Fiat Grande Punto

Manufacturer	Fiat
Also called	Fiat Punto Fiat Punto Evo
Production	May 2005–present
Assembly	Melfi (Potenza), Italy[1] Mirafiori (Torino), Italy[2] Betim (Minas Gerais), Brazil[1] Ranjangaon (Pune), India[3]
Predecessor	Fiat Punto
Class	Supermini
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 3-door panel van
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Fiat Small platform[4]
Engine	0.9L TwinAir Turbo I2 petrol 1.2L Fire I4 petrol 1.4L Fire I4 petrol 1.4L Fire Turbojet I4 petrol 1.4L Multiair I4 petrol 1.4L Multiair Turbojet I4 petrol 1.4L Fire Natural Power I4 CNG 1.6L E.torQ I4 Flexfuel 1.8L E.torQ I4 Flexfuel 1.3L Multijet I4 diesel 1.6L Multijet I4 diesel 1.9L Multijet I4 diesel
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed semi-auto
Wheelbase	2,510 mm (99 in)
Length	4,030 mm (159 in)
Width	1,687 mm (66.4 in)
Height	1,490 mm (59 in)
Curb weight	1,015–1,040 kg (2,240–2,300 lb)
Related	Abarth Grande Punto Alfa Romeo MiTo Fiat Linea Fiat Fiorino III Fiat Qubo Opel Corsa D Opel Meriva B Citroen Nemo Peugeot Bipper
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro

The Fiat Grande Punto is a car manufactured by the Italian automaker Fiat. It was unveiled on May 5, 2005 and replaced by the Punto Evo in 2010.^[5] In September 2011 Fiat unveil the Punto model year 2012,^[6] the new version will replace the Grande Punto and the Punto Evo. The new Punto 2012 introduce new engine and a new style.

Overview[link]

The third generation Fiat supermini to bear the name Punto, codenamed Project 199, the Grande Punto was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale later that year. Styled by Giugiaro,^[7] the car is based on the Fiat-GM Small platform.^[4] Whilst the model shares some of its name with the previous Punto, a large number of its components are new, including a new chassis and body shell.

Fiat Grande Punto Sport 3door rear

The engines are the Fiat 1.2 8V Fire (65 PS), a new 1.4 8V Fire (77 PS) and the 1.4 16V StarJet (95 PS). Four MultiJet diesel engines are also available: two 1.3 16V units (75 PS (55 kW) and 90 PS (66 kW), the latter with a variable geometry turbocharger) and two 1.9 with 120 PS (88 kW) and 130 PS (96 kW), all of them with diesel particulate filter. The 1.9 diesel will be replaced with new 1.6 JTD starting in the end of 2008.

All the engines are Euro IV compliant. In 2007 the new 1.4 16V T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine (120 PS (88 kW)) became available. At the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Fiat introduced 155 PS (114 kW) an Abarth version by Abarth & C S.p.A.. It was branded as an Abarth rather than Fiat.^[8] The car's nose, headlights and front grill look reminiscent of the Maserati Coupé; both were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign.

Non-European markets[link]

In Australia, Fiat introduced the Grande Punto in mid 2006, sold only as the Punto; it is the first Fiat to be sold in Australia since 1989. Shortly after its launch the car (the 1.3 90 PS (66 kW) diesel) was recognised as the most economical car on the market.^[9]

It was launched in Mexico in November 2006. The Grande Punto is placed above the Fiat Palio in the Mexican Fiat car lineup. Initially it was sold with the 1.4 16V StarJet 95 PS (70 kW) engine with 6-speed manual gearbox in 5-door Dynamic and 3-door Sport trims. In December 2007 the 1.4 16V T-Jet 120 PS (88 kW) variant was launched.

The Italian-made Grande Punto has already been launched in Chile and Dominican Republic in petrol and diesel versions.

