History of the FIAT brand. Where and how FIAT Ducato is assembled for Russia Fiat whose company
Diversified concern "Fiat" is one of the largest European manufacturers of cars and equipment special purpose... Today we will talk about its history and popular models.
The history of the formation of the Fiat brand
The date of foundation of the Italian company is considered to be 1899. It was in this year that at a factory in the Italian city of Torino, a group of engineers opened a production for assembling passenger cars under Renault license. First own car Fiat was released in 1901. Simultaneously with the production of cars, the company mastered and began to produce aviation and ship power units... An important stage in the development of the company was 1912, in which serial, and most importantly, conveyor production of cars began at the new Lingotto factory. By this period, the company had started production of trucks and buses.
Before the start of the war, the company managed to become the leader of the European automotive industry, almost every year updating the model range of its passenger cars... In the post-war period, Fiat produced modernized pre-war cars.
After the sixties of the last century, the company embarked on a rapid development, and now Fiat is a manufacturer of a wide variety of equipment.
Products of Fiat subsidiaries
In our country, the Fiat brand is most associated with passenger cars. But the range of products produced by subsidiaries in different countries by Fiat manufacturers, is much broader and includes the following special equipment:
- excavators, bulldozers, loaders - CASE (construction equipment), New Holland Construction;
- combines, tractors, agricultural equipment - Case IH, Steyr;
- fire fighting equipment - Magirus;
- buses trolleybuses - Irisbus ("Irisbus");
- trucks - Astra ("Astra");
- military equipment - Iveco Defense Vehicles.
Fiat Powertrain Technologies specializes in the production of engines, transmissions, auto units and metalworking.
Automotive direction "Fiat"
The structure of the concern includes a number of well-known companies specializing in the production of automobiles. These are the following firms:
- Maserati ("Maserati") - business class cars, sports cars;
- Alfa Romeo ("Alfa Romeo") - passenger cars cars;
- Ferrari ("Ferrari") - exclusive sports and racing cars;
- Chrysler ("Chrysler") - cars, crossovers, SUVs;
- Lancia ("Lancia") - car models, minivans;
- Abarth - sports cars based on production Fiat models;
- Mopar - production of spare parts.
According to the location of the subsidiaries, the answer to the question of who manufactures Fiat should be the United States, where Chrysler is located, as a manufacturing country other than Italy.
Fiat-branded cars
In addition to the listed cars, produced by subsidiary manufacturers of Fiat in Europe and America, the following models of passenger cars are currently produced under their own name, shown in Table 1.
In addition to passenger cars under the name "Fiat", a commercial model of the "Ducato" minibus is produced in the following versions:
- Van.
- Combi.
- Chassis.
The van version has four modifications for passenger transport. On the basis of the combi and chassis versions, six truck versions and eight standard special vehicles are serially produced.
The manufacturer of Fiat Ducato in the country is the domestic company Sollers. The car is manufactured at the company's production facilities in the city of Elabuga.
Advantages of Fiat cars
With extensive experience in the development and production of cars (12 awards best car of the year), the company successfully uses it in conjunction with innovative technologies to produce modern models. Such a merger, along with a fairly diverse model range, contributes to a high demand for the brand's cars. In addition, the manufactured Fiat cars are characterized by the following advantages:
- individual design that forms a recognizable external image;
- the presence of a large number of modern driver assistance and safety systems;
- various versions of equipment, allowing you to choose the necessary equipment;
- powerful and economical power units;
- affordable cost;
- inexpensive service and low cost of spare parts;
- the possibility of purchasing the selected car under various credit and leasing programs;
- good demand in the secondary market.
The advantages include that the countries of manufacture of Fiat cars are completely different.
Sedan "Fiat Albea"
The company has developed a compact car specifically for Eastern Europe. I used the "Paleo" model as a base for the novelty. Taking into account the specifics of sales and the upcoming operating conditions, the following qualities were initially incorporated into the design of the car:
- high ground clearance;
- spacious interior with quality finishes;
- reinforced suspension;
- galvanized body;
- increased trunk volume;
- budget cost.
Original manufacturer " Fiat Albea"- this is Turkey. From here the sedan was exported to European countries. In the future, the number of countries of production of Fiat Albea increased, they became Poland and Russia.
In our country, the model was produced from 2000 to 2011 at the facilities of Sollers. Despite the cessation of sales of the small car in Russia, in Europe the Albea sedan is sold in three trim levels, and the cost ranges from 10.70 thousand to 12.90 thousand dollars.
