Company overview
FIAT Automobiles S.p.A., established in 1899, is an Italian automobile manufacturer with a long and complex history. Initially formed as Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, it began producing its first automobile in 1900. Throughout the early 20th century, FIAT became Italy’s largest automotive manufacturer and a significant global player, reaching its peak production in 1970 with 1.4 million vehicles produced domestically. The company’s history includes periods of significant growth, such as the introduction of the 127 and 128 models in the 1970s, which boosted market share. FIAT faced challenges during World War I and the 1980s, including a communist occupation in 1921 and subsequent shifts in leadership. In 2014, FIAT merged with Chrysler Group to form Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), and in 2021, FCA merged with PSA Group to create Stellantis. FIAT’s global operations include factories in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Poland and Mexico. The company has produced a wide range of vehicles, including railway engines, military vehicles, and tractors. As of 2018, FIAT’s European market share was around 5.8 percent, and it has received numerous international awards for its vehicles, including nine European Car of the Year awards. Currently, FIAT focuses on city cars and superminis, with a range of models including the 500, Panda, Grande Panda and Grizzly. The company’s presence extends to South America, where it has been a market leader in Brazil for many years, and North America, where it returned in 2009 with the FIAT 500.