Fiat Grande Punto inside

In the rest of South America, the Brazilian-built Grande Punto (called just Punto) was launched in August 2007. Codenamed Project 310, it is produced in the factory of Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil.^[10] The chassis is an adaptation of the Fiat Palio, a lower cost compact. Levels of safety were not maintained (airbags and ABS are optional on lower trim levels, and the higher one only has two airbags by default), but the ride comfort is said to be the same. The five-door version is the only one available in the Brazilian line, and there are no plans for a two-door version (in Brazil, two-door vehicles are only accepted for cheaper cars). The engines available on launching were the 85 PS (63 kW) 1.4 Fire 8V and the 115 PS (85 kW) 1.8 Family 1 X18XE engine that comes from GM-Fiat/Powertrain. It was never made ​​available the Torque 1.9 L with 16V engine for this model,134 PS (99 kW) (available only for Fiat Linea) only the 1.4 Fire 16V TurboJet (available for Punto and Linea). In the 2011 model, there were added the new E.torQ engines 1.6 16V and 1.8 16V. Produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, they were based on the discontinued Tritec engines.^[11] Except by the Turbo version (petrol only), all versions produced in Brazil are flex-fuel.^[12]

The Grande Punto also went on sale in South Africa in 2006, replacing the previous generation. It is sold with a variety of petrol and diesel engines beginning at around R120,000.

A sedan version of the Grande Punto, the Fiat Linea, was launched in early 2007 to replace the aging Fiat Marea. It will be built on an extended version of the Grande Punto's chassis giving it a total length of 4,600 mm (181.1 in) and making it jump to the small family car segment.

Grande Punto and the Linea sedan were both launched in India during the Delhi Auto Expo in January 2008. While Linea was launched in January 2009 in both petrol and diesel versions, Grande Punto is launched in June 2009. In India both the cars are manufactured by the Fiat-Tata Motors joint venture Fiat India Automobiles Ltd (FIAL) in a new plant in Ranjangaon in Maharashtra.

Fiat Grande Punto in India[link]

Fiat Grande Punto is available in India with ten variants out of which its five variants are available with two options of petrol engine – 1.2L, 1172 cc FIRE petrol engine that is available with Active, Dynamic and Emotion variants of Fiat Grande Punto and the 1.4L, 1368 cc FIRE petrol engine is available with Emotion and Emotion Pack. The 1.2L, 1172 cc, FIRE petrol engine produces 68 bhp (51 kW; 69 PS) power at 6000 rpm and 96 N·m (71 lb·ft) torque at 2500 rpm. The rest two petrol variants of this car are powered by the 1.4L, 1368 cc, FIRE petrol engine that is able to produce maximum power of 90 bhp (67 kW; 91 PS) of maximum power at 6000 rpm with 115 N·m (85 lb·ft) of maximum torque at 4500 rpm.

Rest five variants of Fiat Grande Punto are powered by a 1.3L, 1248 cc Multijet Diesel engine. Diesel variants are also available with two engine options - 1.3L, Multijet diesel engine with FGT (Fixed Geometry Turbocharger) that produces 76 PS (56 kW; 75 hp) of maximum power at 4000 rpm with 197 N·m (145 lb·ft) of maximum torque and a 1.3L, Multijet diesel engine with VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) that delivers 93 PS (68 kW; 92 hp) of maximum power at 4000 rpm with 209 N·m (154 lb·ft) of maximum torque at 2000 rpm.

Fiat Grande Punto Models in India

Engines[link]

Petrol[link]

Diesel[link]

Safety[link]

The Grande Punto was awarded with 5 stars in the EuroNCAP crash test for passenger protection and Euro NCAP 3 star certification for pedestrian safety.^[13] The most powerful engines have electronic stability program and anti slip regulation fitted as standard, and it is an optional extra on some of the lower powered engines.

• Adult occupant =
• Child occupant =
• Pedestrian =

Abarth Grande Punto[link]

Abarth Grande Punto Essesse

The first car from the newly created (2007) FIAT-owned Abarth & C. S.p.A, the Abarth Grande Punto differs significantly from its donor car.

Initially the Abarth Grande Punto will be available with a 150 PS (155 PS when using 97 RON fuel) 1.4 turbo engine, but from 2008 there will be an essesse kit available, which will be installed at official Abarth service centres rather than in the factory.^[14]

Engines[link]

Fiat Punto Evo 2009[link]

Punto Evo

Abarth Punto Evo

The Grande Punto facelift version Punto Evo was presented in Frankfurt Motor Show 2009, it has two new engines, a 1.3L second generation Multijet diesel and a 1.4 petrol engine with the Multiair technology. It features also new navigation system integrated to the Blue & Me system called "Blue & Me – TomTom.^[15]

Engines[link]

Petrol[link]

Diesel[link]

Source^[16]

Abarth Punto Evo[link]

New Abarth Punto Evo was shown at 2010 Geneva Motor Show, it has 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) 1.4L Multiair Turbo engine. Top speed is 213 km/h (132 mph) and acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) is 7.9 seconds.^[17]

A new Esseesse version was released in 2011 which was an optional upgrade that improved performance with a 0-62 time of 7.4 seconds.

