Automobile industry in Italy
The automobile industry in Italy (formerly the vehicle industry in Italy) is a quite large employer in the country, with a labour force of over 196,000 (2004) working in the industry.
Italy is the 5th largest automobile producer in Europe (2006). Today the Italian automotive industry is almost totally dominated by Fiat Group, in 2001 over 90% of vehicles were produced by it. Italian automotive part industry covered over 2,131 firms and employed almost 250,000 people in 2006. Italy's automotive industry is best known of its automobile designs and small city cars, sports and supercars. The automotive industry makes a significant 8.5% to Italian GDP.
History
The beginnings
The automobile industry in Italy started little bit later than in France, the Stefanini-Martina of 1896 is thought of as the foundation of the industry. Enrico Bernardi built petrol fuelled tri-cycle car in 1884. Fiat SpA was founded in 1899 and built its first car in same year the 3½HP (or 4HP) with a 679 cc engine and capable of 35km/h.
The Isotta Fraschini was founded in 1900 assembling first Renault models.
Soon the automobile industry was getting bigger and many companies were founded: Zust,Lancia, Aquila Italiana, Diatto, Itala, SPA and Società Anonima Italiana Darracq.
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Italian automobile manufacturers include:
Defunct manufacturers: