Fiat has long been one of Italy's largest industrial companies, and not just in vehicle manufacturing. Fiat was founded back in 1899 by Giovanni Agnelli and Count Roberto Biscaretti, building cars from a factory in Ceirano. Fiat cars have ranged from luxury and grand touring designs in the early days to the small Topolino models.

Later Fiat masterpieces have included the 500, various sports models, the 130 and hardy 124 range (which has also been produced under licence by FSO and Lada. Today Fiat produce cars, trucks, railway stock and even Aero-engines. Fiat has also acquired other brands along the way including Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa-Romeo and Lancia.