Fiat Punto 2012[link]

Fiat introduced the Punto 2012 in September 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show,^[18] which is a facelifted version of the Punto Evo that will re-introduce the Punto nomenclature (without Grande or Evo). The new Punto 2012 introduces two new engines: the 0.9L TwinAir petrol turbo with two cylinders and 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) and the new 1.3L MultiJet II diesel with Stop Start (Air Technologies) and 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) with emissions reduced to 90 g/km of CO2. The new engines don't replace the previous engines (1.2 Fire, 1.4 MultiAir, 1.3 MultiJet and 1.6 MultiJet). The Punto 2012 has updated front and rear bumper clips along with new alloy wheels. The interior is also updated with new fabrics and an updated Blue&Me system.

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Fiat Grande Punto

• Punto Evo Official site
• Punto Evo Turkey Official site
• Grande Punto Turkey Official site

Fiat S.p.A.

Type	Società per azioni
Traded as	BIT: F
Industry	Automotive Media
Founded	11 July 1899 in Turin, Italy
Founder(s)	Giovanni Agnelli
Headquarters	Turin, Italy
Key people	John Elkann (Chairman), Sergio Marchionne (CEO)
Products	Automobiles, commercial vehicles, auto parts, newspapers, production systems
Production output	2,046,060 units (automobiles and LCVs, 2011)[1]
Revenue	€37.382 billion (2011)[1]
Operating income	€992 million (2010)[2]
Profit	€179 million (2010)[2]
Total assets	€73.44 billion (end 2010)[2]
Total equity	€12.46 billion (end 2010)[2]
Employees	137,800 (end 2010)[2]
Subsidiaries	List[3] Automobiles Ferrari (90%) Maserati Fiat Group Automobiles Abarth Alfa Romeo Fiat Automobiles Fiat Professional Lancia Chrysler (58.5%) Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Trucks Mopar Components and production systems Fiat Powertrain Magneti Marelli Comau Teksid Publishing and advertising Itedi La Stampa Publikompass
Website	fiatspa.com

Fiat S.p.A., (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino)^[4] (Italian Automobile Factory of Turin), is an Italian automobile manufacturer based in Turin. Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli. During its more than a century long history, Fiat has also manufactured railway engines and carriages, military vehicles, and aircraft. As of 2009, the Fiat group (not inclusive of its subsidiary Chrysler) was the world's ninth largest carmaker and the largest in Italy.^[5]

Fiat-based cars are built around the world. Outside Italy, the largest country of production is Brazil, where the Fiat brand is the market leader.^[6] The group also has factories in Argentina and Poland and a long history of licensing production of its products in other countries. It also has numerous alliances and joint ventures around the world, the main ones being located in Italy, France, Turkey, Serbia, India and China.

Agnelli's grandson Gianni Agnelli was Fiat's chairman from 1966 until 1996; he then served as honorary chairman from 1996 until his death on 24 January 2003, during which time Cesare Romiti served as chairman. After their^{[clarification needed]} removal, Paolo Fresco served as chairman and Paolo Cantarella as CEO. Umberto Agnelli then took over as chairman from 2003 to 2004. After Umberto Agnelli's death on 28 May 2004, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo was named chairman, with Agnelli heir John Elkann becoming vice chairman (at the age of 28), and other family members also serving on the board. At this point, CEO Giuseppe Morchio resigned, and Sergio Marchionne was named to replace him on 1 June 2004.

In September 2010, shareholders approved a plan to split Fiat's capital goods businesses from the group. Agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer CNH Global NV, truck maker Iveco, and the industrial and marine division of Fiat Powertrain Technologies were spun off into a new group on 1 January 2011. The parent company, Fiat Industrial S.p.A., was listed on the Milan stock exchange on 3 January 2011.^[7]

History[link]

Fiat 3 ½ CV (1899)

Giovanni Agnelli founded Fiat in 1899 with several investors and led the company until his death in 1945, while Vittorio Valletta administered the firm's daily activities. Its first car the 3 ½ CV (of which only eight copies were built, all bodied by Alessio of Turin)^[8] strongly resembled contemporary Benz,^[9] and had a 697 cc (42.5 cu in) boxer twin engine.^[9] In 1903, Fiat produced its first truck.^[10] In 1908, the first Fiat was exported to the US.^[10] That same year, the first Fiat aircraft engine was produced. Also around the same time, Fiat taxis became somewhat popular in Europe.^[11] By 1910, Fiat was the largest automotive company in Italy — a position it has retained since. That same year, a plant licensed to produce Fiats in Poughkeepsie, NY, made its first car. Owning a Fiat at that time was a sign of distinction. The cost of a Fiat in the US was initially $4,000^[12] and rose up to $6,400 in 1918^[13], compared to $ 825 for a Ford Model T in 1908^[14], and $ 525 in 1918, respectively^[15]. Upon the entry of the US into World War I in 1917, the factory was shut down as US regulations became too burdensome. At the same time, Fiat had to devote all of its factories to supplying the Allies with aircraft, engines, machine guns, trucks, and ambulances. After the war, Fiat introduced its first tractor, the 702.^[16] By the early 1920s, Fiat had a market share in Italy of 80%.^[17]

Corso Dante plant

Lingotto factory (1928)

Advertisement, 1939

Mirafiori plant

Lingotto factory (today)

In 1921, workers seized Fiat's plants and hoisted the red flag of communism over them. Agnelli responded by quitting the company. However, the Italian Socialist Party and its ally organization, the General Confederation of Labor, in an effort to effect a compromise with the centrist parties ordered the occupation ended. In 1922, Fiat began to build the famous Lingotto car factory — then the largest in Europe  — which opened in 1923. It was the first Fiat factory to use assembly lines; by 1925, Fiat controlled 87% of the Italian car market.^[18] In 1928, with the 509, Fiat included insurance in the purchase price.^[19]

Fiat made military machinery and vehicles during World War II for the Army and Regia Aeronautica and later for the Germans. Fiat made obsolete fighter aircraft like the biplane CR.42, which was one of the most common Italian aircraft, along with Savoia-Marchettis, as well as light tanks (obsolete compared to their German and Soviet counterparts) and armoured vehicles. The best Fiat aircraft was the G.55 fighter, which arrived too late and in too limited numbers. In 1945 — the year Mussolini was overthrown — the Italian Committee of National Liberation removed the Agnelli family from leadership roles in Fiat because of its ties to Mussolini's government. These were not returned until 1963, when Giovanni's grandson, Gianni, took over as general manager until 1966, as chairman until 1996.

Gianni Agnelli[link]

Gianni Agnelli (in the center) and the FIAT board of directors meet Italian President Sandro Pertini (at his right) during an official visit to the new Sevel Val di Sangro factory, 1981.

Among the younger Agnelli's first steps after gaining control of Fiat was a massive reorganization of the company management, which had previously been highly centralized, with little provision for the delegation of authority and decision-making. Such a system was effective in the past, but lacked the responsiveness and flexibility needed by Fiat's steady expansion, and the growth of its international operations in the 1960s. The company was reorganized on a product-line basis, with two main product groups — one for passenger cars, the other for trucks and tractors — and a number of semi-independent division and subsidiaries. Top management, freed from responsibility for day-by-day operations of the company, was able to devote its efforts to more far-reaching goals. In 1967, Fiat made its first acquisition when it purchased Autobianchi; with sales amounting to $1.7 billion, it outstripped Volkswagen, its main European competitor, and in 1968 produced some 1,750,000 vehicles while its sales volume climbed to $2.1 billion. According to Newsweek in 1968, Fiat was "the most dynamic automaker in Europe...[and] may come closest to challenging the worldwide supremacy of Detroit." Then, in 1969, it purchased controlling interests in Ferrari and Lancia. At the time, Fiat was a conglomerate, owning Alitalia, toll highways, a typewriter and office machine manufacturer, electronics and electrical equipment firms, a paint company, a civil engineering firm, and an international construction company. Following up on an agreement Valletta had made with Soviet officials in 1966, Agnelli constructed the AvtoVAZ plant in the new city of Togliattigrad on the Volga. This began operation in 1970, producing a local version of the Fiat 124 as the Lada. On his initiative, Fiat automobile and truck plants were also constructed in industrial centers of Yugoslavia, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Despite offering a relatively competitive range of cars, Fiat was not immune from the financial pressures that the auto industry confronted following the 1973 oil price shock. Towards the end of 1976 it was announced that the Libyan government was to take a 9.6% shareholding in the company in return for a capital injection worth an equivalent of £250 million.^[20] The size of the Libyan investment is apparent when it is compared to the £310 million IMF loan that the Italian government was trying to negotiate at the time.^[20] Other aspects of the Libyan agreement included the construction of a truck and bus plant at Tripoli.^[20] Chairman Agnelli candidly described the deal as "a classic petro-money recycling operation which will strengthen the Italian reserves, provide Fiat with fresh capital and give the group greater tranquility in which to carry out its investment programmes".^[20] Equally noteworthy was the fact that despite the dilutive effect of the Libyan investment on existing shareholders, the company's largest shareholder, the Agnelli family, retained a 30% stake in the recapitalised business.^[20]