Fiat Ducato
Minibus "Ducato" has been produced by the company since 1981. Distinctive features new items immediately became a large number of configuration options and the ability to install a choice of one of six power units. A modification of the 2016 model car is currently being produced and sold. The model became the leader in terms of sales among commercial vans. The following advantages of "Ducato" became the basis of such success:
- modern design;
- multifunctionality;
- availability of three wheelbase options;
- comfortable salon;
- increased power of body elements;
- reinforced suspension structure;
- carrying capacity;
- profitability in operation;
- affordable cost;
- rich equipment;
- powerful power units.
The main manufacturer of Fiat Ducato for European countries is SEVEL, located in Italy.
Placement of car production
Like all the leading car manufacturers in the world, the Italian company locates its production facilities in various countries in order to be closer to the most popular sales markets. Table 2 shows the Fiat-producing countries, where the largest production facilities of the concern are located and the models produced under the Fiat brand are presented.
It should be noted that there are assembly areas in the countries of Fiat producers in Egypt (African market) and China (Asian region).
Sale of small cars in Russia
In addition to the Ducato minibus, the following compact cars of the brand are currently sold in the salons of official dealers:
1. "500". Subcompact subcompact designed primarily for urban use. It has an unusual appearance, high safety (five stars from EURO NCAP), rich equipment, which already in the basic version includes:
- air conditioning;
- seven airbags;
- on-board computer;
- remote door opening;
- emergency braking assistant.
Also in the showrooms there are two sports modifications of this model under the designation 500GQ and 500 Sport.
2. "Punto". Compact passenger car, produced in 1993. It has a vibrant, dynamic design that creates a modern look. In our country, it is sold in four different configurations in a hatchback body. It has rich equipment, among which are:
- multifunctional steering wheel with electric booster and the ability to select a control mode;
- on-board computer;
- air conditioning;
- remote control lock;
- seven airbags;
- system "Start / Stop";
- various trim options.
When asked which country of origin is Fiat for Russian market, it should be answered that these are enterprises of Poland and Italy.
Minivan for domestic buyers
The appearance of the all-wheel drive model "Fremont" on domestic market is associated with the company's desire to increase the segment of cars sold in our country by entering the market of universal family cars. Cars of this class are quite popular in Russia.
Fremont has a powerful crossover styled exterior; in which stand out:
- multi-stage front bumper;
- wide wheel arches;
- large bonnet stamping lines;
- plastic overlays that mimic the front and rear protection.
Traditionally for Fiat models, the minivan has received rich equipment:
- multimedia complex with a touchscreen monitor;
- multifunction steering wheel;
- seats with a lot of adjustments;
- dual-zone climate control;
- 17-inch wheels;
- parking controller;
- starting the engine from the button;
- pressure and light sensors;
The cost of new items in domestic salons starts at 1.30 million rubles.
Fiat in Russia
The first Fiat cars appeared in our country in 1915, but deliveries did not last long. The next major and an important milestone the appearance of Italians in Russia, it is necessary to consider the construction of the Volga Automobile Plant and the creation of the production of passenger cars under the VAZ brand. The Fiat 124 subcompact was chosen as the basis for the first model of the new plant. The car was redesigned jointly by Italian and Soviet engineers for the possibility of operation in domestic conditions. After successful tests, the small car was put on the conveyor.
The new model turned out to be so successful that it underwent several modifications, and subsequent cars of the plant were developed on its basis, the production of which lasted almost until 2000.
In our time, the most successful result of cooperation is the production of a model of a minibus "Ducato" together with the Russian company Sollers. Several modifications of this model are made at the plant in Yelabuga. In addition, on the basis of Fiat Ducato, the manufacturer produces special-purpose vehicles.
Fiat Group is an Italian manufacturer of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, engines, and auto parts. The headquarters is located in Turin.
Since 2011, the company has been split into two subsidiaries: Fiat SpA, which manufactures passenger cars, and Fiat Industrial, which manufactures industrial vehicles.
In 2014, when the Italian automaker bought out 100% of Chrysler's shares, the decision was made to create a single company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which will be headquartered in the Netherlands.
The company was founded by Giovanni Agnelli together with several investors in 1899. The first car was the Corso Dante 35 with a 3.5 hp two-cylinder boxer engine placed at the rear. In 1900, the first factory of the brand was opened in Turin, which employed 150 people, the production capacity was 24 cars per year. When Agnelli visited Henry Ford's factories, the first car assembly line in Europe appeared at the Turin plant.
From 1901, the motor was placed in the front of the car. The first model with the new layout was the 8 PS, which received a three-speed gearbox and mechanical brakes on rear wheels... The liter engine could accelerate the car up to 45 km / h.
Fiat 8 PS (1901)
A year later, the 4.2-liter four-cylinder engine appears, and Giovanni Agnelli wins the Giro de Italia Automobilistico. In 1903, the first truck 18 BL. The following year, the wooden frame was replaced with a steel one, and a batch of luxury cars with a 10-liter engine with 60 hp was released.
