This is the single greatest honor in the motor vehicle industry, intended to honor a career and/or lifetime achievement. To become a "Hall of Famer" the nominee must be either retired or deceased. Recipients must have significantly impacted the development of the automobile or the motor vehicle industry. Typically, four to eight individuals are inducted each year.
Fiat (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) was founded in Turin, Italy in 1899, making it one of the world's oldest continually operating automakers. Fiat's first factory, opened in 1900, had 35 employees and produced just 24 automobiles. Giovanni Agnelli was the junior member of the company's three founders, serving as Secretary to the Board.
Due to his determination and strategic vision, Agnelli, a former cavalry officer, quickly gained a prominent position among the original investors and was made Managing Director in 1902.
From the beginning, Fiat was guided by Agnelli's international vision. In 1908, Fiat manufactured cars in America under license at a plant in Poughkeepsie, New York. Relationships established with other partners led to exports to France, Austria, Great Britain and Australia.
In November 1920, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors.
After several trips to the United States by Agnelli, Fiat started to plan what was described at the time as "a great new, American-style factory." In 1923, this new manufacturing plant allowed for a flurry of new products, the Fiat 501, followed by 505, 510 and 519 models.
Agnelli was responsible for numerous philanthropic works and institutions of social welfare, such as employee health services, a central school for young apprentices, a children's retreat and a hospital. Even today, these entities resulting from Agnelli's generosity and social responsibility continue to be a reference point in the company's existence.
