Fiat is one of the largest automakers in Europe. The company is engaged in the manufacture of not only machines, but also special-purpose equipment. In 1999, she celebrated her centenary. The name of the company has a musical sound, and it immediately becomes clear that the country of origin of Fiat is Italy. Surprisingly, the brand has been in the shadow of its associates for almost its entire existence.
Fiat products
For many, the concern is associated only with cars, but its range of products is much wider:
- loaders, excavators and bulldozers (CASE, New Holland Construction);
- tractors, combines and other agricultural equipment (Steyr, Case IN);
- equipment for firefighters (Magirus);
- urban transport - trolleybuses, buses (Irisbus);
- trucks (Astra);
- equipment for military needs (Iveno Defense Vehicles).
history of the company
The story began in 1899. Then a group of investors in Turin founds a company whose activities are aimed at the production of passenger cars under the license of Renauil. Its management was entrusted to Giovanni Agnelli, who had previously been a policeman. This man showed strict discipline and imitated the brainchild of Henry Ford.
The first own car of the company was assembled in 1901, and in a couple of years the concern enters the world market. The abolition of the tax on imported steel leads to active expansion. In the production of cars, Fiat did not limit itself, and at the same time mastered and produced aviation, marine power units. And after 11 years, a new stage has come true - serial, conveyor production of machines, which was launched at the new Lingotto plant. During this period, the brand was already engaged in the production of buses, as well.
Before the war, Fiat was considered the leader in the automotive industry in Europe, adding a new car to the lineup every year. Wartime forced the brand to engage in the manufacture of military equipment. The manufacturer returned to the main craft only under the rule of Benito Mussolini.
For 23 years, the plant had great times, as a large number of branches were opened. This period began in 1922. In 1945, Agnelli was removed from his post. The reason for this was that he was an adherent of fascism.
The next stage in the development of the concern took place in 1957, when the production of the Nuova-500 model started. The total number of purchases of this small car for 15 years amounted to about 3 million.
The end of the 60s comes and the brand gets a second life. The reason for the rapid development was the concern's cooperation with the USSR. So, the "penny" known to this day was created on the basis of the Fiat 124. After a while, the company was absorbed by Lancia, which 10 years later also began to own Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari. As a result of such changes, the corporation became the monopoly of the auto industry in Italy.
In the 1990s, the corporation went into decline. The reason for this was the poor reliability of the products. It is known that in 2002 its losses reached a record figure - 4.2 billion dollars. The forecasts were disappointing, but despite this, the company continued to fight and after four years it was profitable again. And in 2009, Chrysler went bankrupt, and Fiat became the owner of a part of the brand's shares. It was temporary, and five years later she gained full control.
It is worth noting that the brand has always loved experiments and strived for development. And so the first racing car from Fiat appeared. The release was successful, so they continued to work on this direction.
Productive capacity
The size of the corporation is amazing. So, she manages 1000 companies located in 61 countries around the globe. Production has been established in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, France, Poland, Turkey, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, etc. As for employees, their number reaches about 220 thousand.
The largest production is in Brazil. Here, the plant can produce up to 3,000 models per day. Cooperation with each company has its own characteristics. For example, in some countries they only assemble units brought from Italy, and somewhere parallel assembly of local equipment is allowed.
The concern previously shared its plans, in which it announced further expansion in the American, European and African markets.
The largest production facilities of the concern are concentrated:
- Italy (Toro, 500L, 500S, Fullback, Grande Punto, 124 Spider, Ducato);
- Poland (500, Punto, Bravo);
- Türkiye (Tipo, Albea, Linea);
- Russia (Ducato);
- Argentina (Punto, Tipo, Argo);
- Mexico (500, Albea, Freemont);
- Brazil (Croma, Bravo, Toro, Panda).
Many drivers are interested in where Fiat Albea is going. The machine is intended for Eastern Europe. Initially, Turkey was engaged in its manufacture, and then Mexico, Poland, and Russia. In Russia, this car was assembled at the Sollers plant in Naberezhnye Chelny. This went on for 11 years and in 2011 sales of the small car for Russian consumers ceased. In the European car market, the model can be purchased in three trim levels, at a price of 10.70 thousand dollars.
The main production of the Ducato minibus is located in Italy - the SEVEL enterprise. There is also a Russian-assembled Fiat Ducato. The plant is located in Yelabuga.