In 1908, Fiat cars began to be exported to the United States. Around the same time, taxi brands became very popular in Europe.
In 1916, construction began on a plant called the Automobile Moscow Society (AMO) in Moscow. At this enterprise, Ryabushinskiy entrepreneurs began assembling Fiat 15 Ter cars. Prior to that, the Fiat-15 bis was popular with the Russian public, which took part in a military vehicle rally in 1912. In 1918 the company was nationalized. Since 1924, the plant produced soviet truck AMO-F-15, based on Fiat-15 Ter.
During World War I, Fiat produced aircraft engines, machine guns, trucks and ambulances. In the post-war years, the company returned to car manufacturing, produced its first tractor, and by the early 1920s had an 80 percent share of the Italian car market.
The company is experimenting with a compressor, which results in the development of a 12-cylinder V-engine with 187 hp. A car equipped with such an engine accelerated to 240 km / h.
In 1921, the company aims to conquer the luxury car segment with the 520 Superfiat, which was the only car in the world with a V12 engine. However, it was not popular with buyers: from 1921 to 1923, only 30 units of the model were built.
Fiat 520 Superfiat (1921-1923)
In 1925, the 509 is released, an inexpensive, reliable car, in which for the first time camshaft was in the back. Until 1929, about 90,000 units of the model were sold. In 1927, the first Fiat car appears with hydraulic drive brakes 521 C.
In the early 30s, the market needed inexpensive cars, so the brand is developing a budget 508 Balilla. It was distinguished by revolutionary low fuel consumption (8 liters per 100 km) and reliability. Equipped with a 1.0-liter 20 hp engine. the car accelerated to 85 km / h. For the entire production period, Fiat has produced 113,000 copies of the model.
In 1935 in Milan, the company presented a car using an aerodynamic body, a central tubular frame, independent suspension of the front wheels of the Dubonnet system and an overhead valve engine.
A year later, the legendary small car Topolino was released, which was sold for less than 508 Balilla. Its 0.6-liter engine developed 13 hp, but accelerated the car to 85 km / h. From that moment on, the brand has specialized in the production of inexpensive cars and abandons its premium ambition.
Fiat Topolino (1936-1955)
During the Second World War, military equipment was made on the basis of civilian vehicles. In the post-war period, the company's factories required the restoration and development of a new customer base. Due to complicity with the regime of Mussolini, Giovanni Agnelli was removed from the post of general director in 1945 and died soon after. His place was taken by Vittorio Valletta, who immediately set about the difficult task of restoring normal work.
The devastation of the post-war years put car companies in a difficult position not only for obvious reasons: destruction, impoverishment of the population, interruptions in supplies. It was not clear in what areas to develop, what machines to produce, what the market will demand in the near future. Fiat decided to go the beaten track and launched the 500 Topolino, which was successful even before the war. It was this car that helped her to stay afloat.
In 1950, a completely new model appeared - the Fiat 1400 with a monocoque body designed by the Pininfarina studio. The car received a short-stroke engine with a cylinder diameter of 82 m and a piston stroke of 55 mm. Later, he became the first car of the brand to receive a diesel engine.
A year later, the 1900 model is released, as well as the first Campacnola SUV. In 1952, the 8V sports car was presented, which became the first car of the brand with independent suspension all wheels. The body design was developed by Ghia. This model could accelerate to 190 km / h.
In 1955, the 500S Topolino was replaced by the 600, budget car, which has become truly massive because of its affordable price... It was this model that Soviet designers used to create the design of the first Zaporozhets. Fiat was equipped with a 600 cc air-cooled engine with 22 hp. With modest technical characteristics, it could accelerate to 100 km / h and placed four people inside.
Fiat 600 (1955-1969)
In 1961, a new family of rear-wheel drive cars appeared, designed by the designer Aurelio Lampredi, who previously worked at Ferrari. They also became the inspiration for Soviet designers: many elements were used on the Moskvich-408.
1966 was the year of the appearance of the Fiat 124, which immediately became the winner of the Car of the Year competition. Later, it was used in the design of the VAZ-2101, 2102 and 2103, the first mass Soviet cars. The Italians were engaged in the construction of the AVTOVAZ plant and equipped it with equipment.
In 1969, thanks to lucrative contracts with the USSR and Poland, the company feels financially secure to begin acquisitions. She primarily buys Lancia and Ferrari.
In 1972, the 131 Mirafiori replaced the 124. It was distinguished by its modern design and a range of different trim levels. Then comes the subcompact 126, which has become a cult.
In 1980, the brand introduced a new program, the first car of which was the angular Panda. In 1985, the front-wheel drive sedan Croma, developed in collaboration with Lancia and SAAB, is released. The model was equipped with in-line four-cylinder gasoline engines, including turbocharging. Diesel engines have also been proposed.
