1965 to 1977
The economic boom and social unrest
Growth continued in exports as well as production: the trend showed an increase from one car every 96 inhabitants to one every 28. In the meantime Fiat boosted its presence in southern Italy by setting up numerous factories there. There was also an increase in trade union conflicts: in 1969 total hours on strike reached 15 million.
The new cars
After Fiat 850, a new popular utilitarian car, the 127, made its debut in 1971.
It was the first Fiat car with front wheel drive; it met with great success on the market and was named “Car of the Year”.
Toward automation
In 1966 Giovanni Agnelli, the grandson of the founder, became President of the company. In those years there was a trend toward increased automation of the manufacturing processes to cope with the oil crisis and to continue on the road of technological innovation.