Diversified concern "Fiat" is one of the largest European manufacturers of cars and equipment special purpose... Today we will talk about its history and popular models.

The history of the formation of the Fiat brand

The date of foundation of the Italian company is considered to be 1899. It was in this year that at a factory in the Italian city of Torino, a group of engineers opened a production for assembling passenger cars under Renault license. First own car Fiat was released in 1901. Simultaneously with the production of cars, the company mastered and started to produce aircraft and ship power units. An important stage in the development of the company was 1912, in which serial, and most importantly, conveyor production of cars began at the new Lingotto factory. By this period, the company began production trucks and buses.

Before the start of the war, the company managed to become the leader of the European automotive industry, almost every year updating the model range of its passenger cars... In the post-war period, Fiat produced modernized pre-war cars.

After the sixties of the last century, the company embarked on a rapid development, and now Fiat is a manufacturer of a wide variety of equipment.

Products of Fiat subsidiaries

In our country, the Fiat brand is most associated with passenger cars. But the range of products produced by subsidiaries in different countries manufacturers "Fiat" is much broader and includes the following special equipment:

• excavators, bulldozers, loaders - CASE (construction equipment), New Holland Construction;
• combines, tractors, agricultural equipment - Case IH, Steyr;
• fire fighting equipment - Magirus ("Magirus");
• buses trolley buses - Irisbus ("Irisbus");
• trucks - Astra ("Astra");
• military equipment - Iveco Defense Vehicles.

Fiat Powertrain Technologies specializes in the production of engines, transmissions, auto units and metalworking.

Automotive direction "Fiat"

The structure of the concern includes a number of famous companiesspecializing in the production of cars. These are the following firms:

• Maserati ("Maserati") - business class cars, sports cars;
• Alfa Romeo ("Alfa Romeo") - passenger cars;
• Ferrari ("Ferrari") - exclusive sports and racing cars;
• Chrysler ("Chrysler") - cars, crossovers, SUVs;
• Lancia ("Lancia") - car models, minivans;
• Abarth ("Abarth") - sports cars based on production models "Fiat";
• Mopar - production of spare parts.

According to the location of the subsidiaries, the answer to the question of who manufactures Fiat should be the United States, where Chrysler is located, as a manufacturing country other than Italy.

Fiat-branded cars

In addition to the listed cars, produced by subsidiaries of Fiat in Europe and America, under their own name are currently produced following models passenger cars listed in Table 1.

In addition to passenger cars under the name "Fiat", a commercial model of the "Ducato" minibus is produced in the following versions:

1. Van.
2. Combi.
3. Chassis.

The van variant has four modifications for passenger transportation... On the basis of the combi and chassis versions, six cargo variants and eight standard special vehicles are serially produced.

The manufacturer of Fiat Ducato in the country is the domestic company Sollers. The car is manufactured at the company's production facilities in the city of Elabuga.

Advantages of Fiat cars

With extensive experience in the development and production of cars (12 awards best car year), the company successfully uses it in conjunction with innovative technologies to produce modern models. Such a merger, along with a fairly diverse lineup contributes to the high demand for cars of the brand. In addition, the manufactured Fiat cars are characterized by the following advantages:

• individual design that forms a recognizable external image;
• the large number modern systems driver assistance and safety;
• various versions of equipment, allowing you to choose the necessary equipment;
• powerful and economical power units;
• affordable cost;
• inexpensive service and low cost of spare parts;
• the possibility of purchasing the selected car under various credit and leasing programs;
• good demand in the secondary market.

The advantages include that the countries of manufacture of Fiat cars are completely different.

Sedan "Fiat Albea"

The company has developed a compact car specifically for Eastern Europe. I used the "Paleo" model as a base for the novelty. Taking into account the specifics of sales and the upcoming operating conditions, the following qualities were initially incorporated into the design of the car:

• high ground clearance;
• spacious interior with high quality finishes;
• reinforced suspension;
• galvanized body;
• increased trunk volume;
• budget cost.

Fiat Albea's original manufacturer is Turkey. From here the sedan was exported to European countries. In the future, the number of countries producing "Fiat Albea" increased, they were Poland and Russia.