Fiat Panda (1980)
In 1986, the company buys Alfa Romeo and merges it into a new division of Alfa Lancia S.p.A.
In the 1990s, Italian automakers began to lose ground to competitors. Fiat was forced to leave the North American market due to the loss of credibility associated with the unreliability of cars. In 1995, the company buys Maserati, however, despite owning 90% of the market, the situation is deteriorating. In 2002, the company suffered a record loss of 4.2 billion euros.
In 2004, Sergio Marchionne became the head of the company, and the following year the brand became profitable again. The company focuses not on political and trade union issues, but on the development of the automotive business. The brand's success is largely dictated by two models - Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda. With these vehicles, the Italian automaker returned to the Canadian, US and Australian markets.
On January 20, 2009, Fiat SpA and Chrysler LLC announced their intention to form a global alliance. On January 1, 2014, Fiat became the owner of the American brand.
Today in Russia the interests of the brand are represented by ZAO Chrysler RUS. The Sollers factories assembled Fiat Albea models and Fiat Doblo(Naberezhnye Chelny), as well as Fiat Ducato (Elabuga).
In 2010, the Italian automaker intended to create a plant at Sollers-Naberezhnye Chelny as part of a joint venture project between Fiat and Sollers. The planned capacity of the enterprise was 500 thousand vehicles annually. The Russian government could provide a loan of 2.1 billion euros for the implementation of this project. However, a year later, the parties refused to implement it.
In 2013 Fiat was named the second largest carmaker in Europe and the seventh in the world. The company produces cars under the brands Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Ram Trucks and SRT. The brand is the market leader in Brazil, where the second largest plant after Italy is located. Also, Fiat enterprises are located in Argentina, Poland and Mexico. Numerous alliances and joint ventures allow vehicles to be assembled in Serbia, France, Turkey, India and China.
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, having one distinctive feature- the cars did not have a reverse gear.
In 1902, the custom-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 on the 8 HP.
In 1908, Fiat settled in the USA, where it created subsidiary Fiat Automobile Co.
The range of products is expanding: in addition to passenger cars, the company's production program now includes commercial vehicles, marine engines, trucks and trams.
For several years, Fiat has completely renewed its products: for the first time, batteries appeared on the company's cars. The introduction of the transmission with cardan joints, patented by FIAT, began.
Fiat racing cars continued to win various competitions and set several records.
In 1916, construction began on the Lingotto plant, led by Giacomo Mattè Trucco. The plant has become 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. When it entered service, it became a symbol of the Italian automotive industry.
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 car, went into production.
The main activity of the company was the mass production of 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 utilitarian car in the world is “Topolino”, which held out on the assembly line until 1955.
The war led to a significant decrease in the production of passenger cars, but at the same time, the production of commercial vehicles increased significantly. Having released two new models - 500
and 1400 - Fiat reaffirmed its commitment to research and innovation.
For the first time on mass cars, ventilation and interior heating systems were installed.
Research continued in the field of 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-engined 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 company's cars with a station wagon.
In addition, the Fiat 1800 appeared during these years, followed by the Fiat 1300 and the Fiat 1500.
In 1971, after the Fiat 850,
… The 127 appeared.
In 1979, the independent company Fiat Auto S.p.A. appeared, which included the following brands: Fiat, Lancia, Autobianchi, Abarth and Ferrari. At first, the company owned only 50% of Ferrari. Later, this share increased to 87%. In 1984, the company also acquired the Alfa Romeo brand, and in 1993, the prestigious sports car brand Maserati.
In 1980, the Fiat Panda, developed by the design studio Giugiaro, was released.
And two years later, the Fiat Uno appeared. The car has been applied the most advanced technology, innovative electronics, the latest materials and environmentally friendly 1000 Fire engines.
Another successful model - Tipo - appeared in 1989. For the advanced technical solutions applied in it, it was awarded the title “Car of the year”.
The Fiat Tempra debuted in 1990
A year later, in 1991, the 500 appeared.
In 1993 it was the turn of the Fiat Punto (he received the title “Car of the Year 1995”) and the Fiat Coupé. Its design was developed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Centro Stile Fiat.
With Fiat Ulysse, launched in 1994, the company entered one of the fastest growing market segments - the minivan segment.
1995 saw the debut of the Barchetta, Bravo and Brava models.
The following year they were joined by Fiat Marea and Fiat Marea WE, and in 1997 by Fiat Palio.
1998 was marked by the appearance of the wonderful city car Fiat Seicento,
And also the Multipla model, which was distinguished by its exceptional versatility.
Two years later, the Fiat Doblò was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show - a modern universal car, which also had a commercial version.