In 1979, the company became a holding company when it spun off its various businesses into autonomous companies, one of them being Fiat Auto. That same year, sales reached an all-time high in the US, corresponding to the Iranian Oil Crisis. However, when gas prices fell again after 1981, Americans began purchasing sport utility vehicles, minivans, and pickup trucks in larger numbers (marking a departure from their past preference for large cars). Also, Japanese automakers had been taking an ever-larger share of the car market, increasing at more than half a percent a year. Consequently, in 1984, Fiat and Lancia withdrew from the United States market. In 1989, it did the same in the Australian market, although it remained in New Zealand.

In 1986, Fiat acquired Alfa Romeo from the Italian government. Also, in 1986 15% of Fiat company stock was still owned by Libya, an investment dating back to the mid-seventies. US foreign policy under President Reagan's administration canceled a Pentagon contract to produce earth movers with Fiat and pressured the company into brokering a buyout of the Libyan investment. In 1992, two top corporate officials in the Fiat Group were arrested for political corruption.^[21] A year later, Fiat acquired Maserati. In 1995 Alfa Romeo exited the US market. Maserati re-entered the US market under Fiat in 2002. Since then, Maserati sales there have been increasing briskly.

Paolo Fresco[link]

Paolo Fresco became chairman of Fiat in 1998 with the hope that the veteran of General Electric would bring more emphasis on shareholder value to Fiat. By the time he took power, Fiat's market share in Italy had fallen to 41%^{[citation needed]} from around 62% in 1984.^{[citation needed]} However, a Jack Welch-like management style would be much harsher than that used by the Italians (e.g., precarious versus lifetime employment). Instead, Fresco focused on offering more incentives for good performance, including compensation using stock options for top and middle management.

However, his efforts were frustrated by union objections. Unions insisted that pay raises be set by length of tenure, rather than performance. Another conflict was over his preference for informality (the founder, Giovanni Agnelli, used to be a cavalry officer). He often referred to other managers by their first name, although company tradition obliged one to refer to others using their titles (e.g., "Chairman Fresco"). The CEO of the company, Managing Director Paolo Cantarella, ran the day-to-day affairs of the company, while Fresco determined company strategy and especially acted as a negotiator for the company. In fact, many speculated the main reason he was chosen for the job was to sell Fiat Auto (although Fresco fervently denied it).^{[citation needed]} In 1999, Fiat formed CNH Global by merging New Holland NV and Case Corporation.

Partnership with GM[link]

This section requires expansion.

The current CEO views alliances such as these as the deciding factor of the future success of Fiat. In 2005, Fiat was courting Ford.^[22]

As part of the recent divestitures, under the guidance of CEO Giuseppe Morchio in 2003 Fiat shed its insurance sector, which it was operating through Toro Assicurazioni to the DeAgostini Group. In the same year, Fiat sold its aviation business, FiatAvio to Avio Holding. In February 2004, the company sold its interest in Fiat Engineering, as well as its stake in Edison.

Fiat faces a multitude of threats, including rising steel prices (up by 16–30% beginning of 2008),^[23] a strong Euro, and increased competition from Japanese and South Korean car manufacturers in Europe. Although the light-vehicle market share of Japanese and South Korean automakers in Europe is less than in the US (12.5% and 3.9%, respectively versus 30% and 3.9% in the US), it has been increasing steadily at about a half a percent a year.^{[citation needed]} In April and May 2009, the possibility of a takeover of Adam Opel GmbH, a subsidiary of General Motors, was being discussed between the two companies. The deal fell through, and General Motors held on to Opel/Vauxhall.

Sergio Marchionne[link]

Fiat 500

Sergio Marchionne has impressed investors since taking over as CEO in June, 2004.^[24] Losses have fallen steadily since 2002, and Q4 of FY2005 saw its first profit in 17 quarters, and had a profit of €196M for the first 9 months of FY2006.^[25] Mr. Marchionne has reduced Fiat's managerial bureaucracy and changed its tone to a focus on markets and profit. While the chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, dealt with politicians and unions, Marchionne rebuilt the car business. The success of the Grande Punto model has in large part been responsible for the turnaround in Fiat's fortunes, but the quite successful Bravo (successor to the Stilo) and the award winning 500 have really cemented it. Fiat has formed a joint venture with India's TATA Motors and China's Chery motors. Under Marchionne it has also re-entered several large markets that it had exited years before, such as Mexico and Australia. In December 2008, Marchionne announced Fiat have to become one of the top five automakers to survive in the long run. In 2009, Fiat expressed interest in acquiring General Motors' Opel and South American operation. GM declined Fiat's offer.^[26] In Marchionne´s leadership Fiat returned to the United States and Canada markets with the new 500.

