company settled in the USA, where it created subsidiary Fiat Automobile Co.
Expanding product range: in addition to cars V production program companies are now present commercial vehicles, marine engines, trucks and trams.
For several years, Fiat has completely updated its products: for the first time on the company's cars appeared rechargeable batteries. The use of transmission began with cardan joints, patented by FIAT.
Fiat racing cars continued to win various competitions and set several records.
In 1916, the construction of the Lingotto factory began, which was led by Giacomo Mate Trucco (Giacomo Mattè Trucco). The plant became the largest in Europe. The huge building had 5 floors, and on the roof there was a track for testing cars. The construction of the plant was completed in 1922. Having entered service, he became a symbol automotive industry Italy.
At the beginning of the war, the company's products were almost completely reoriented to military needs.
After the war, it took several years to return production to a peaceful course and overcome the crisis, but already in 1923 growth resumed thanks, first of all, to a competent tax policy.
The 509, the company's first 4-seater, was launched into production.
The main activity of the company has become mass production cars. Only mass production made it possible to significantly reduce the final cost of the product. The Sava holding was formed to promote car sales.
In 1934 and 1936, two models were born that found the strongest response among buyers: "Balilla", nicknamed "Tariffa minima" for its economy.
And the smallest utility car in the world is the Topolino, which lasted on the assembly line until 1955.
The war led to a significant decline in the production of passenger cars, but at the same time, the production of commercial vehicles expanded significantly. With the release of two new models - 500
and 1400, Fiat has confirmed its commitment to research and innovation.
First time on mass cars ventilation and heating systems were installed.
Research continued in the area marine engines, as well as in the field of aircraft construction: in 1951, the G80 appeared - the first jet aircraft created in Italy.
In 1955, the Fiat 600 was born - a large utility car with a rear-engine layout.
And in 1957, the New 500 began to roll off the assembly lines. In 1960, this model appeared in the ‘Giardinetta’ version, which became the predecessor of the station wagon cars of the company.
In addition, the Fiat 1800 appeared during these years, then the Fiat 1300 and Fiat 1500.
In 1971 after the Fiat 850,
Model 127 appeared.
In 1979, the independent company Fiat Auto S.p.A. appeared, which included the following brands: Fiat, Lancia, Autobianchi, Abarth and Ferrari. Initially, the company owned only 50% of Ferrari. Later, this share increased to 87%. In 1984, the Alfa Romeo brand was also included in the company, and in 1993, the brand of prestigious sports cars Maserati.
In 1980, the car designed by the Giugiaro design studio saw the light of day. Fiat Panda.
And two years later appeared Fiat model uno. The most advanced technologies, innovative electronics, latest materials and eco-friendly 1000 Fire engines.
Another successful model - Tipo - appeared in 1989. For the advanced technical solutions applied in it, she was awarded the title of “Car of the year”.
Fiat Tempra debuted in 1990
A year later, in 1991, the 500 appeared.
In 1993, it was the turn of the Fiat Punto (it received the title of "Car of the Year 1995") and the Fiat Coupé. Its design was developed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Centro Stile Fiat.
With the Fiat Ulysse, which appeared in 1994, the company entered one of the most dynamically developing market segments - the segment of minivans.
In 1995, the Barchetta, Bravo and Brava models debuted.
The following year they were joined by Fiat Marea and Fiat Marea WE and in 1997 by Fiat Palio.
1998 was marked by the advent of the remarkable city car Fiat Seicento,
As well as the Multipla model, which was distinguished by its exceptional versatility.
Two years later, at the Paris Motor Show, the Fiat Doblò was presented, a modern universal car that also had a commercial version.
In addition, the company's factory in Brazil began production of three "worldwide" models at once: Palio, Palio Weekend and Siena.
In 2001, the production of the Fiat Stilo began, which featured modern design, advanced technology and many luxury options.
2003 was a tragic year for the company - Giovanni Agnelli, who headed it for almost half a century, died.
In the same year (ten years after the debut of the model), the new Punto appeared with an innovative 1.3 Multijet 16v engine, as well as a seriously updated Barchetta.
Fiat Idea was not only the first MPV created by Fiat, but also the first carrier of the new round emblem, which was created at Centro Stile Fiat to commemorate the company's 100th anniversary.
In 2005, production began on the new Croma, designed by Giugiaro, the new Fiat 600 (in the year of the 60th anniversary of the launch of the original model) and the beautiful, solid and exciting Grande Punto.
2006 saw the release of the new Doblò and Sedici, the 4x4xTUTTI urban crossover that became the official car of the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Panda 2007 also updated model year with an extended range of modifications.
2007 began with the launch of the new Bravo, the first to wear the redesigned Fiat badge.
The new Bravo and the new logo have confirmed the new direction of the company.
In the same year, the Fiat 500 was reincarnated. light hand designers car has changed: classic forms have received a new reading.
In 2011, the FIAT Freemont crossover saw the light of day - the result of a collaboration between Chrysler and Fiat engineers. The machine is a balanced family car with modern European design and offering its owner a high level of comfort.
The Fiat company today is a huge concern that produces the widest range of equipment intended for construction, Agriculture, freight and passenger traffic, as well as passenger cars of the road and sports direction. It was founded in 1899 by a group of businessmen, however original name was not so short - "Societa Anonima Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino". In the first years of its existence, the company was engaged in the assembly of Renault cars, but already in 1903 it began to rapidly expand its fields of activity, and first took up trucks and then passenger buses. In addition, the abolished duties on the import of steel from abroad allowed her to even take on the production of ship and aircraft engines.
Fiat passenger cars were originally produced in small numbers as prestige and expensive cars. However, due to their high quality and regular victories in various auto races, they were sold very widely. One of the most impressive victories of the time was won by the Fiat S61 in 1911 at the French Grand Prix. It is worth noting that the engine of this model had an incredible volume - 10.5 liters.
In 1912, the development of large-scale Fiat passenger cars began. The owners of the company wanted to launch on the market not only high-quality, but also original cars that would stand out against the background of any tricks of competitors. In order to have wide choose bodies for their products, they sign contracts with a number of coachbuilders - Zagato, Locati & Toretta and Touring. In 1916, the construction of the Lingotto factory began, which lasted 6 years. This production complex was the largest in Europe, and was designed to provide conveyor production cars.
The first model that received wide recognition was the Fiat Balilla, released by the concern in 1932. She had a very low fuel consumption and low cost which made it widely available. 4 years later, Fiat Topolino was released, compact and even cheaper, repeating the success of the previous one.
During the Second World War, air bombings destroyed most of the company's production facilities, and the rest were nationalized. In the context of post-war shortages, Fiat made the right bet on the production of cheap and economical cars releasing updated models one after another. In 1950, the first diesel car Fiat 1400 was produced.
In 1966, Fiat entered into an agreement with Soviet Union, and Volzhsky was built in Tolyatti car factory, which initially produced Fiat models under its own name. So, the well-known "penny", or VAZ-2101, is almost identical to the one released in 1967 Fiat-124.
In 1969, Fiat buys Lancia from the owners. The years of the oil crisis that followed did not lead the company to collapse, but only forced them to focus on increasing production efficiency and controlling product quality and its economy.
In 1980, the Fiat Panda was introduced, designed by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro. The car was very inexpensive, but it differed high quality And simple repair in the event of a breakdown, making it a bestseller in Europe. Panda cars can be seen on the streets of Europe even today. No less popular was the Fiat Uno, released three years later and bringing together a lot of electronics updates, engine components and other aspects.
In 1986, Alfa Romeo comes under the control of the Fiat concern after the purchase of a controlling stake in this company.
Fiat's new bestseller, the Punto hatchback, saw the light of day in 1993. It was produced in several variations - covered with 3.5 doors, a convertible and a modification of the Gran Turismo, which had the maximum configuration.
In 2003 appeared new Fiat Punto, equipped with the innovative 1.3 Multijet 16v engine, as well as updated Barchetta.
In autumn, the new Fiat Panda saw the light of day and received the title of "Car of the Year 2004".
In 2004 he entered Fiat sale Idea, which became the first universal car Fiat, as well as the first car to be entrusted with promoting the brand's new mission. This car received a unique design.
In 2006, Fiat changes its logo again. It was developed together with the Robilant Associati agency and the Fiat Style Center.
Today, the concern produces equipment for industry and civil needs, and is one of the largest automakers.
In 2007, a presentation of the new Fiat 500 model was held in the city of Turin. The premiere date was not chosen by chance, because it was on July 4, fifty years ago, that a new machine of the same name was launched into production by this company, with which the formation of a new generation is associated. The novelty, in fact, was a modernized and improved version of the Fiat Panda. The Fiat 500 was equipped with two powerful gasoline engines different volume (from 1.2 to 1.4 liters) with a capacity of up to 100 Horse power. All units operate on a six-speed or five-speed box gears. Fighters for environment should be thrilled with it vehicle, because its engines fully comply with Euro-5 standards.
In 2015, the Fiat Bravo ceased to exist, as the demand for it in our region fell sharply. Despite this, in South America the modernized roomy hatchback"Bravo" is sold very successfully. This model is the closest relative of the Centro Stile Fiat, released back in 2007. Only now the model has received new bumpers, wheels, a convenient touch screen, wheels and a comfortable steering wheel.
In Brazil, the Fiat Bravo, which was unveiled in January 2015, will be just an interim option before Fiat-Chrysler launches in 2016. It is worth noting that over a billion dollars have already been invested in the project of the latter, part of which will go to expand the capabilities of the largest plant of this brand, Minas Gerais.
Every year the concern bought bankrupt companies and today under its "roof" are not only automotive firms FERRARI, ALFA ROMEO and LANCIA, but also a couple of factories specializing in the production of specialized equipment, namely tractors.