In addition, at the company's plant in Brazil, the production of three "worldwide" models was started at once: Palio, Palio Weekend and Siena.
2001 saw the start of production of the Fiat Stilo, featuring a modern design, cutting-edge technology and a host of 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), a 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 to be created by Fiat, but also the first to bear the new circular emblem that was created at Fiat's Centro Stile 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 exhilarating Grande Punto.
2006 saw the release of the new Doblò and Sedici, the 4x4x TUTTI urban crossover official car 2006 Winter Olympics.
There was also an updated Panda 2007 model year with an extended range of modifications.
2007 kicked off with the launch of the new Bravo, the first to carry a redesigned Fiat emblem.
The new Bravo and the new logo are a confirmation of the new direction of the company.
In the same year, the Fiat 500 was reincarnated. light hand Designers, the car has changed: the classic forms have received a new interpretation.
In 2011, the FIAT Freemont crossover was released - the result of a collaboration between Chrysler and Fiat engineers. The machine is a balanced family car, which has a modern European design and offers its owner a high level of comfort.
FIAT (FIAT, Fabrica Italiana Automobili Torino), the largest Italian automotive corporation. It produces cars, sports cars, trucks, various industrial and agricultural machinery. The corporation also owns enterprises for the production of aerospace products. The headquarters is located in Turin. The company was founded in 1899 by a group of investors, including Giovanni Agnelli, and began assembling cars under Renault license with De Dion engines. From the very beginning, Agnelli brought into the organization of production his socialist ideals about the possibility of cooperation between entrepreneurs and workers.
In 1903, tariffs on imported steel were abolished in Italy, which led to a rapid expansion of production: the original passenger taxis, trucks, and buses appeared, and the production of engines for aircraft and ships began. Fiat vehicles intended for elite buyers have achieved constant popularity not only in the Italian but also in the world market. At the same time, the Fiat brand was gaining recognition in car racing, finishing with brands such as Lancia, Storero, Miller and Nazzaro. For the first time in Europe, the FIAT automobile company loudly declared itself as an original manufacturer with the S61 model with a 10.5-liter engine, winning the Grand Prix in France in 1911.
Soon Giovanni Agnelli concluded that it was necessary to move forward from handicraft to industrial production, and in 1912 he launched mass production of cars under the F.I.A.T. He was one of the first to realize that every car manufacturer needs its own style, which should be developed by a stylist. This ideology was pioneered by the 1912 Tipo Zero. The design of the car did not differ in originality and was similar to the models of other companies. And to give the "face" of the car individuality, Agnelli obliged his craftsmen to develop six different radiator covers. F.I.A.T. and Alfa Romeo were the first to order bodies for their series production from the likes of Locati & Toretta, and then from Zagato and Touring.
From the very beginning, Fiat has established production and production abroad. An example of this is the Poughkeepsie plant in the United States of America, which opened in 1909. This approach fully reflected the views of Giovanni Agnelli, who was already planning the development of methods to strengthen control over the production system. The result was the Lingotto project - in those days the largest automobile complex in Europe, which began production in 1922. This project was based on a certain strategy: to make a car intended not for the elite and available only to a few, but a car of mass production. This was done thanks to completely new principles of industrial organization of production, based on the assembly line of the conveyor type.
The First World War made FIAT one of the leaders in the Italian automotive industry. By the early 1920s, FIAT was already becoming the largest company Italy. The skillful administrator of the company, Vittorio Valletta, also contributed a lot to this. But in 1919-1920, FIAT and Agnelli personally had to endure a series of powerful strikes, accompanied by the seizure of enterprises and office premises. The leaders of the insurgent workers were the communists Antonio Gramsci and Palmiro Togliatti. The production was virtually destroyed. After coming to power, Mussolini Agnelli returns to the leadership. In 1927, the IFI holding was created, designed to manage FIAT. The Agnelli family still plays the leading role in the holding. In 1932, the Balilla made its debut, the production of which soon reached 113,000 pieces.
In 1936, the "Topolino" (or "FIAT-500") appeared, a two-seater car with a 569 cc engine, the smallest car in the world launched into mass production. First, the shape and volume of the body were invented, and only after that engineer Dante Giacosa began to think about the order of the arrangement under it of all the components and assemblies of the chassis with rear drive wheels, designing them in the form of a short and light frame with holes in the side members to reduce weight ... The required rigidity was acquired only after attaching the inclined body to the frame. This famous car from 1936 to 1955 was sold in the amount of 519 thousand pieces. The various models of this car were intended to increase interest in Italy and thereby trigger an overall increase in the number of cars.
