In an event full of history and vision of the future, FIAT celebrated its 125th anniversary in the emblematic Lingotto building in Turin.
Read also: New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid
The celebration, titled “Smiling to the Future”not only paid tribute to the brand’s rich history, but also marked the beginning of a new era in the automotive industry.
The presence of leading figures from Italian politics, the international press and senior Stellantis executives underlined the importance of the event, where FIAT’s future plans were presented and its past achievements recalled.
You can read: The BMW X3 M Competition transforms into a 650 hp beast
The opening speech was given by John Elkann, President of Stellantiswho recalled FIAT’s humble beginnings in 1899. “FIAT was born from a passion for progress”“For 125 years, we have worked tirelessly to bring stylish and functional freedom of movement to millions of people around the world,” Elkann said.
Elkann thanked everyone who has been part of this journey, from employees to loyal customers, and expressed confidence that the brand will continue to thrive under the Stellantis umbrella.
Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, also took the floor to celebrate FIAT’s legacy. “It is an honour to be here at the home of FIAT to celebrate 125 years of history,” said Tavares. “FIAT is not only an iconic brand within Stellantis, but also a leader in key markets around the world. We are committed to continuing to offer clean, safe and affordable mobility to our customers.”
Tavares highlighted FIAT’s crucial role in Stellantis’ global strategy and its focus on sustainability and innovation.
Olivier Francois, CEO of FIAT and CMO of Stellantis, emphasized FIAT’s social relevance over the years. “FIAT has been synonymous with social relevance, always adapting to the needs of our customers”said Francois. “From affordable city vehicles to family and commercial models, FIAT has been able to offer solutions that make everyday life easier.” Francois presented the Grande Panda, the new global model that symbolises the beginning of a new generation of FIAT vehicles designed for a global market.
The Grande Panda, developed on the basis of Italian design, global platform and local relevance, is the first member of a new family of vehicles that FIAT plans to launch in the next decade.
With its style inspired by the iconic Panda from the 80s, The Great Panda combines sustainability, inclusion and beautyEquipped with a 44 kWh battery and an 83 kW electric motor, it offers a range of more than 320 kilometres, ideal for urban use and short trips.
The event also included the opening of the new exhibition at the Casa FIAT museum, a project in collaboration with the Pinacoteca Agnelli.
The exhibition offers an interactive tour through the history of FIAT, highlighting key moments such as the production of the Fiat Nuova 500 and the Pandaand celebrating the brand’s connection with Turin.
Visitors can immerse themselves in themed areas that explore automotive design, architecture and society, all centered on FIAT’s legacy.
The festivities concluded with a parade of classic and contemporary FIAT vehicles in the legendary Lingotto track.
This parade not only showcased the brand’s technological and historical heritage, but also symbolised the continuity of FIAT’s innovative spirit into the future.
With the Grande Panda and other models in development, FIAT is preparing to face the challenges of 21st century mobility, maintaining its Italian essence and its commitment to innovation.
The celebration of the 125th anniversary of FIAT Not only did he honor his past, but he also reaffirmed his vision of a bright future full of possibilities.
FIAT: A 125-year journey
On July 11, 1899, in Turin, the statutes of the Società Anonima Fabbrica Italiana di Automobili – Torino were signed, giving rise to FIAT.
Since then, the brand has produced millions of cars, and a strong common thread connects its past with its present and its future: a specific way of understanding the automobile that distinguishes the brand on a global scale and has given rise to products that simplify everyday life and brighten up streets around the world.
The 125th anniversary event was headlined by the Fiat Grande Pandathe new global model that will kick off the new era of the Italian brand and the first of a new generation of FIAT vehicles.
The event revealed the first real images of two other models in the new global family, an SUV and a fastback, which were previewed last February as concepts and are currently in an advanced phase of development with their launch scheduled for the coming years.
The Turin celebrations concluded with an impressive parade of classic and contemporary FIAT vehicles, divided into groups, iconic models, city cars, compact vehicles, family vehicles and light commercial vehicleswere displayed on the legendary Lingotto building track to showcase the brand’s technological and historical heritage.
From the beginning, FIAT It has shown a strong propensity for internationality, with models produced all over the world, but at the same time keeping its heart and soul in the Piedmontese capital, where the company was founded.
Today, with the Big Pandaa new era is coming for FIAT, one that will be characterized by inclusiveness, ingenuity, Italian style and a global spirit.