In our country, the model was produced from 2000 to 2011 at the facilities of Sollers. Despite the cessation of sales of a small car in Russia, in Europe, the Albea sedan is sold in three trim levels, and the cost ranges from 10.70 thousand to 12.90 thousand dollars.

Fiat Ducato

Minibus "Ducato" has been produced by the company since 1981. Distinctive features new items immediately became a large number of configuration options and the ability to install a choice of one of six power units. A modification of the 2016 model car is currently being produced and sold. The model has become the leader in terms of sales among commercial minibuses. The following advantages of "Ducato" became the basis of such success:

• modern design;
• multifunctionality;
• availability of three wheelbase options;
• comfortable salon;
• increased power of body elements;
• reinforced suspension structure;
• carrying capacity;
• efficiency in operation;
• affordable cost;
• rich equipment;
• powerful power units.

The main manufacturer of Fiat Ducato for European countries is SEVEL, located in Italy.

Placement of car production

Like all the leading carmakers in the world, the Italian company locates its production in various countries in order to be closer to the most popular sales markets. Table 2 shows the Fiat-producing countries, where the largest production capacity concern and the models produced under the Fiat brand are presented.

It should be noted that there are assembly areas in the countries of Fiat producers in Egypt (African market) and China (Asian region).

Sale of small cars in Russia

In addition to the Ducato minibus, the following compact passenger cars of the brand are currently sold in the salons of official dealers:

1. "500". A subcompact runabout designed primarily for urban use. Has an unusual appearance, high security (five stars from EURO NCAP), a rich package, which already in the basic version includes:

• air conditioning;
• seven airbags;
• on-board computer;
• remote door opening;
• emergency braking assistant.

Also in the showrooms there are two sports modifications of this model under the designation 500GQ and 500 Sport.

2. "Punto". Compact passenger car, produced in 1993. Possesses bright dynamic designthat shapes a modern look. In our country, it is sold in four different configurations in a hatchback body. It has rich equipment, among which are:

• multifunctional steering wheel with electric booster and the ability to select a control mode;
• on-board computer;
• air conditioning;
• remote control lock;
• seven airbags;
• system "Start / Stop";
• various trim options.

When asked which country of origin is Fiat for russian market, it should be answered that these are enterprises of Poland and Italy.

Minivan for domestic buyers

The emergence of the all-wheel drive model "Fremont" in the domestic market is associated with the company's desire to increase the segment of cars sold in our country by entering the market of universal family cars... Cars of this class are quite popular in Russia.

The Fremont has a powerful crossover styled exterior; in which stand out:

• multi-stage front bumper;
• wide wheel arches;
• large bonnet stamping lines;
• plastic pads imitating front and rear protection.

Traditionally for Fiat models, the minivan has received rich equipment:

• multimedia complex with a touch monitor;
• multifunctional steering wheel;
• seats with a lot of adjustments;
• dual-zone climate control;
• 17-inch wheels;
• parking controller;
• starting the engine from the button;
• pressure and light sensors;

The cost of new items in domestic salons starts at 1.30 million rubles.

Fiat in Russia

The first Fiat cars appeared in our country in 1915, but deliveries did not last long. The next major and important stage in the appearance of Italians in Russia should be considered the construction of the Volzhsky automobile plant and the creation of the production of passenger cars under the VAZ brand. The Fiat 124 subcompact was chosen as the basis for the first model of the new plant. The car was redesigned jointly by Italian and Soviet engineers for the possibility of operation in domestic conditions. After successful tests, the small car was put on the conveyor.

The new model turned out to be so successful that it underwent several modifications, and subsequent cars of the plant were developed on its basis, the production of which lasted almost until 2000.

In our time, the most successful result of cooperation is the production of a model of a minibus "Ducato" together with the Russian company Sollers. Several modifications of this model are made at the plant in Elabuga. In addition, on the basis of Fiat Ducato, the manufacturer produces special-purpose vehicles.