• 

  John Elkann, Chairman of the Fiat Group

• 

  Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Fiat Group

Acquisition of Chrysler[link]

On 20 January 2009, Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler LLC announced their intention to form a global alliance. Under the terms of the agreement, Fiat would take a 20% stake in Chrysler and gain access to its North American distribution network in exchange for providing Chrysler with technology and platforms to build smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles in the US and providing reciprocal access to Fiat's global distribution network.^[27][28]

In addition, the proposed agreement would entitle Fiat to receive a further 15% (without cash consideration) through the achievement of specific product and commercial objectives. No cash or financial support was required from Fiat under the agreement. Instead it would obtain its stake mainly in exchange for covering the cost of retooling a Chrysler plant to produce one or more Fiat models for in the US. Fiat would also provide engine and transmission technology to enable Chrysler to introduce smaller, fuel-efficient models in the NAFTA market. The deal was engineered by Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne, who pulled the Italian group back from the brink of collapse after taking over in 2004. The principal objective of the partnership was to provide both groups with significantly enhanced economies of scale and geographical reach at a time when they were struggling to compete with larger and more global rivals such as Toyota, Volkswagen and alliance partners Renault S.A. and Nissan.^[27]

On 30 April 2009, Fiat announced the signing of a series of agreements to form a global strategic alliance with Chrysler,^[29] with Fiat receiving an initial 20% stake and the option to further purchase/receive additional ownership interests in Chrysler, pursuant to certain conditions being met. Fiat's shareholding would be capped at 49%, however, until all government loans had been repaid.^[30][31]

Fiat would not have to pay any money for its 20% of Chrysler. On 7 June 2009, the Indiana State Police Pension Fund, the Indiana Teacher's Retirement Fund, and the state's Major Moves Construction Fund asked the US Supreme Court to delay the sale of Chrysler to Fiat while they challenge the deal. The funds argued that the sale went against US bankruptcy law because it unlawfully rewarded unsecured creditors ahead of secured creditors.^[32] On 9 June 2009, the Supreme Court lifted the temporary hold, clearing the way for Fiat to acquire Chrysler.^[33] See Indiana State Police Pension Trust v. Chrysler for more information. On 10 June, the Supreme Court announced that Fiat was now an owner of the new Chrysler a.k.a. Chrysler Group LLC.

Marchionne was appointed CEO of Chrysler following its emergence from bankruptcy proceedings. Under his leadership, Chrysler has taken on a structure similar to that of Fiat and has released, in quick succession, a large number of completely redesigned or refreshed vehicles.^{[citation needed]} Fiat launched its 500, which had been available in Europe since 2007, in the United States and Canada in 2011, marking the company's return to the American auto market, which it had been absent from since 1984. Prior to this, Fiat's main presence on the continent was Mexico, where it offers a greater variety of products than in the United States and Canada.

On 10 January 2011, Fiat announced that it had increased its share in Chrysler from 20% to 25% following the achievement of the first of three performance objectives.^[34] On 11 April 2011, it announced achievement of the second performance objective, increasing its stake a further 5% to 30%.^[35] On 24 May 2011, Fiat announced that it had paid Chrysler US$ 1,268 million for a further 16% interest, increasing its stake total stake to 46% (fully diluted). The transaction coincided with Chrysler refinancing its debt to the U.S. and Canadian governments.^[36] On 25 May autonews.com reported that Fiat could buy government stakes in Chrysler as soon as the end of July 2011, increasing its total stake to 54%.^[37]

In May 2011, it emerged that Fiat could actually increase its stake in Chrysler Group to more than 70 percent through the exercise of further options.^[38]

In a regulatory filing dated 22 July 2011, the Michigan-based automaker reported that Fiat held a 53.5% interest (fully diluted). Fiat and Chrylser have both stated that they expect that interest to reach 58.5% by the end of 2011 as result of achievement of the third of the three performance objectives.^[39] In 5 January 2012 Fiat released press info that the ownership has increased to 58.5%.^[40]

Partnership with Mazda[link]

In 2012, Fiat formed an alliance with Mazda to develop and build a new roadster for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo brands.^[41]

Activities[link]

Fiat Group revenues by sector in 2009.