The model is very popular due to the reinforced suspension, versatility, comfortable interior, increased power of body elements, load capacity and more. But the most important thing is that the minibus is produced in different versions: chassis, combi and van. The latter option has four modifications designed for passenger transportation. The remaining options are six modifications for cargo transportation and eight standard ones.
Car Benefits
The corporation has extensive experience in auto production, constantly introduces innovative technologies, and has a diverse model range. But not only this affects the high demand. So, Fiat boasts such advantages:
- individual style that forms a recognizable image;
- the use of many modern systems that help the driver and;
- different versions of equipment, which allows you to choose the right equipment;
- powerful and;
- demand in the secondary market;
- affordable price for cars, service and spare parts;
- the availability of various credit and leasing programs for purchase.
Fans of the brand will be interested to know some little-known interesting facts:
- the company's machines were recognized as the best in Europe 12 times;
- the automaker does not trust the production of branches, only in the third world countries they assemble models that are already outdated;
- the brand was the first to successfully introduce a heating system, as well as ventilation;
- Fiat 124, which is the prototype of the VAZ 2101, became the best car in the late 70s;
- the first Common Rail engine was produced at the company's plant,. This event happened in 1986;
- 1936 is marked by the release of the smallest car in the world, which gained great popularity, it was produced in large quantities;
- Fiat Panda has 60 modifications, and the total number of sales is 4 million (until 2000);
- the first SUV in the car market - Fiat Campagnola;
- the production of the Fiat Sedici and the Suzuki SX4 is carried out in the same plant, and the same basis is used for this;
- famous Italians prefer brand cars. For example, Felippe Massa, Alejandro Del Piero, etc.
The main reason why the brand is inferior to its Italian competitors is efficiency. And also there is information that despite all the advantages of the company, their cars have shortcomings. For this reason, the English translate its name as "Fix it again, Tony", the Germans say differently: "Defects in every node."
The brand says that it is not going to stop there and will expand its international contacts, as well as increase production figures.
| Full title: | Fabbrica Italiana di Avtomobili Torino |
| Other names: | FIAT |
| Existence: | July 11, 1899 |
| Location: | Italy: Turin |
| Founders: | Giovanni Agnelli |
| Products: | cars |
| The lineup: | Fiat Ulysse ; Fiat 600; |
FIAT was founded at the very end of the nineteenth century. Her first business was opened in 1900. The initiator and one of the people who dared to invest their own funds in the creation of the company was a retired officer, Giovanni Agnelli. Two years after the start-up of the first plant, Agnelli headed the enterprise, taking the position of managing director.
Company `s logo
The now well-known name of the company is formed by the initial letters of its full name, which sounded like this: Fabbrica Italiana di Avto mobili Torino. On the first cars, the full name flaunted. It was applied to a metal plate, designed in the form of a parchment sheet. For a memorable emblem, a few words were not the best option. Apparently, therefore, the phrase was abandoned in favor of the abbreviation "FIAT". These four letters (mostly in white) were placed on a red or blue background. This went on for many years. For example, on cars manufactured in 1999, the logo was blue, and on those that appeared in 2006, it was red.
Production development
The first car assembled at the Turin plant was not its own FIAT, but a licensed "Frenchman" Renault, equipped with a "De Dion" engine.
The Italian company significantly increased its capacity after steel import duties were abolished in 1903. Since that time, the range of manufactured equipment has been replenished with passenger cars - taxis, buses, trucks. In addition, engines for water and air transport were assembled at the plant.
The company's products were in great demand, including due to the low cost. This circumstance made it possible to sell it outside of Italy. Having mastered the European markets, FIAT "moved" across the ocean to the United States. There, in 1908, his branch Fiat Automobile Co. was opened.
The company began to produce cars of its own design only in 1912. We must pay tribute to the head of the Turin automobile factory. It was he who became the first automaker to develop the idea of automotive design. He believed that the appearance of the vehicle is no less important than its "stuffing".
The year 1916 was remembered in the history of the FIAT brand by the beginning of the construction of a new production complex. "Lingotto" (as the plant was called) became the largest European enterprise (and the second largest in the world). The building consisted of five floors. A track was arranged on its roof, where cars were tested.