One of large auto concerns Europe is Fiat. The company is engaged in the manufacture of not only machines, but also special-purpose equipment. In 1999, she celebrated her centenary. The name of the company has a musical sound, and it immediately becomes clear that the country of origin of Fiat is Italy. Surprisingly, the brand has been in the shadow of its associates for almost its entire existence.

Fiat Products

For many, the concern is associated only with passenger cars, but the range of its products is much wider:

• loaders, excavators and bulldozers (CASE, New Holland Construction);
• tractors, combines and other agricultural equipment (Steyr, Case IN);
• equipment for firefighters (Magirus);
• urban transport - trolleybuses, buses (Irisbus);
• trucks (Astra);
• equipment for military needs (Iveno Defense Vehicles).

history of the company

The history began in 1899. Then a group of investors in Turin founds a company whose activities are aimed at the production of passenger cars under the license of Renauil. Its management was entrusted to Giovanni Agnelli, who was previously a policeman. This man showed tough discipline and imitated the brainchild of Henry Ford.

The first own car of the company was assembled in 1901, and after a couple of years the concern entered the world market. The abolition of the tax on imported steel leads to active expansion. Fiat did not limit itself to the production of cars, and at the same time mastered and produced aviation and marine power units. And 11 years later, a new stage took place - serial, conveyor production of machines, which was launched at the new Lingotto plant. During this period, the brand was already engaged in the production of buses as well.

Before the outbreak of war, Fiat was considered the leader in the automotive industry in Europe, adding a new car to the lineup every year. Wartime forced the brand to engage in the manufacture of equipment for military operations. The manufacturer returned to the main craft only under the rule of Benito Mussolini.

For 23 years, the plant has had great times, as a large number of branches were opened. This period began in 1922. In 1945 Agnelli was removed from his post. The reason for this was that he was an adherent of fascism.

The next stage in the development of the concern took place in 1957, when the production of the Nuova-500 model started. The total number of purchases of this small car in 15 years was about 3 million.

The end of the 60s comes and the brand gets a second life. The reason for the rapid development was the cooperation of the concern with the USSR. So, the "kopeck" known to this day was created on the basis of Fiat 124. After a while the company was absorbed by Lancia, which 10 years later also began to own Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari. As a result of these changes, the corporation became the monopolist of the automotive industry in Italy.

In the nineties, the corporation collapsed. The reason for this was poor product reliability. It is known that in 2002 its losses reached a record figure of $ 4.2 billion. The forecasts were disappointing, but, despite this, the company continued to struggle and after four years again went into profit. And in 2009, Chrysler went bankrupt, and Fiat became the owner of part of the brand's shares. It was temporary, and after five years it got full control.

It is worth noting that the brand has always loved experimentation and strived for development. This is how the first Fiat racing car was born. The release was successful, so they continued to work on this direction.

Productive capacity

The size of the corporation is amazing. For example, she runs 1000 companies located in 61 countries around the globe. Production is established in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, France, Poland, Turkey, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, etc. As for the employees, their number reaches about 220 thousand.

The largest production is in Brazil. Here the plant can manufacture up to 3 thousand models per day. Cooperation with each company has its own characteristics. For example, in some countries only assemblies brought from Italy are assembled, and somewhere parallel assembly of local equipment is allowed.

The concern previously shared its plans, in which it announced further expansion in the American, European and African markets.

The largest production facilities of the concern are concentrated:

• Italy (Toro, 500L, 500S, Fullback, Grande Punto, 124 Spider, Ducato);
• Poland (500, Punto, Bravo);
• Turkey (Tipo, Albea, Linea);
• Russia (Ducato);
• Argentina (Punto, Tipo, Argo);
• Mexico (500, Albea, Freemont);
• Brazil (Croma, Bravo, Toro, Panda).

Many drivers ask where Fiat Albea is going. The machine is intended for Eastern Europe. Initially, Turkey was engaged in its manufacture, and then Mexico, Poland, Russia. In Russia this car collected at the Sollers plant in Naberezhnye Chelny. This lasted 11 years and in 2011 the sale of a small car for russian consumers stopped. In the European car market, the model can be purchased in three trim levels, at a price of $ 10.70 thousand.

