Fiat Cars

Since its establishment in 1899, Fiat has held a big role in the automotive world. From the first time the cars appeared on dealer lots, they have undergone a lot of changes. Today, the Fiat Company makes so much more than just cars; its logo has become a bit of a status symbol because of the manufacturer's history of making quality cars.

The History of Fiat Cars

The company's charter was signed on July 11, 1899, with Giovanni Agnelli on the director's board. However, he quickly set himself apart as the "innovator" of the company; he was determined that Fiat would succeed. Agnelli became the managing director in 1902.

Fiat's First Races and its First Factories

The first Fiat plant opened in 1900 in Carso Dante, and had 150 employees. The first year, the plant produced 24 cars, including the 3 1/2 CV. By 1904, the Fiat logo had been redesigned, and when the first Car Tour was hosted in Italy, 9 Fiats finished the race.

In 1908, the Fiat Automobile Company was opened in the United States. From there, it grew at a rapid pace; a Fiat was a luxury item for Americans because it cost thousands more than a comparable domestic car. Fiat eventually expanded its product lines to include trucks, commercial vehicles and boat engines.

1912-1925

During this time, Fiat had new leadership in Giacomo Malle Trucco, who built the Lingotto factory. That plant was to be the largest in Europe, and it was finished in 1922. During World War I, Fiat turned its focus to the war effort, supplying the Allies with airplanes, vehicles and weapons.

When the war was over, the Fiat company went through a trying time; company plants were confiscated by the Italian Socialist Party for a brief period. By 1923, Fiat was growing again, due partly to some good cost-cutting practices. However, they saw fit to establish health care benefits for their workers, as well as athletic clubs and schools.

The War Years and After

When Mussolini took over in Italy, Fiat had to set aside its plans for international growth in order to aid in the war effort. When World War II started, Fiat almost entirely stopped making cars, instead churning out weapons, aircraft and military vehicles. President Giovanni Agnelli died in 1945, and Vittorio Valletta took over to lead the company out of the wartime slump.

Fast forward to today, and Fiat continues the tradition of superior technology and innovation into the 21st century. With a new line of engines and car models, Sergio Marchionne and Chairman Luca di Montezemolo have led the company since 2004. Together, they have improved the Fiat Company's financial standing, and as of last year, Fiat was still strong enough to take a controlling interest in the floundering American car maker Chrysler. Fiat has a long tradition of quality and pioneering technology, and its partnership with Chrysler will bring that reputation to a much larger market.