All for car recovery

Founded on 11th July 1899 it was Giovanni Agnelli who through his purpose and imagination for the company became the Managing Director. 

Fiat is an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (Italian Car Factory of Turin). 

Giovanni's grandson Gianni then became chairperson from 1966 until his death in 2003. 

The first factory was opened in 1900 with 150 workers 

During the 1930's trucks and commercial vehicles underwent considerable development and also the railway and aviation sectors grew. 

In the war years there was a great reduction in the production of cars, whilst commercial vehicles grew considerably. Fiat made military vehicles for the Italian Army and Air Force. 

In 1945 the presidency of Fiat was taken over by Vittorio Valletta. 

In 1948 the plants that were ruined in the war were completed and profits started to increase as did the number of employees. 

After the war Fiat introduced its very first tractor. 

Betwixt 1957 and 1975 the popular Fiat 505 was produced. This was a cheap and very practical car and measured just 9 feet 9 inches long. It was powered by a little 479cc 2 cylinder air cooled engine and was considered to be one of the first "city cars". 

The Fiat was also rear engined exactly like the Volkswagen beetle. 

Despite its little size the 500 proved very popular throughout Europe. 

Production of the 500 ceased in 1975 and the Fiat 126 was introduced 2 years earlier. The 126 was never quite as popular although it was well known for its mechanical durability and thriftiness. 

In 1978 the "Robogate" system was created which was so named because of the new robotized system that was used for assembling the bodywork. 

In 1980 the Fiat Panda was born. Within the next two years the Fiat Uno was also introduced. In 1989 the Tipo was voted "Car of the Year" for its cutting edge solutions. 

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