The main production of the Ducato minibus is located in Italy - SEVEL. There is also Fiat Ducato russian assembly... The plant is located in Yelabuga.

The model is very popular due to its reinforced suspension, versatility, comfortable interior, increased power of body elements, carrying capacity, and more. But the most important thing is that the minibus is produced in different versions: chassis, combi and van. The last option has four modifications designed for passenger transportation. The rest of the options are six modifications for cargo transportation and eight standard ones.

The advantages of cars

The corporation has extensive experience in the automotive industry, constantly introduces innovative technologies, it has a diverse model range. But not only this affects the high demand. So, Fiat can boast of the following advantages:

• individual style that forms a recognizable image;
• the use of many modern systems that help the driver and;
• different versions of equipment, which allows you to choose the right equipment;
• powerful and;
• demand in the secondary market;
• affordable price for a car, service maintenance and spare parts;
• the availability of various credit and leasing programs for purchase.

Fans of the brand will be interested to learn some little-known interesting facts:

• the company's machines have been recognized as the best in Europe 12 times;
• the auto concern does not trust the production of branches, only in the third world countries they collect models that are already outdated;
• the brand was the first to successfully implement a heating and ventilation system;
• Fiat 124, which is the prototype of the VAZ 2101, became the best car in the late 70s;
• the first engine was produced at the company's plant Common rail,. This event happened in 1986;
• 1936 is marked by the release of the smallest car in the world, which gained great popularity, it was produced in a large flow;
• Fiat Panda has 60 modifications, and the total number of sales is 4 million (up to 2000);
• the first SUV in the car market - Fiat Campagnola;
• fiat Sedici and Suzuki SX4 are produced at the same plant, and for this they use the same basis;
• famous Italians prefer the brand's cars. For example, Felippe Massa, Alejandro Del Piero, etc.

The main reason the brand is inferior to its Italian competitors is economy. And also there is information that despite all the advantages of the company, their cars have drawbacks. For this reason, the English translate its name as "Fix it again, Tony", the Germans say it differently: "Defects in every node."

The brand says it is not going to be satisfied with what has already been achieved and will expand its international relations, as well as increase production indicators.

The Sevel Plant, located near the Adriatic coast of Italy, occupies a colossal area of \u200b\u200b1,260,000 square meters, although "only" 375,545 "squares" have been developed directly for production here. However, if he increases the production of cars at the rates that are observed now, he and the remaining "empty" land will not be enough. Suffice it to say that last year 290,309 machines rolled off the local conveyors, and this year it is planned to produce at least the same number!

However, we are primarily interested not in "points", "goals", "seconds", but indicators of the quality of products. And, you know, one gets the impression that this FIAT production is almost the last place on earth where they don't build.

This is evidenced by at least the fact that last year alone, the number of customer requests for warranty claims decreased by almost 20% compared to 2015. And in 2017, the Italians expect them to decrease by another 10-12 percent.

It is not surprising, therefore, that in last years Russian dealers of the brand complain that their customers are much less likely to replace old Fiat vans with new ones. It is clear, of course, that the crisis raging in the country has made its own adjustments to the processes of renewing car fleets. However, in the light segment, a car not changed in time is not an economy, but a direct loss, given the serious mileage of each piece of equipment and the cost of maintenance and repair of "old ladies".

But it seems that this principle does not work in the case of this - the cars reliably transport goods and people, without ruining the owners with frequent and without requiring replacement. And there are a number of quite objective explanations for this.

Start with the accessories. Almost half of the parts supplied to the SEVEL factory are made in Italy. Another quarter comes from other European partners. But despite the fact that the quality of manufacture of parts that enter the conveyor does not seem to be in doubt a priori, there is a strict incoming control. So, for example, panels (and especially of a complex configuration), from which the body is cooked, are checked not only for compliance with the specified dimensions, geometric and other parameters, but also for the exact - down to microns - location of the connection points with each other. And absolutely indecently close attention is paid to the moving body elements. It is clear that all "control and accounting" is carried out by electronics.

