Until a few years ago, the FIAT was not a car that you would often see driving around the roadways. The FIAT brand has taken a strong hold here in the U.S., but where did it all begin?
History of FIAT
FIAT, the popular acronym that stands for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, is an Italian car company that has its roots in Italy’s age of industrialization. The company was started in 1899 by innovator Giovanni Agnelli. Agnelli was soon named the Managing Director of the company in 1902 for his innovative ideas and firm belief in the company’s future.
Carsco Dante was the site of the FIAT’s fist factory in 1900, employing 150 people and turning out 24 vehicles in its first year of business. Since that time the company faced quite a few ups and downs. World War One and World War Two both hindered the automaker, with the second World War nearly stopping production of its vehicles altogether. After the war, factories were restored and production resumed.
FIAT 500 USA
Although North America had been introduced to FIAT in the company’s early stages of life, it wasn’t until its reintroduction in March of 2011 that the brand made was able to make a statement. The FIAT 500 USA debut was met with great success, and more and more FIAT models are being seen on the roads across the country today. Aside from the FIAT 500, other models include the FIAT 500c, FIAT 500e, FIAT 500l and the FIAT Abarth.
Bring on the Awards
FIAT has certainly succeeded in making a name for itself, with over 80 awards received internationally. FIAT was named the 2008 European Car of the Year and in 2009 it won the award for World Car Design of the Year. FIAT has also been recognized for its innovative technology, winning the Best New Engine of 2010 for its 1.4L 16v MultiAir engine that improves power by 10% and torque by 15%.
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