The group's activities were initially focused on the industrial production of cars, industrial and agricultural vehicles. Over time it has diversified into many other fields, and the group now has activities in a wide range of sectors in industry and financial services. It is Italy's largest industrial concern. It also has significant worldwide operations, operating in 61 countries with 1,063 companies that employ over 223,000 people, 111,000 of whom are outside Italy.

Principal subsidiaries[link]

Fiat's principal operating subsidiaries (direct and indirect) include: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. (FGA); Chrysler Group LLC (a subsidiary of FGA); Fiat Automoveis, S.A. (subsidiary of FGA); FGA Capital S.p.A. (a JV held 50% by FGA); Ferrari S.p.A.; Maserati S.p.A.; Fiat Powertrain Technologies S.p.A.; Magneti Marelli S.p.A.; Teksid S.p.A.; Comau S.p.A.; Itedi-Italiana Edizioni S.p.A. (see 2010 Annual Report^[42]).

Automotive[link]

For Fiat branded cars see Fiat Automobiles

Global locations of Fiat Group automobile production sites. (Including own plants, joint ventures and license production)

Fiat 500 (2007)

Lancia Delta

Alfa Romeo 159

Maserati GranTurismo

Ferrari 458 Italia

Fiat is the largest vehicle manufacturer in Italy, with cars ranging from small Fiat city cars to sports cars made by Ferrari, and vans and trucks such as the Ducato. Besides Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A, the Fiat Group automotive companies include Ferrari S.p.A. and Maserati S.p.A. The Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. companies include: Abarth & C. S.p.A., Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A., Chrysler Group LLC, Fiat Automobiles S.p.A., Fiat Professional and Lancia Automobiles S.p.A.. Ferrari S.p.A. is 90% owned by the Fiat Group.^[43]

The European Car of the Year award, Europe's premier automotive trophy for the past 40 years, has been awarded twelve times to the Fiat Group, more than any other manufacturer. Most recently the Fiat Nuova 500 has won the award for European Car of the Year 2008.^[44]

List of Fiat Group models which have won European Car of the Year:

• 1967: Fiat 124
• 1970: Fiat 128
• 1972: Fiat 127
• 1980: Lancia Delta
• 1984: Fiat Uno
• 1989: Fiat Tipo
• 1995: Fiat Punto
• 1996: Fiat Bravo/Brava
• 1998: Alfa Romeo 156
• 2001: Alfa Romeo 147
• 2004: Fiat Panda
• 2008: Fiat 500

Commercial vehicles[link]

On 17 April 2007 Fiat Automobiles' light commercial vehicle unit Fiat Veicoli Commerciali was rebranded as Fiat Professional.^[45] Some of Fiat's light commercial vehicle products include the Fiat Ducato, Fiat Scudo and Fiat Doblò Cargo.

Fiat's main commercial vehicles unit Iveco was demerged into Fiat Industrial at the beginning of 2011. This encompasses trucks (Iveco and Seddon Atkinson), buses (Iveco and Irisbus) and firefighting vehicles (Camiva, Iveco and Magirus). For information on their military vehicles, see Ariete.

Components[link]

The major Italian component maker Magneti Marelli is owned by Fiat, and in turn owns the other brands Carello, Automotive Lighting, Siem, Cofap, Jaeger, Solex, Veglia Borletti, Vitaloni, and Weber; other accessory brands include Brazilian Cofap.

Metallurgical products[link]

Fiat owns Teksid S.p.A., the largest iron foundry group in the world with a production capacity of approximately 600,000 tons annually. The company was established in December 1978, and designs and produces cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, exhaust manifolds, drive shafts, camshafts and other components for automobiles and commercial vehicles. Teksid, which is specialized in casting and processing iron, has plants in France, Portugal, Poland, Brazil, Mexico and China. Since 2007, Teksid S.p.A. runs also Teksid Aluminum S.r.l. a company specialized in casting and producing auto components from aluminium alloys.

Production systems[link]

Production systems are made mainly through Comau S.p.A. (now Comau Systems), which bought the American Pico, Renault Automation and Sciaky and produces industrial automation systems. In the 1970s and 1980s, the company became a pioneer in the use of industrial robotics for the assembly of motor vehicles. Fiat assembly plants are among the best automated and advanced in the world.

