Fiat history a legend in Turin

Old FiatTo the outside world the mention of Turin conjure images of industrial automotive town others calls Turin the Detroit of Italy. This reputation notably is owned by Fiat. Fiat (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) was established in 1899. This is the beginning of Fiat history. It single-handedly contributed to the growth of Turin. Today on streets all over Italy you can witness the popularity of Fiat cars.

The Fiat history and stable has now grown to include Ferrari, Iveco, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Lancia. Over the past 40 years Fiat has won European Car of the year 12 times!! In 2008 we saw the relaunch of Fiat 500 the launch was accompanied by 4 days of celebration in Turin city.

Turin is also considered the center for education our FIRST university was established in the year 1404. Today we are respected for our arts and design colleges as well. One such college is IED - Istituto Europeo di Design. Many students come here to study car design. It is no wonder as Italy has produced some of the world's glamour cars such as Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo not to mention it is the home of Fiat. Many of the world car stylist companies are also located here Pininfarina, Bertone and Giugiaro.

 

 

 

AGNELLI FAMILY AND FIAT HISTORY

In our times the most remembered of the Agnelli family member is Gianni Agnelli he was Chairman of Fiat from 1966 to 24 January 2003. Most notable for his flamboyant playboy lifestyle. Who blame him when he controls 4.4% of Italy GDP, 3.1% of Italian workforce and 16.5% investment of all industrial research during his reign. Gianni exact birthplace in Piedmont Italy was in a village nearby Villar Perosa. His father was Edoardo Agnelli grandson of Fiat founder Giovanni Agnelli and his mother was Donna Virginia Bourbon del Monte daughter of Carlo 4th. Principe di San Faustino, head of a noble family established in Perugia.

Gianni live an enviable lifestyle many hope to follow. The women who came into his life were themselves rich and famous such as Pamela Harriman, Anita Ekberg, Jackie Rogers, Jackie Kennedy a rumor never proven including Marella Caracciolo di Castagneto who later became his wife when she fell pregnant. They had two children - Edoardo Agnelli and Margherita Agnelli.

Edoardo feeling the burden of Fiat namesake committed suicide on 15 November 2000 by jumping off a bridge in Turin. Edoardo never married but had a son born out of wedlock in 1973, who was never recognized by Gianni Agnelli. Margherita Agnelli did nothing outstanding in the company or in her life besides being a rich child. She is known today as Margherita Agnelli de Pahlen. At time of writing this story she is still suing the Fiat empire to obtain fuller accounting of her father's estate. The twist in the story is her elder son John Elkann who is Deputy Chairman of both Fiat and IFIL disagree with his mother.

Gianni sister Susanna Agnelli became a Contessa by marriage. Both brother and sister were extremely close throughout their lives. Susanna contributed to society as a Senator in the Italian Parliament in 1983 and later served as Mayor of Porto Santo Stefano. She wrote her biography 'We always wore sailor suits' in 1983 it became a bestseller in Italy.

Certainly the Agnelli family is full of mystery and juicy gossips. It will make good holiday reading if you pickup a copy of the books we recommended.

 

ITALIAN AND FIAT LANGUAGE HOLIDAY

l'Italiano Porticando in Turin organizes this language holiday to introduce you to Fiat motor industry role in shaping Turin history. You will learn Turin and Fiat past history brought up todate. Visit to Lingotto which is Fiat first modern factory and now converted to a commerical centre. Followed by escorted tour to Turin plan called Fiat Mirafiori.

Fiat Schedule - every 4th. week of the month (except August and Christmas holiday)

Italian proficiency level - for beginners

Fee - €240 per person for 15 hours Italian language course or €280 per person for 20 hours. Minimum group of 4 people

Fee exclude accommodation. If you require accommodation we can assist you.

As a student with us I'Italiano Porticando you are also eligible to attend other Cooking Italy Topic Courses the school offers at minimal prices.

 

ASK US FOR THE NEXT AVAILABLE DATE FOR THIS EXCITING ITALIAN LANGUAGE HOLIDAY!

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Language holidays

1. For a real Piedmontese dining experience and a dose of Turin history we suggest cooking vacation in Turin.

 

For Quick and Easy Guide use Amazing North Italy sitemap to find information

 

 

 

 

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