The company developed rapidly at the beginning of the last century. She acquired the ownership of electrical networks, engaged in steel smelting, and began to produce railway transport.
Even the difficult years of the world wars did not significantly affect the Italian corporation. At this time, the production of passenger cars significantly decreased, but the demand for freight transport (road and rail), as well as for aircraft components, increased.
The construction of the next plant of the company (Mirafiori) began in 1937. After the end of the war, this enterprise became twice as large as it was planned during construction.
Later, the company continued its development, in particular, in the second half of the last century, it acquired a robotic line "Robogate", on which bodies were assembled. In the last decade of the last century, in order to address issues of competitiveness, the company took up markets that had not yet been mastered.
In what FIAT was the first
It turns out that before FIAT, no one installed on cars such important systems as heating and ventilation.
The title of "Car of the Year" on the European continent was awarded to products with the FIAT logo as many as twelve times. No other car company can boast of such success.
One of these "Cars of the Year" - FIAT 124, recognized as the best in Europe in 1967, was chosen by Soviet leaders as a prototype of domestic VAZs.
In 1951, FIAT released the first SUV, with a so-called monocoque body. They became "FIAT Campagnola".
The system for supplying fuel to the Common Rail engine was developed by FIAT together with Bosch. This system was first used in 1986 on the FIAT Croma.
For the first time, a cardan transmission was "marked" on a FIAT car.
One of the first firms FIAT resorted to the services of a separate body shop.
An interesting historical fact: in honor of the Italian Palmiro Togliatti, one of the organizers of strikes at the FIAT plant in the 19-20s of the last century, a Soviet city was named. It was there that an automobile plant appeared, which began work by converting the FIAT 124 into a domestic “penny”.
FIAT in motorsport
FIAT cars took part in prestigious races and often became winners. And this despite the fact that the first sports car from the company appeared only in 1933. The sports car "508S", in fact, was a slightly modified version of the passenger car "Balilla". In the same year, at the Mille Miglia races, he "climbed" to the third step of the podium.
After 33 years, the company created the FIAT Dino sports car. The car got its name from the son of the famous racer Enzo Ferrari. In the future, another Dino appeared - the Ferrari Dino. The two cars were not much different from each other.
The sports victories of FIAT include those that went to Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Lancia, because these companies were included in its composition.
FIAT is proud of its famous drivers: Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen.
Unforgettable models
Giovanni Agnelli pretty much "conjured" the first Tipo Zero model, trying to make it unlike most cars of that time. To do this, he instructed his subordinates to develop as many as six different grilles.
Designed for four seats, the FIAT-409 was put into production in 1912. Since that time, the company has headed for the production of cars for a wide range of consumers.
In the thirties, two models appeared at once, distinguished by their compactness and economy: "Topolino" and "Balilla". FIAT Topolino was produced for 20 years - until 1955.
The Giugiaro design studio had a hand in the development of the FIAT Panda, released in 1980. An all-wheel drive version of this car has been available since 1983. An all-wheel drive car with smaller dimensions did not exist. The little car was so-so, but it was inexpensive, and therefore was in considerable demand.
The FIAT Uno model deserves special attention. She embodied all the advanced technical achievements of her time, available to the company.
The unusual car FIAT -500 of the 2007 model was especially popular among the “weaker sex”, despite the high cost (and, perhaps, thanks to it).
FIAT in the Russian market
Already in 1916, Italian Fiat 15 Ter trucks began to be assembled on Russian territory. Having properly studied the car, domestic designers created their own design, and the production workers set up its production.
Fiat specialists helped build the Volga Automobile Plant.
In our century (2006-2011), fiat models "Ducato", "Albea" and "Doblo" were produced on Russian territory. The plans of the Italian company include the construction of an automobile plant in the Leningrad Region.
Tuning SUVs "Ducato" can be ordered on this site.
It cannot be said that FIAT products are in great demand among Russians. Many foreign cars have appeared on domestic markets, and Italian ones are inferior in quality to many. We have very few dealer networks of this company. For these reasons, FIATs are rarely found on Russian roads. But commercial cars of the Russian assembly are quite popular.
Time will show how the further fate of Fiat products in Russia will turn out.
