1912 to 1925
The Lingotto factory
In 1916 the construction of Lingotto started under the direction of Giacomo Mattè Trucco. The Factory, the largest in Europe , occupied five floors and had a futuristic test track on the roof. It soon became the emblem of the Italian automotive industry and was completed in 1922.
Fiat expands to new sectors
In the meantime Fiat expanded its activities to the steel industry, the railway, electricity and public transportation lines. Fiat Lubrificanti was established and the first Italian subsidiary was opened in Russia. When the War broke out, company production was almost entirely aimed at supplying the army.
Post-war crisis and recovery
After the war there were years of transformation and crisis but as early as 1923 growth resumed thanks to an effective cost-curbing policy. Giovanni Agnelli became the CEO. Numerous car models were launched, among which the 509, the first car with four seats.
Development of the Company
The policy adopted by the company was to develop industrial mass production. Mass production was launched as the only way to curb the prohibitive prices of cars.
During a phase of increasing consumption, Sava , a holding company was set up to promote instalment plans for purchasing cars. IFI, Istituto Finanziario Industriale, was also established at that time.
Services for employees
These years were also significant for the internal growth of Fiat.
Numerous organizations for employees were established: from health care to specialized schools to sports clubs