And here, in general, I must say that the share of manual labor at this plant is confidently tending to zero. In bodywork shops, for example, it does not exceed ten percent - cars are cooked by robots. By the way, they are self-diagnosing. Machines are taught to assess their condition and in case of any "malaise" they call a repair team. And this is, not counting the scheduled maintenance work for changing the oil or maintenance of their motors. And the effect of the use of robotics is impressive - for the last 13 years, the conveyor has been functioning here like the most accurate Swiss watch - without running ahead or being late for a second.

And work without rush jobs, as you know, has a direct effect on the quality of all welding processes and procedures. And by the way, there are a lot of them. For reference: the body of the "FIAT Ducato" is welded, or to be more precise, is welded at 12,000 points. Basically, we repeat, by the method of spot welding, since it is both more economical and, most importantly, more reliable than the newfangled laser. The latter is used in FIAT in places that are constantly in sight of a person - mainly at window openings.

And by the way: did you know that the Ducato driver's and passenger's doors are not “one-piece”, but two-piece for reliability? The first, narrow and massive, is attached to the body, and the second (the one with the window) is welded to it. In general, 722 robots are engaged in welding work in the bodywork production - neither more nor less. And 59 more are keen on painting cars (people take up brushes and spray guns only where the robot's hand is not yet able to reach.

But where a person still rules the ball, it is in the workshops of the final assembly - here, alas, there are too many small and delicate operations that engineering thought could not mechanize. And from the point of view of the employer, this is the most costly production site, since a lot of resources are spent on fighting the notorious human factor. Suffice it to say that there is a post here, whose duties include checking all cars, without exception, coming off the assembly line. The team involved in this process "calls", "looks through", "probes" and "sniffs out" the finished car from all sides. This is a hell of a job when you consider that in this workshop, the car receives over 4,000 different parts, including the engine, transmission and chassis.

And if the Fiat OTC detects a defect, it calls the foreman of the screwed up team to fix it. It happens very lively.

Nobody calls anyone, does not sound a siren and does not send a messenger. It's just that a funny little piece of music starts to play in the shop, and an error code lights up on a special board, indicating the perpetrators.

It is curious that after the elimination of the marriage, its memory will forever remain in the form of the so-called BAR-code in the electronic passport of the car. Which, by the way, is very useful for its future owner, since they have access to this "medical history" official dealers brands all over the world, including Russian ones. That is, in the event of an unexpected and unforeseen breakdown, they have the opportunity to quickly understand whether it is related to the "childhood" of the ward.

And such close attention to the quality of the products is understandable. In particular, because the main sales market is Germany, where Italians are fighting on an equal footing with Mercedes, after occupying

On July 11, 1899, the Palazzo Bricherasio was registered new company - “Società Anonima Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino”. The first plant of the company was opened already in 1900 in Corso Dante. The company employed 150 people who assembled 24 3/12 HP cars with one distinctive feature - the cars did not have reverse gear.

In 1902, the custom-built Fiat 24 HP and driven by Vincenzo Lancia won the Sassi-Superga hill climb competition.

Managing Director Giovanni Agnelli personally took part in the Second Tour of Italy and set the record on the 8 HP.

In 1908, Fiat settled in the United States, where it created a subsidiary company Fiat Automobile Co.

The range of products is expanding: in addition to passenger cars, production program the company now has commercial vehicles, marine engines, trucks and trams.

For several years, Fiat has completely updated its products: for the first time, rechargeable batteries... The transmission began with cardan joints, patented by FIAT.

Fiat racing cars continued to win various competitions and set several records.

In 1916, construction began on the Lingotto plant, led by Giacomo Mattè Trucco. The plant became the largest in Europe. The huge building had 5 floors, and on the roof there was a track for testing cars. The construction of the plant was completed in 1922. Having entered service, he became a symbol automotive industry Italy.

At the beginning of the war, the company's products were almost completely reoriented to military needs.

After the war, it took several years to return production to a peaceful course and overcome the crisis, but already in 1923, growth resumed thanks, first of all, to a competent tax policy.

The 509, the company's first 4-seater car, went into production.

The main activity of the company was the mass production of cars. Only mass production made it possible to significantly reduce the final cost of the product. The Sava holding was formed to promote car sales.