Story FIAT begins in 1898 when the engineer Giovanni Battista Ceirano (Giovanni Battista Ceirano) entered into an agreement with a group of Turin entrepreneurs and financiers to develop a new car in a newly created company. Prior to this, Ceirano, in his small workshop near the home of the influential entrepreneur Giuseppe Lancia, was engaged in the production of bicycles.
Prototype of the first car Welleyes(Velleis), which was ready in March 1899, was designed by Aristide Faccioli. It installed a 2-cylinder engine with a working volume of only 663 cm 3 and a 2-speed gearbox.
Four months later "Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino"(Italian Automobile Factory in Turin), abbreviated F.I.A.T., bought the firm "Ceirano" (Ceyrano). The new company was led by entrepreneur Giovanni Agnelli, Count Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia and financier Emanuele Bricherasio. There was a place for many Ceirano employees, among whom were the designer Faccioli, the racer Felice Nazzaro (Felice Nazzaro) and the technician Vincenzo Lancia, the future founder of the famous company, the son of Giuseppe Lancia.
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The first FIAT was a car built by Ceirano, but with a different 3.5 hp boxer engine located at the rear. In 1901, technical director FIAT ordered Faccioli to develop a new model with a front engine, but he refused. In 1902, engineer Enrico (Enrico) created a more powerful car with a 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4.2 liters, which clearly showed similarities with Mercedes. In 1904, the wooden frame was replaced with steel, and the clutch was practically copied from the Mercedes. Then they released a small batch of luxury cars with a 4-cylinder engine of 1082 cm 3 with a power of 60 hp, with a transmission brake, water-cooled.
At the end of 1906, the dots between the letters in the name F.I.A.T. disappeared, since that time it has been officially spelled FIAT.
A year later FIAT manufactured the first car with a 6-cylinder engine of 1134 cm 3 and a pneumatic starter. The first FIAT to be widely used was the 1912 Zero(Zero). After the end of the First World War, a serial FIAT-501, designed by engineer Cavalli. Its production was stopped in 1926, having produced 45 thousand cars. FIAT-501 was a fairly simple and inexpensive car with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.
In 1925, FIAT introduced a more modern and lighter car. "509" with an engine of only 990 cm 3 with an overhead camshaft. In the late 20s, FIAT released comfortable models "521" And "525" with 6-cylinder engines with a working volume of 2516 and 3740 cm 3, respectively. Model "521" was the first car of the brand FIAT with hydraulic brakes.
In 1932, the company took a big step forward by mass-producing an inexpensive model. 508 Balilla(Balilla), named after the youth fascist organization in Italy. For the new model "1500" in 1936, FIAT used a central tubular frame, a more advanced aerodynamic body and an independent front wheel suspension system "Dubonnet" (Dubonnet). At the end of the same year, an epoch-making FIAT-500 Topolino(Topolino) with a small, front-mounted 4-cylinder engine with a working volume of only 570 cm 3, which provided a light car with a maximum speed of 88 km / h. This 2-seater car carried many progressive solutions: independent front wheel suspension, hydraulic brakes, synchronized gearbox. All this, at a low price, made it very popular. Without significant changes, Topolino was produced until 1948.
In 1937 appeared FIAT-1100 with independent front wheel suspension, which was the development of the 508 model. It was distinguished by high power for its class and excellent driving performance. During that period, these popular small cars became the main products of FIAT, but by releasing a luxury car FIAT-2800 with a 6-cylinder engine of 2852 cm 3 , the concern has proved that it is capable of making more prestigious products.
After World War II FIAT long time did not offer special novelties. Until 1950, the only innovation worth mentioning was the classic model. "1400" with a load-bearing body and a short-stroke engine.
In 1953, an updated version of the pre-war FIAT-1100 appeared - the model "Nuova-1100"(Nuova) with a load-bearing body. In 1955, the last series of "500C Topolino" was replaced by the model "600", brought FIAT even more fame.
In the 1960s, this popular rear-engined compact car with a displacement of only 633 cm 3 sold over a million copies.
world fame FIAT brought minicar "Nuova-500" with a 2-cylinder overhead valve air-cooled engine of 499 cm 3, released in 1957. Over 3 million of these cars were manufactured over 15 years, after which the 126 model was launched into production.
The most popular model of 1966 - FIAT-124 with an engine of 1197 cm 3 - became the prototype of the first Soviet mass-produced car VAZ-2101 Zhiguli, the dream of millions of drivers of the USSR.
