Fiat Car PDF Service Manuals, Fault Codes and Wiring Diagrams

The history of the FIAT brand starts at the end of the nineteenth century, when a group of enthusiasts led by retired officer Giovanni Agnelli decides to start assembling cars. Let us trace the evolution of the company from its inception to the present day.

The joint stock company of the Turin automobile plant (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) was formed in 1899. One of the investors was the mayor of the city, Giovanni Agnelli, who ended his military career for the sake of the automobile business. The former officer intended to compensate for the lack of engineering education with entrepreneurial spirit.

Already in 1902, Agnelli took over as managing director of the factory. Strict discipline and strict procedures were established at the enterprise. Thanks to this, production volumes increased exponentially: by the end of the first year of operation, the company created 8 copies of the Fiat 3.5 HP model, and by 1903 135 cars were produced. This was also facilitated by innovative developments, such as a car assembly line, a first for Europe at that time. Gradually, Signor Agnelli ousted all shareholders from the board of directors, becoming the sole owner of the company. By that time, production had expanded beyond Italy, opening factories even in the United States. FIAT was not limited to the production of passenger cars and sports cars, having a wide range - from buses and trains to trucks and special equipment.

In 2014-2015, the company ranked last in the annual quality rating of the marketing agency J.D. Power, and in 2016, FIAT’s reputation was affected by an accident that occurred with Hollywood star Anton Yelchin. The young man died, pinned by his faulty Jeep Grand Cherokee (one of the cars of the concern, which united several brands). As a result, there was a wide public outcry, and the manufacturer was forced to recall almost 8 thousand new cars. Today, FIAT branches are present in 61 countries around the world, and the manufacturer continues to produce new cars. The company plans to merge with Peugeot-Citroen, and also temporarily focus on developing models that can compete with the popular Kia Rio and Renault Logan.