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During a phase of increasing consumption, Sava, a holding
company was set up to promote instalment plans for purchasing
cars.
IFI, Istituto Finanziario Industriale, was also established
at that time.
Falling back on the domestic market
During the years of Mussolini's autarchic policy, Fiat
too had to rescale its plans for international presence
and concentrate on the domestic market. In the Thirties
trucks and commercial vehicles underwent considerable
technological development and at the same time the aviation
and railway sectors grew.
The new cars
In 1934 and 1936 two cars came out and were destined
to an enormous public: the "Balilla", also
called "Tariffa minima" due to its low consumption
of fuel, and the "Topolino", the smallest
utilitarian car in the world, which was produced until
1955.
The Mirafiori factory
In 1937 works started for the great Mirafiori plant,
which introduced the most advanced principles of industrial
organisation and confirmed company focus on mass production.
Second World War
During the war years there was a drastic reduction in
the production of cars, while the construction of commercial
vehicles increased considerably.
Changes in the top management
In 1945 Senator Giovanni Agnelli died and the presidency
of the Fiat was assumed by Vittorio Valletta.
Post-war recovery
In 1948 the reconstruction of the plants destroyed during
the war was completed, also thanks to the American subsidies
from the Marshall plan.
Profits started to grow and the number of employees
also increased.
Commitment to research
With two new cars such as the 500 and the 1400, Fiat
confirmed its commitment to research and innovation.
For the first time the heating and ventilation systems
were installed in mass production.
Research continued on marine and aircraft engines: in
1951 the first Italian jet aircraft came into being,
the G80. |
Fiat
was founded
On 11 July 1899 at Palazzo Bricherasio, the company
charter of "Società Anonima Fabbrica Italiana
Automobili Torino" was signed. Among the members
of the Board of Directors, Giovanni Agnelli stood
out in the group of investors and won recognition
for his determination and strategic vision.
In 1902 he became the Managing Director of the company.
The first factory was opened
The first factory was opened in 1900 in Corso Dante.
150 workers were employed there and produced 24 cars,
among which the 3/12 HP, not yet fitted with reverse
gear.
The Fiat logo, oval on a blue background and designed
by Biscaretti, was adopted in 1904.
First wins in the races
The first Car Tour of Italy saw 9 Fiat cars arrive
at the finish line.
The first real competition car, a 24 HP driven by
Vincenzo Lancia, won the Sassi-Superga uphill race
in 1902.
Giovanni Agnelli himself ran in the Second Tour of
Italy and set a record in an 8 HP.
Fiat expands outside Italy
Fiat had already proved to be heading toward the most
promising markets and in 1908 Fiat Automobile Co.
was founded in the United States.
In those years the company grew and new companies
sprung up with specific functions.
Production increased: cars were flanked by commercial
vehicles, marine engines, trucks, trams.
The company renovates its production
In a few years Fiat completely renovated its production:
the cars were fitted with electrical accumulators
for the first time. The cardan transmission, a FIAT
patent, began to be used.
Fiat cars continued to shine in the competitions and
set several records. The Lingotto factory
In 1916 the construction of Lingotto started under
the direction of Giacomo Mattè Trucco.
The Factory, the largest in Europe, occupied five
floors and had a futuristic test track on the roof.
It soon became the emblem of the Italian automotive
industry and was completed in 1922.
Fiat expands to new sectors
In the meantime Fiat expanded its activities to the
steel industry, the railway, electricity and public
transportation lines.
Fiat Lubrificanti was established and the first Italian
subsidiary was opened in Russia.
When the War broke out, company production was almost
entirely aimed at supplying the army.
Post-war crisis and recovery
After the war there were years of transformation and
crisis but as early as 1923 growth resumed thanks
to an effective cost-curbing policy.
Giovanni Agnelli became the CEO. Numerous car models
were launched, among which the 509, the first car
with four seats.
Development of the Company
The policy adopted by the company was to develop industrial
mass production. Mass production was launched as the
only way to curb the prohibitive prices of cars.
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