History
Fiat Automobiles S.p.A., or more commonly known as Fiat, is the largest car manufacturer in Italy. Currently, it is a subsidiary of FCA Italy S.p.A under the management of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the eighth largest carmaker in the world. Fiat was established in 1899 and played a major role in Italy’s industrialization.
Giovanni Agnelli together with some investors created Fiat on July 11, 1899. After their success in Italy producing commercial vehicles, trams, and marine engines, they expanded in the United States in 1908. During World War I and II, the rising automotive company produced aircraft, vehicles, and weapons for the Italian government.
Development
After several crises including withdrawing from the US market in 1984 and fierce competition with other car brands, Fiat bounced back. In 2002, the Italian carmaker produced over one million automobiles.
Some of their notable models include the Fiat S76, also known as the Beast of Turin powered by a 28.4-liter engine with a top speed of over 132 miles per hour, the compact and highly successful Fiat-Abarth 850TC Berlina capable of producing 862 horsepower courtesy of its hanging rear-mounted engine, the multi-awarded Fiat 131 Abarth that dominated racings competition in the 1970s up to the 1980s, the iconic Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo known for its striking design and 20V engine, and the popular Fiat 500 that allowed Italians to own a vehicle after the World War due to its favorable price.
Local presence
As of the moment, the legendary Italian carmaker offers the highly-efficient Fiat 124 Spider in the Philippine market. You may visit the grand showroom of its importer Petromax Enterprise located at Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, Metro Manila.