During the Second World War, FIAT enterprises were significantly destroyed, and after the liberation of Italy, they were nationalized. However, Vittorio Valletta continued to actually run the company. After the war, when the production boom began, a lot of new models began to roll off the assembly line: two-door sedan Fiat 500, station wagons Fiat 1100B and 1500D, and a year later Fiat 500C, 1100E and 1500E. The 1950s began with the launch of the Fiat 1400, a monocoque model which, since 1953, was the first Italian car also available in diesel version. In the same year, Mirafiori produced the 1100/103 sedan and the versatile 103 TV.
In half a decade, the little “Seicentos” and “Cinquecentos” will change the face of Italy, making the car accessible to everyone. Released in the millions, these cars introduced Italians to the rest of the world and became a symbol of the economic miracle embodied in the country's industrial transformation. In the early 60s, the company was privatized again. The grandchildren of G. Agnelli Sr., Umberto and Giovanni Jr. became the head of the concern, bringing new approaches to the organization of production. Taking into account the far-sighted intuition of management personnel, the company released the Fiat 850 subcompact car, produced in an amount of 3 million units. In 1966, Giovanni Agnelli, the founder's grandson, became Chairman of the company and initiated a number of projects to strengthen the company's position in the global market.
It was in 1966 that Fiat signed an agreement with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the construction of the Volga automobile plant VAZ in the city of Stavropol-on-Volga, not without irony renamed by the communist government in honor of Togliatti, who nearly killed FIAT in the 1920s. The production capacity of VAZ was 2000 cars 124 per day. FIAT has firmly entered our life with the construction of the Volga Automobile Plant, which gave the country many millions of cars, a huge number of jobs at the head plant and related factories. The Fiat model is still being produced by the VAZ.
After all, "2105" and "2106" in terms of technical content are almost twins of the 124th "Fiat". So we can safely speak of this concern as the "boss" of the Soviet passenger car industry. It is impossible to imagine today's highways and city streets without Zhiguli. Moreover, when the "Russian fiat" was sold abroad (in export performance), due to the lower price, they successfully competed with the "Italians". Even now, the middle class of society is aimed at VAZ cars, and many prefer the "classics", that is, FIAT-124 in the past. FIAT-124 was named Car of the Year already in 1967 - 30 years ago. Lucky model!
In 1969, the Lancia company was incorporated into FIAT. At the same time, in parallel with the emergence of various models from the “Dino” to the 128, 130, 127 and 126 series, Fiat was building car factories in southern Italy, Poland and Brazil, spreading Italian automotive know-how around the world. including the experience gained after acquiring such well-known brands as “Autobianchi” and “Lancia”. During the period spanning the oil crisis of the 70s, the emphasis was on improving finished products and manufacturing processes, which helped to achieve higher levels of automation and production through more efficient automotive methods. Production of Ritmo, started in 1978 with Robogate, a revolutionary automation system, has taken the company to a new level of development. The turning point in the history of the automobile concern "Fiat" was 1983, when the famous "Uno" was first released, a car that offered a wide range of innovations: in electronics, in the use of alternative materials, engine design and so on.
In 1980, a compact car was introduced in Geneva FIAT Panda... For 20 years of production, FIAT has offered 60 variants of the Panda model. The total number of cars produced is 4 million units. Despite its rather unassuming look, Panda was developed in the ItalDesign studio under the direction of maestro D. Giugiaro. Today this model is one of the cheapest in Western Europe. FIAT Uno debuted in March 1983 in Geneva. It was the “number one” lineup - Uno that remained the most popular in the Apennine Peninsula for more than a decade. FIAT Uno was removed from the assembly line in Italy in May 1995 and transferred for production to the Polish plant FlAT-Polsca (former FSM) in Bielsko-Biala, the Turkish division of TOFAS-FIAT, as well as the Egyptian branch of El Nasr, where these models are still produced. ...
On the Italian conveyor, FIAT Uno was replaced by the successor - FIAT Punto. Large front-wheel drive Fiat Croma, presented by the main Italian automaker in December 1985, a hatchback with a stepped rear door, a comfortable and spacious trunk, the so-called “2.5 volumetric”, this model was designed on a single, as it was then called, “pan-European” platform The “TIPO 4”, on which the Lancia Thema, SAAB 9000 and Alfa Romeo 164 were still based. The Croma lasted on the assembly line until 1996, when demand for it completely dropped, and FIAT considered it unnecessary to continue its presence in this class.
In 1986, the Fiat Group acquires Alfa Romeo and its subsidiaries, thus strengthening its position in the global market. The company's policy made it possible to soon introduce on the market a new model Alfa 164, which found a response in the hearts of ardent fans. legendary brand... The Alfa 164 was followed by a series of models, among which was the Alfa 156, which was launched in 1997 and became “Car of the Year”. The five-door Tipo hatchback debuted in January 1988, the Tempra four-door streamlined three-box six-window sedan in February 1990, the Tempra Station Wagon five-door station wagon (also called the FIAT Tempra) and the RIT Marengo van in May 1990. These models are made on a single platform, but their design is somewhat different. On the same technological platform, the FIAT concern also released similar in size, but more expensive and prestigious models of the C and D segments - Lancia Delta and Alfa Romeo 33, and Lancia Dedra with Alfa 155.
