Fiat marks 50 years of automotive innovation in Brazil

Fiat is marking 50 years of operations in Brazil, a journey that began in 1976. The Italian automaker established its presence by building a factory in Betim, Minas Gerais, with equity participation from the state government.

The brand introduced several technical and market innovations to the Brazilian automotive sector. The Fiat 147, the first passenger car produced by the brand in the country, featured a transverse engine layout to maximize cabin space. It was also the first vehicle in Brazil to include radial tires, laminated windshields, and a retractable steering column.

Globally, the Fiat 147 achieved a milestone in 1979 as the first mass-produced vehicle in the world to feature an engine powered exclusively by ethanol, following the National Alcohol Program.