News March 29 2007

Fiat Group renames after restructure

The Fiat Group is renaming its car and commercial vehicle division “Fiat Group Automobiles SpA” from 1 February 2007 with the aim of unifying its operations as one of Europe’s largest companies and clearly defining each division’s activities within The Fiat Group.

Formally known as ‘Fiat Auto’, the new division will have 100 per cent ownership of “Fiat Automobiles SpA,” “Alfa Romeo Automobiles SpA,” “Lancia Automobiles SpA,” and “Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles SpA.”

The current heads of the four brands will be designated as chief executive officers of the respective companies. The operations and the personnel will remain at Fiat Group Automobiles SpA. These changes are consistent with a new corporate culture at the Fiat Group (see our article on our meeting with Fiat Auto CEO Luca de Meo in the ItalianCar Club – hyperlink to Club here).

Over the next few months, the “Fiat Group” mark will be paired up with each brand trademark. The birth of Fiat Group Automobiles SpA represents the next, natural step since the Group mark was changed at the end of 2005. Inclusion of the word “Group” in the name reflects its prominent role as a constituent part of the Fiat Group, considering the contribution that Fiat Auto makes to Group results and the realisation of synergies between Group members.

The new name also recognises the recent profound transformation of the company and a newly streamlined structure. The Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles brands will each continue to have their own specific identities and distinct commercial and market policies.Fiat Group have also stated that the new configuration will not alter relationships with employees, dealers, and suppliers in any way – in fact they say improved brand name recognition will promote better relations with the sales network, customers, and partners.

© italiancar.net 29/3/07