Share |

Fiat

July 4, 2011

Arguably, there is no country in the world where the word family means more than in Italy. After all, the Latin word that family is derived from—familia, meaning “family servants, domestics”—originated in Ancient Rome. CampdenFB takes a look at some of the leading Italian family businesses in an interactive graphic.

Emerging markets woo luxury carmaker

March 10, 2011

Sports carmaker Ferrari, 90% controlled by the Agnelli family's Fiat, has announced it will begin selling its cars in India following an agreement with India's luxury retail company, the Shreyans Group.

Succession top in mind for Italian “royal family” head

March 8, 2011

John Elkann, fifth-generation chairman of the founding Fiat family, has revealed how he attempts to balance his work burdens with raising a family and carefully exposing his young children to the family business.

In an interview with the Financial Times, 34-year-old Elkann explained when running a family business, it is not always possible to separate the business from family life. “Private life is to some extent part of work life. Ultimately if you want to balance that we cannot have silos, one part separate from the other,” he said.

Fiat chairman to head family’s investment company

February 14, 2011

John Elkann, head of family-controlled Fiat, has taken over as chief executive of the family’s investment company Exor, adding to his current role of chairman.

In a statement, the Turin-based investment company said that besides Elkann’s appointment as chief executive, it had also appointed its first chief investment officer. Tobias Brown, former investment officer for late billionaire Sir James Goldsmith, is to take over Exor’s worldwide investment activities.

Fiat chief in hot water

February 8, 2011

Chief executive of carmakers Fiat and Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne, is facing wrath from Italy and the US for his comments on shifting Fiat’s headquarters, and describing the interest rates charged on American bailout loans as “shyster”.

Chief executive of carmakers Fiat and Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne, is facing wrath from Italy and the US for his comments on shifting Fiat's headquarters, and describing the interest rates charged on American bailout loans as "shyster".

Legendary family dynasties play cat and mouse

January 13, 2011

Turin and Wolfsburg might not have much in common at first glance, writes David Bain.

Turin and Wolfsburg might not have much in common at first glance, writes David Bain.

For one thing, Wolfsburg is in Germany and has a population of just over 100,000, whereas Turin is in Italy with nearly one million inhabitants. It's probably also fair to say that the temperament of each other's citizens might have little in common.

But there is one thing that unites both of these towns – car making.

Fiat CEO signals intention to increase Chrysler share

January 4, 2011

Fiat, the Italy-based conglomerate controlled by the Agnelli family, could increase its share in US car company Chrysler to up to 50%, according to remarks made by its non-family CEO Sergio Marchionne.

"I don't know whether it is likely, but it is possible that we will go over 50% if Chrysler decides to go to the market in 2011," Marchionne said, according to the Financial Times. Although he was careful to note a merger between the two companies was not under consideration.

Piëch wants Alfa Romeo to add to family brands

October 1, 2010

Ferdinand Piëch, Volkswagen’s chairman and grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, said he would be keen to acquire Alfa Romeo, one of Europe’s most famed car brands which is owned by Fiat.

Ferdinand Piëch, Volkswagen's chairman and grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, said he would be keen to acquire Alfa Romeo, one of Europe's most famed car brands which is owned by Fiat.

Piech (pictured), speaking at the Paris motor show, said VW would be "interested in taking over Alfa Romeo" to add to the 10 marques the carmaker already owns.

Sergio Marchionne, Fiat's chief executive, responded by saying: "None of our cars are up for sale."

Non-family CEO gets his way at Fiat

September 17, 2010

Fiat, the Italy-based conglomerate controlled by the Agnelli family, gained approval form its shareholders on 16 September to split its industrial business from the car manufacturing unit to create two separate companies.

Fiat will comprise the group's car brands including Fiat, Ferrari and Maserati, while Fiat Industrials is to be made up of the company's Iveco trucks unit, which makes farm and construction equipment.

Agnelli family heir buoyed by good results at Fiat

July 22, 2010

The family-controlled Fiat Group announced yesterday it has returned to profit in the second quarter of 2010 thanks to a strong performance from its truck and agricultural equipment divisions.