In the same 1966, rather expensive ones were presented, against the background of mass production FIAT sports "Dino Spider"(Dino Speeder) and "Dino Coupe"(Dino Coupe), developed in collaboration with Ferrari (Ferrari), equipped with a Dino V6 engine with a working volume of 1987 cm 3.
Sedan production began in 1967 FIAT-125 with a 4-cylinder engine in 1608 cm 3 with two overhead camshafts.
In 1969 FIAT took over the firms "Lancia" and "Ferrari", and two years later - "Abarth" (Abarth). In 1971, the concern released another front-wheel drive model. "127" with a transverse overhead valve 4-cylinder engine with a working volume of 903 or 1049 cm 3. The more spacious FIAT-128 went on sale with engines of 1116 and 1290 cm3. Soon FIAT-124 was replaced by 131 Mirations(Mirafiori) - by the name of the head plant in Turin. This sedan with a more modern design was produced with engines of 1297 or 1585 cm 3 in various trim levels. Also on sale was its sports version "Abarth" for road racing and rallying with a boosted engine, independent rear wheel suspension and a 5-speed gearbox.
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In 1980 FIAT launches a new program, the first-born of which was a small-capacity panda(Panda) with emphasized angular shapes and two engine options: the Panda-30 model was equipped with a 2-cylinder engine of 652 cm 3 air-cooled, and the Panda-45 had a 4-cylinder unit of 903 cm 3 liquid cooling. Later, the Panda series was replenished with a modification with all-wheel drive.
In January 1983 FIAT introduced the mass car Uno(Uno), which was the result of the largest financial investment in the history of the company - 1000 billion lire.
In 1984 he was followed by "Regata"(Regatta) - a sedan based on the two-volume "Ritmo" (Ritmo), which in turn was replaced by the "Miration" model. A year later, the concern introduced a replacement for the outdated FIAT-132 - a comfortable front-wheel drive sedan "Croma"(Kroma), which became the first result of the joint activities of FIAT, Lancia (Lancia) and the Swedish SAAB (SAAB). It used in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engines, including turbocharged ones, as well as diesel engines. With a two-year delay, a 4-door Tempra sedan (Tempra) was released on the basis of the Tipo, and then a 5-door utility wagon.
In 1993, it was marked by the appearance of a family of especially small class models that is popular today in Europe. Punto(Punto) and a sports car "Coupe" (Coupe) with a body "Pininfarina" (Pininfarina), followed by a small 2-seater convertible "Barchetta" (Barchetta), created on the chassis "Punto". In 1995, the range of the small Tipo class was replaced by a new, quite successful family. Bravo(Bravo) and Brava(Brava) - technically identical cars with three- and five-door bodies.
At the end of 1996, the family was replenished with a sedan "Marea"(Marea), replacing "Tempra" and "Croma". Closes the program 7-seater station wagon with increased capacity Ulysses(Ulysses). Expansion FIAT in the global automotive market led to the emergence in 1996 of a new family - "Palio"(Palio), called the "world car" and intended for production in developing countries. FIAT Palio (Siena - Argentine modification of FIAT Palio) is a compact small car. The model was first introduced in 1996. Initially, the car was produced in Brazil, since 1997 - in Argentina and Poland. In 1997, the production of a station wagon model began. In 1998, the FIAT Palio station wagon began to be delivered to the European market.
In 2000, the 3- and 5-door Palio hatchbacks joined the Weekend station wagon. In March-April 1998, FIAT was introduced in Turin Seicento like panda. Produced in Poland, sold on the European market. First time model Multipla was introduced in the fall of 1998. This is a middle-class minivan - the first car of this type in its class. In October 2000, the company released a cargo-passenger model Doblo at the Paris Motor Show. This car is offered both in passenger and cargo versions (Doblo Cargo).
in Italy Stilo on sale since October 6, 2002. The three-door hatchback, which replaces the Bravo model, is addressed to fans of active driving. In turn, the five-door car (it replaces the FIAT Brava) is a "family" option. FIAT Stilo will be produced within six to seven years. The total planned production volume is 2.5 million cars.
The concern gradually acquired bankrupt companies, and today Ferrari, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo have gathered under the "roof" of FIAT. He also owns several tractor factories.
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Add commentsThe Fiat company today is a huge concern that produces a wide range of equipment intended for construction, agriculture, freight and passenger transportation, as well as road and sports cars. It was founded in 1899 by a group of businessmen, but the original name was not so short - "Societa Anonima Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino". In the early years of its existence, the company was engaged in the assembly of cars of the Renault brand, but already in 1903 it began to rapidly expand its fields of activity, and first it took on 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 prestigious 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 a wide choice of bodies for their products, they enter into contracts with a number of body shops - 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 ensure the conveyor production of cars.
The first model that received wide recognition was the Fiat Balilla, released by the concern in 1932. It had 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 passenger 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 the Soviet Union, and the Volga Automobile Plant was built in Togliatti, which initially produced Fiat models under its own name. So, the well-known "penny", or VAZ-2101, is almost identical to the Fiat-124 released in 1967.
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 at the same time it was of high quality and easy to repair in the event of a breakdown, which made 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, a new Fiat Punto appeared, equipped with an innovative 1.3 Multijet 16v engine, and the Barchetta was also updated.
In autumn, the new Fiat Panda saw the light of day and received the title of "Car of the Year 2004".
In 2004, the Fiat Idea went on sale, becoming Fiat's first station wagon and also the first car 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. "Fiat 500" was equipped with two powerful gasoline engines of different sizes (from 1.2 to 1.4 liters) with a capacity of up to 100 horsepower. All units operate on a six-speed or five-speed gearbox. Environmentalists should be delighted with this vehicle, because its engines are fully compliant 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 spacious 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” there are not only automotive companies FERRARI, ALFA ROMEO and LANCIA, but also a couple of factories specializing in the production of specialized equipment, namely tractors.
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 cars and trucks, but also aircraft, trains and much more. And at the origins of this legendary brand lies a rather modest small enterprise for the production of passenger vehicles. But let's start in order.
The birth of FIAT
Back in 1899, at the dawn of the automobile era, a group of investors led by a retired officer, Giovanni Agnelli, founded a small company, FIAT. The newly created enterprise began its activity with the licensed assembly of Renault models with “renoshny” 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 at a rapid pace, 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 exorbitant tariffs on imported steel. Thanks to this, FIAT produced several models of its own design: trucks, buses, taxis, and also began to produce aircraft and marine 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. Automobile sports played a significant role in the success of the company - FIAT racing cars were serious competitors and often came out winners in competitions, ahead of such recognized leaders in motorsport as Nazzaro, Storero, etc. when the S61, equipped with a 10.5 liter 4-cylinder engine and a rear chain drive system, won the Grand Prix de France.
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, the Fiat Tipo Zero, was born. 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. Although in general the car did not have a particularly original design and looked like models already available in the world, the 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 created a complex with the aim of starting mass production of non-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 has also happened that they acted as a catalyst for 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 largest 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, was released, which at that time became the smallest production 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 of the power unit, the “Mouse” accelerated to a maximum of 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 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. At first, FIAT releases the 1500 D model, followed by the 1100 V model, which was released in various versions. 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 a handbrake located under the instrument panel. 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. Along with the name, by that time the model had changed almost all the “stuffing” (including the engine, brakes and suspension) to a more suitable one for 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 launched the sporty and elegant 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 series of successful cars in 1978, a rather unsuccessful Ritmo model came out, which, although it did not become popular, is still considered a landmark in the history of the company. This is because after its failure and the transition of production to a higher level of automation, the concern has stepped far ahead.
At the start of the decade, the new compact Panda debuted. 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 entering the premium market. Equipped with front-wheel drive, the Croma hatchback had a spacious luggage compartment, a stepped rear door and was produced for eleven whole 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 the 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-seat cars were equipped with a front-wheel drive system and a transverse engine, and in the FIAT version they 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 convertible car. 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, which appeared in the spring of 1998 - an ideal car for residents of megacities. 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 had high hopes for the new product, planning to produce it for about seven years, but already in 2007 the production of the hatch was discontinued.
During the 2000s, the concern faced serious financial problems several times, but this did not stop the FIAT Group from continuing to produce passenger cars and expanding. 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 the near future, 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 interior. 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 the Chrysler brand. After that, the Italian-American tandem decided to continue its activities under the 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.
