Fiat

Fiat Automobiles S.p.A. is one component of Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A, which itself is a fully owned subsidiary of Fiat S.pA. Based in Italy since its inception in 1899, Fiat Automobiles S.p.A. produces automobiles with the Fiat brand, while other vehicles are produced by other components of Fiat Group Automobiles. Its parent company, Fiat S.p.A. owns a majority stake in Chrylser LLC and is one of the largest automakers in Europe.

History of Fiat

Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors that included Giovanni Agnelli, whose grandson continued on as the chairman of the company until 1996. Even after that, Agnelli’s grandson remained honorary chairman up until his death in 2003. Although Fiat is a publicly traded company, a holding company controlled by the Agnelli family is still the largest shareholder (at about 30 percent) of both Fiat S.p.A. and Fiat Industrial S.p.A, which was spun off from the main company in 2011.

The name “Fiat” was originally an acronym that stood for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili, although FIAT was already being rendered as Fiat by 1906. By that time, the company had already expanded its line from cars to include truck production. Within a few years, operations were expanded into the United States and Fiat produced its first aircraft engine. The company has also produced motorcycles, locomotives, agricultural equipment, and even weaponry.

Today, Fiat has operations all over the world, including Europe, South America, North America (Mexico), Africa, China, India, and Russia. With its parent company’s acquisition of Chrylser LLC, Fiat’s reach has also been extended once more into the United States.

Vital Fiat Data

Founded: Turin, Italy (1899)*
Current headquarters: Turin, Italy
Yearly production: 1,455,650 vehicles (2010)
Owner: Fiat S.p.A.

*Fiat Group Automobiles founded in 1979

Fiat Contact Information

North America

Phone: 888.242.6342

Mailing Address
FIAT Customer Care
Box 21-8004
Auburn Hills, MI
48321-8004