The exterior of the Tipo resembles the up-scaled previous bestseller on the market, the FIAT Uno, and yet the prestigious title of “Car of the Year 1989” went to him. However, Tipo did not receive wide recognition in the market. In October 1995, the Tipo and Tempra range was replaced in Italy by the Bravo / Brava and Magea model families. Punto / Sporting is a very small class front wheel drive vehicle (3 and 5 door hatchback). The most popular in the class, 17 basic models (including a convertible). GT is the most powerful modification. Debut - autumn 1993. New generation of this model - July 1999. Fiat Coupe based on Fiat Bravo is one of the cheapest models of this type.
Coupe Turbo is the most powerful modification with high dynamic characteristics and max. speed of 250 km / h, a competitor of compressor Mercedes-Benz CLK and Porsche Boxter. The model was first introduced in November 1993. In the summer of 2000, at the Turin Motor Show, a new coupe 2.0 20V Turbo Plus with a 220-horsepower engine and a 6-speed gearbox was shown. FIAT Ulysse, transverse engine minivan with front wheel drive. Produced jointly by Peugeot / Citroen and Fiat / Lancia. The premiere of an extensive family of 7-8-seater single-volume wagons with increased capacity within the joint project U60 of FIAT and PSA took place in January 1994.
All models based on a common platform are manufactured in the new NordSEVEL plant in northern France. At the beginning of 1996, a cargo and cargo-passenger family (U64) of FIAT Scudo / Citroen Jumpy / Peugeot Expert mini-vans, unified in chassis and partly bodies with minivans of the U60 family, were presented on the market. The U64 platform replaced the FIAT Talento short wheelbase model. For the first time, the Fiat Barchetta was presented in the spring of 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show and was recognized as the most beautiful convertible in the salon. This is a front-wheel drive sports convertible - a spider with an open or rigid removable top; is made on the basis of Fiat Punto, a joint development of Fiat and the design studio Pininfarina.
In the summer of 2000, at the Turin Motor Show, the "luxury" equipment Barchetta Riviera was shown. Fiat Bravo / Brava, class C cars with transverse engine and front wheel drive. The latest generation of Golf-class hatchbacks (segment C, by European classification) the FIAT concern presented in September 1995. And very successfully - the two-piece Bravo / Brava won the honorary title “Car of 1996”. Fiat Marea is a European class D model based on the Brava platform, but longer and more spacious than the latter. The “luxury” version of the HLX has an electrically adjustable driver's seat, two side airbags and a six-speaker “Hi-Fi” stereo system.
The model was first introduced in July 1996. In 1998, the “Arctic” version of the Fiat Marea was developed especially for Russia. 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 model with a station wagon began. In 1998, the Fiat Palio station wagon was supplied to the European market. In 2000, the 3- and 5-door Palio hatchbacks joined the Weekend station wagon.
In March-April 1998, the FIAT Seicento, a very small class car, was presented in Turin. Like the Panda, this machine belongs to the European size class A. Produced in Poland, sold on the European market. Basic versions are produced: Young, S, SX, Citymatic, Suite, Sporting, as well as the Seicento Elettra electric car. For the first time the Multipla model was presented in autumn 1998. It is a mid-range minivan - the first car of its kind in its class. The revived name of the plural compact car 50s. In the summer of 2000, a new Special series appeared with a higher level of equipment.
In October 2000, the company launched the Doblo utility model at the Paris Motor Show. This vehicle is offered in both passenger and cargo versions ( Doblo cargo). Stilo has been sold in Italy since October 6, 2002. The three-door hatchback, which replaces the Bravo model, is addressed to fans of active driving. In turn, the 5-door car (it replaces the Fiat Brava) is a “family” variant. The Fiat Stilo will be produced for six to seven years. The total planned production volume is 2.5 million cars. The concern gradually acquired the bankrupt companies and today FERRARI, LANCIA, and ALFA ROMEO have gathered under the “roof” of FIAT. He also owns several tractor factories.
©. Photos taken from publicly available sources.
FIAT S.p.A. (™: FIAT is an acronym for Italian. Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, translated Italian car factory Turin) is an Italian manufacturer of cars, engines, financial and industrial association based in Turin (Piedmont region).
Fiat car assembly facilities are located all over the world. The largest plant located outside Italy is located in Brazil. Also, its production sites are located in Argentina and Poland. Fiat has long licensed its products worldwide, regardless of political or cultural beliefs. Joint ventures are located in France, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, India and China.
