FIAT returns to the North American market with the launch of the 2012 FIAT 500 in early 2011. FIAT was founded in 1899 when the company charter of Societa Anonima Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino was signed. Giovanni Agnelli became the managing director of the company in 1902 and FIAT Automobile Co. was founded in the U.S. in 1908. In 1979, FIAT Auto S.p.A. was set up as an independent company that included FIAT, Lancia, Autobianchi, Abarth and Ferrari. FIAT took over Alfa Romeo in 1984 and Maserati in 1993. In 2009, FIAT and Chrysler LLC formed a global alliance, with FIAT taking a 20 percent stake in Chrysler Group LLC. FIAT’s share of Chrysler Group LLC increased to 25 percent in January 2011. FIAT Brand for North America is based in Detroit.
