15 Interesting Facts About Fiat

Fiat, an Italian automobile manufacturer, is part of the Stellantis Group, following the merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group in 2021. Before the merger, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was the parent company of Fiat, created in 2014 when Fiat S.p.A. acquired Chrysler. Today, Stellantis owns a range of brands, including Fiat, Jeep, Chrysler, Peugeot, Citroën, and others.

Founded in 1899 by Giovanni Agnelli and other investors, Fiat grew to become one of Italy’s largest and most important automakers. The Agnelli family has retained a significant role in Fiat’s operations and continues to be one of the largest shareholders in Stellantis.

Market Position:

Fiat’s market share in the U.S. has decreased in recent years, but it still has a strong reputation in Europe, especially in its home country of Italy, where it remains one of the top-selling brands.

Revenue:

Fiat, as part of the Stellantis Group, contributed to Stellantis’ €179.6 billion in revenue for 2023. However, Fiat’s revenue as a standalone brand is estimated to be around €9 billion for the same year, focusing mainly on the production and sale of city cars, compact vehicles, and light commercial vehicles.

Interesting Facts About Fiat:

1. Iconic Fiat 500: The Fiat 500, originally launched in 1957, became a symbol of Italy’s post-war recovery and remains one of Fiat’s most recognizable models. Its relaunch in 2007 brought it back to prominence as a retro-styled city car.
2. Oldest Car Manufacturer in Italy: Fiat holds the title of Italy’s oldest car manufacturer, having been founded in 1899 in Turin.
3. Panda Popularity: The Fiat Panda, introduced in 1980, is one of the most successful models in the company’s history, with over 7.5 million units sold by 2023.
4. Electric Fiat 500: In 2020, Fiat launched the all-electric version of its iconic 500 model, positioning itself for the future of electric mobility. It quickly became one of Europe’s best-selling electric city cars.
5. Ownership of Ferrari: Fiat once owned Ferrari, having acquired a 50% stake in 1969, which later increased to 90%. However, Ferrari was spun off as an independent company in 2015.
6. Motorsport History: Fiat won multiple world championships in rally racing in the 1970s and 1980s, making a mark in motorsports with models like the Fiat 131 Abarth.
7. Massive Recall: In 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued one of the largest recalls in history, affecting 1.4 million vehicles due to cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
8. Fiat Multipla: The Fiat Multipla, launched in 1998, is widely considered one of the strangest car designs ever made. Despite its odd appearance, it was highly praised for its practicality.
9. Fiat Uno: Launched in 1983, the Fiat Uno was Fiat’s best-selling model globally, and it became one of the top-selling cars in Brazil and other South American markets.
10. Fiat and Chrysler Merger: Fiat saved Chrysler from bankruptcy during the financial crisis in 2009, eventually acquiring the company and forming Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2014.
11. First Car for Many Italians: The Fiat 500 became the first car for many Italian families in the 1950s and 60s, symbolizing affordable mobility in post-war Europe.
12. Best-Selling Electric City Car in Europe: The all-electric Fiat 500 became Europe’s best-selling electric city car in 2021, reinforcing Fiat’s commitment to transitioning towards sustainable vehicles.
13. Most Affordable Car in Europe: The Fiat Panda frequently holds the title of one of the most affordable cars to buy and maintain in Europe.
14. Largest Fiat Plant: Fiat’s Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, is one of the largest automobile production facilities in Europe, covering 2 million square meters.
15. Longest Production Model: The Fiat 500 holds the record as one of the longest-produced models, first launched in 1957 and reintroduced in modern form in 2007.

Famous Owners of Fiat:

1. Lady Gaga:
   • Car: Fiat 500.
   • Location: Spotted driving her Fiat 500 in Los Angeles.
   • Date: May 2016, while out shopping.
2. Leonardo DiCaprio:
   • Car: Fiat 500e (Electric).
   • Location: Seen driving the eco-friendly Fiat 500e in Los Angeles.
   • Date: August 2018.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo:
   • Car: Fiat Panda.
   • Location: The soccer star has been seen driving a Fiat Panda in his early career days in Portugal.
   • Date: 2004, before becoming a global football icon.
4. George Clooney:
   • Car: Fiat 500.
   • Location: Spotted in Italy, driving his Fiat 500 near his villa in Lake Como.
   • Date: July 2017, while vacationing.