FIAT activities
The group's activities were initially focused on the production of commercial vehicles, industrial and agricultural equipment. During its existence, the company has expanded its activities to many other areas in manufacturing and financial services. It is the largest Italian and world-significant concern, with 1,063 companies taking part in its activities with a total of 223,000 employees, 111,000 of which are employed in 61 countries outside Italy. Automotive
Fiat Group is the largest vehicle manufacturer in Italy, producing a wide range of vehicles from microcars to Ferrari sports cars, vans and trucks (from Ducato to Iveco). In addition to Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A, the Fiat Group includes the following companies:- Ferrari S.p.A.
- Iveco S.p.A.
- Maserati S.p.A ..
- Abarth & C. S.p.A.
- Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A.
- Fiat Automobiles S.p.A.
- Fiat Professional
- Lancia Automobiles S.p.A.
The company manufactures cars under the brands Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ferrari, Maserati and trucks under the Iveco brand. Fiat is also one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural and construction equipment in the world. A long-term crisis forced the company to sell aircraft building, publishing and a number of other divisions.
Unlike passenger cars, FIAT has a traditionally strong position in the field of commercial vehicles. In April 2009, the Fiat Professional brand set a historic sales record, reaching a market share of 14.9% Western Europe... This figure propelled Fiat into the top spot among commercial vehicle manufacturers.
The International European Car of the Year award has been awarded to Fiat Group 12 times more than any other company.
Agricultural and construction equipment
Fiat Group is owned by CNH Global (which includes Case Construction, Case IH, Flexi-Coil, Kobelco, New Holland, New Holland Construction and Steyr) and Fiat-Hitachi Construction. CNH is the second largest agricultural equipment manufacturer in the world (after Deere & Company.). CNH is also the third largest construction equipment manufacturer (after Caterpillar Inc. and Komatsu). CNH accounts for approximately 20% of Fiat Group's profits.Commercial vehicles
Commercial vehicles (Iveco and Seddon Atkinson), buses (Iveco and Irisbus) and fire trucks (Camiva, Iveco and Magirus), Ariete military vehicles.A list of some of Fiat's small commercial vehicles: Fiat Ducato, Fiat Scudo and Fiat Doblò Cargo.
Motorcycles
In 1959, Piaggio came under the control of the Agnelli family. As a result, in 1964, the aviation and motorcycle divisions were split into independent companies: the airline was named IAM Rinaldo Piaggio. Today the airline is owned by the Piero Ferrari family, who also still owns 10% of the Ferrari automaker.Vespa flourished until 1992, when Javalli Alberto Agnelli became CEO - but by that time Agnelli was already sick with cancer and died in 1997. In 1999, Morgan Grenfell acquired Piaggio.
Aircraft construction
Fiat itself was a large aircraft manufacturer, specializing mainly in the production of military aircraft. After the First World War, Fiat merged several small Italian aircraft manufacturers (Pomilio, Ansaldo, etc.). The most famous Fiat biplane fighters of the 1930s are the Fiat CR.32 and Fiat CR.42. Other notable developments of the CR.20, G.50, G.55 fighters and the Fiat BR.20 bomber. In the 1950s, the company developed the Aeritalia G.91 lightweight ground attack aircraft. Subsequently, Fiat Aviazione merged with Aerfer to form the new Aeritalia company.History of FIAT
- In 1899 FIAT was founded by a group of investors, including Giovanni Agnelli
- In 1969 The Fiat group gained control of the Lancia automobile company, founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia.
- In the 1980s and especially in the 1990s, due to reliability problems, the prestige of the FIAT brand dropped dramatically. In 1984, FIAT was forced to leave the US market, in 1989 - from the Australian market. In the late 1990s, Fiat Auto (the automotive division of the concern) became unprofitable. The losses reached a record value in 2002 - 4.2 billion euros. In January 2003, the permanent president of the company, G. Agnelli, Jr., died.
- In 2005 produced more than 1.697 million vehicles (4% less than in 2004). In 2005, the revenue of Fiat S.p.A. fell 17% to $ 55.1 billion, profit was $ 148 million.
- In 2005 For the first time in a long time, FIAT was able to end the year with a profit. In 2006, FIAT's share of the European market rose to 7.6%. In 2007, the net profit of the Fiat S.p.A. increased by 78% - to 2.05 billion euros. In 2008, due to the global economic crisis, the group's profit declined, but FIAT's share in the European market rose to 8.3%.
- In 2009 the concern faced serious financial difficulties. Losses of Fiat Group for the 1st half of 2009 amounted to 590 million euros, while in the same period a year earlier the company received a net profit of 1.07 billion euros. The company associates losses, in particular, with the global financial crisis.
