Fiat
It became the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy and for over 20 years was the largest in Europe and third in the world after General Motors and Ford, until the car industry crisis in the late 1980s. In 2014, FIAT became part of FIAT-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), and in 2021 it became a subsidiary of Stellantis.
- field
- Automobile manufacturing
- nationality
- Italian
- known_for
- Largest automobile manufacturer in Italy; nine European Car of the Year awards; lowest CO2 emissions in Europe for many years
Lore & Background
During World War I and World War II, FIAT produced military vehicles, aircraft, and weapons. In 2013, FIAT was the second-largest European automaker by volume and seventh in the world.
Reader's Guide
FIAT's significance lies in its long history as a dominant force in European and global automobile manufacturing. It was the largest automaker in Italy and for over two decades held the top spot in Europe and third worldwide. FIAT also ranked many times as having the lowest CO2 emissions among vehicles sold in Europe. Its merger with Chrysler in 2014 and subsequent incorporation into Stellantis in 2021 reflect the consolidation trends in the global auto industry. FIAT's legacy includes not only cars but also railway engines, military vehicles, tractors, aircraft, and weapons.
Did You Know?
- FIAT has won nine European Car of the Year awards, the most of any manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big was Fiat at its peak?
At its height, Fiat was the largest carmaker in Italy, the largest in all of Europe, and ranked third globally behind only General Motors and Ford. That top-tier position lasted for over twenty years until the late-1980s crisis.
What happened to Fiat after 2014?
In 2014, Fiat merged with Chrysler to form Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). By 2021 it became a subsidiary of the newly created Stellantis group, ending its era as a standalone brand.
What is Fiat most known for?
Beyond its sheer production scale, Fiat has collected nine European Car of the Year awards and spent many years leading the continent in lowest CO2 emissions per vehicle. These achievements cemented its reputation for efficient, accessible design.
Why does Fiat matter in automotive history?
As one of the oldest continuously operating car brands, Fiat shaped European motoring culture from the late 19th century onward. Its rise to the top of the global market and later restructuring into Stellantis illustrate the full arc of 20th- and 21st-century auto-industry consolidation.
More in Automotive Industry 1-22
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record