In 1934 and 1936, two models were born that found the strongest response among buyers: “Balilla”, nicknamed “Tariffa minima” for its economy.

And the smallest utilitarian car in the world - "Topolino", which held out on the assembly line until 1955.

The war led to a significant decrease in the production of passenger cars, but, at the same time, the production of commercial vehicles... Having released two new models - 500

and 1400 - Fiat reaffirmed its commitment to research and innovation.

For the first time on mass cars, ventilation and interior heating systems were installed.

Research continued in the field of marine engines, as well as in the field of aircraft construction: in 1951, the G80 appeared - the first jet aircraft created in Italy.

In 1955, the Fiat 600 was born - a large utility car with a rear-engined layout.

And in 1957, the New 500 began to roll off the assembly lines. In 1960, this model appeared in the 'Giardinetta' version, which became the predecessor of the company's cars with station wagons.

In addition, the Fiat 1800 appeared during these years, followed by the Fiat 1300 and the Fiat 1500.

In 1971 after the Fiat 850,

Model 127 appeared.

In 1979, the independent company Fiat Auto S.p.A. was formed, which included the following brands: Fiat, Lancia, Autobianchi, Abarth and Ferrari. At first, the company owned only 50% of Ferrari. Later this share increased to 87%. In 1984, the Alfa Romeo brand also became part of the company, and in 1993, the brand of prestigious sports cars Maserati.

In 1980, the Fiat Panda car, developed by the Giugiaro design studio, was released.

And two years later, the Fiat Uno appeared. The car has been applied the most advanced technology, innovative electronics, the latest materials and environmentally friendly 1000 Fire engines.

Another successful model - Tipo - appeared in 1989. For the advanced technical solutions applied in it, it was awarded the title “Car of the year”.

Fiat Tempra debuted in 1990

A year later, in 1991, the 500 appeared.

In 1993 it was the turn of the Fiat Punto (he received the title “Car of the Year 1995”) and the Fiat Coupé. Its design was developed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Centro Stile Fiat.

With Fiat Ulysse, launched in 1994, the company entered one of the fastest growing market segments - the minivan segment.

1995 saw the debut of the Barchetta, Bravo and Brava models.

The following year they were joined by Fiat Marea and Fiat Marea WE, and in 1997 by Fiat Palio.

1998 was marked by the emergence of a wonderful urban fiat car Seicento,

And also the Multipla models, which were distinguished by their exceptional versatility.

Fiat Doblò was presented at the Paris Motor Show two years later - a modern universal car, which also had a commercial version.

In addition, at the company's plant in Brazil, the production of three "worldwide" models was started at once: Palio, Palio Weekend and Siena.

In 2001, the production of the Fiat Stilo began, featuring a modern design, advanced technology and a variety of luxury options.

2003 was a tragic year for the company - Giovanni Agnelli, who headed it for almost half a century, died.

In the same year (ten years after the debut of the model), a new Punto appeared with an innovative 1.3 Multijet 16v engine, as well as a seriously updated Barchetta.

Fiat Idea was not only the first MPV created by Fiat, but also the first to bear the new circular emblem that was created at Fiat's Centro Stile to commemorate the company's 100th anniversary.

In 2005, production began on the new Croma, designed by Giugiaro, the new Fiat 600 (in the year of the 60th anniversary of the launch of the original model) and the beautiful, solid and exciting Grande Punto.

2006 saw the release of the new Doblò and Sedici, the 4x4xTUTTI urban crossover official car 2006 Winter Olympics.

There was also an updated Panda 2007 model year with an extended range of modifications.

2007 kicked off with the launch of the new Bravo, the first to carry a revised Fiat emblem.

The new Bravo and the new logo confirm the new direction of the company.

In the same year, the Fiat 500 was reincarnated. light hand Designers, the car has changed: the classic forms have received a new interpretation.

In 2011, the FIAT Freemont crossover was released - the result of a collaboration between Chrysler and Fiat engineers. The machine is a balanced family car, with a modern European design and offering its owner a high level of comfort.