1978 to 1990
The Robogate system
In 1978 the “Robogate” system was created, the new flexible robotized system for assembling the bodywork. It was the road to innovation and the automation of production.
The holding configuration
In 1979 the auto sector was set up as an independent company: Fiat Auto S.p.A., which included the brands Fiat, Lancia, Autobianchi, Abarth, Ferrari. The Ferrari brand was acquired at 50% initially, a share that later rose to 87%. In 1984 the company also took over Alfa Romeo (following by Maserati acquisition - a prestigious sports car brand - in 1993).
Independent companies
Fiat's numerous operations were set up as independent companies. Alongside Fiat Auto the following companies were founded: Fiat Ferroviaria, Fiat Avio, Fiat Trattori, Fiat Engineering, Comau, Teksid, Magneti Marelli.
The Fiat Panda and the Fiat Uno
In 1980 a new utilitarian was styled by Giugiaro for Fiat and was called Panda. Two years later the car that would become the emblem of Fiat Auto's renewal was born: the Fiat Uno. It featured radical innovations in its electronics, choice of materials and the use of a clean engine: the 1000 Fire.
The Fiat Tipo
Another successful model appeared in 1989: the Tipo, voted “Car of the year” for its cutting-edge technical solutions. Its production marked a conquest of Fiat technology: production by processing stations.