Services[link]

An insurance company, Toro Assicurazioni, allowed Fiat to control a relevant part of this market (also with minor companies like Lloyd Italico) and to interact with some associated banks. Toro Assicurazioni was acquired by the giant insurance company Assicurazioni Generali and is no longer related to the Fiat Group. Fiat still retains control of Augusta assicurazioni.

Construction[link]

Ingest Facility and Fiat Engineering work in various fields of construction, while IPI is a mediation company that also deals with the management of real estate properties.

Information technology[link]

Fiat Group is present in IT fields and in communications with ICT — Information & Communication Technology, Espin, Global Value, TeleClient, London and Atlanet.

Publishing and communication[link]

Fiat group also owns important editorial brands, like La Stampa (created in 1926 for the famous newspaper), Itedi, and Italiana Edizioni. Some national and local newspapers are owned or otherwise controlled by the different companies. A specialised advertising space reseller is Publikompass, supported by the Consorzio Fiat Media Center.

Other activities[link]

Fiat Gesco, KeyG Consulting, Sadi Customs Services, Easy Drive, RM Risk Management and Servizio Titoli are minor companies that work for public services, delivering services in economics and financial fields. Other activities include industrial securitisation (Consorzio Sirio), treasury (Fiat Geva), Fiat Information & Communication Services.

Fiat supports the Fondazione Giovanni Agnelli, an important foundation for social and economic research. Palazzo Grassi, a famous ancient building in Venice, now a museum and formerly supported by Fiat, was eventually sold to the French businessman François Pinault in January 2005.

Fiat has recently begun sponsoring the Jamaican bobsledding team and promoting this sponsorship through commercials. Many like Jamaican athletes because they see them as underdogs and as people who enjoy life. While Volvo sponsors golf, Mercedes tennis, and Hyundai soccer, Fiat is trying to look unique and more light-hearted. Further, the team is relatively cheap to sponsor.^[46]

The group is present in many countries, not only in the West. Notably, it was one of the first companies to build factories in Soviet territory, with the best known examples in Vladivostok, Kiev and Togliatti. The Russian government later continued the joint venture under the name AutoVAZ (known as Lada outside the former USSR). The venture was most notable for the Lada Riva. Fiat also has a subsidiary in Poland at Tychy, (formerly called FSM) where Fiat's small cars (the 126, Cinquecento, Seicento, Nuova 500 and Ford Ka) and small diesel engines are made. Fiat also has factories in Argentina, Brazil, and Italy. In addition, its cars are produced through licensing and joint-venture agreements in China, Egypt, France, India, South Africa, Turkey, and Vietnam.^[47] Local variants of Fiats are produced at these factories as well as a world car, the Palio. As of 2005, the company holds the first position in the Brazilian automobile market with a market share close to 25%.

Fiat has articulated that it wishes to focus on expanding into third-world markets because, in the words of former chairman Paolo Fresco, "those are the only markets where you can expect growth.^[47] And it is true that Fiat's specialization in smaller cars puts it at an advantage in those markets, but cars sold in third-world countries tend to be much simpler than those sold elsewhere (e.g., most lack air conditioning), and thus require much less money to develop.

Fiat is also present in the combat vehicle sector through a consortium between Iveco and OTO Melara, their most notable product being the LAV B1 Centauro.

Former activities[link]

Agricultural and construction equipment[link]

Fiat Group previously owned CNH Global (which includes Case Construction, Case IH, Flexi-Coil, Kobelco, New Holland, New Holland Construction, and Steyr); and Fiat-Hitachi Construction. This was demerged into Fiat Industrial at the start of 2011. CNH is the second largest agricultural equipment manufacturer in the world after Deere & Company and is also the third largest producer of construction equipment after Caterpillar Inc. and Komatsu. When part of Fiat Group, CNH accounted for around 20% of its total revenues.^[48]

Aviation and motorcycles[link]

Fiat G91T training aircraft

Fiat, as Fiat Aviazione, was an important aircraft manufacturer, focused mainly on military aviation. After World War I, Fiat consolidated several Italian small aircraft manufacturers, like Pomilio and Ansaldo. Most famous were Fiat biplane fighter aircraft of the 1930s, Fiat CR.32 and Fiat CR.42. Other notable designs were fighters CR.20, G.50, G.55 and a bomber, the Fiat BR.20. In 1950s, the company designed the G.91 light ground attack plane. In 1969, Fiat Aviazione merged with Aerfer to create Aeritalia.