Celebrating half a century as a manufacturer in Brazil, Fiat has a vast history built through its passenger vehicles. However, despite being widely recognized as a car producer, the Italian brand also ventured into truck manufacturing in the country, although this path was not as successful as that of its cars.
As with any long history, the beginning of this initiative was not simple, given that it continued the former National Motor Factory, informally known as the legendary 'Fenemê'. The history of the FNM began on June 13, 1942, during World War II, with the purpose of manufacturing aeronautical engines in Duque de Caxias (RJ).
After the end of the conflict in 1945, the company began producing heavy trucks in 1949, becoming the first Brazilian automotive industry. The first significant milestone for FNM in the automotive sector came through a collaboration with the Italian Isotta Fraschini, resulting in the launch of the FNM D-7300 in 1949. This vehicle, based on the Isotta Fraschini D.80, was the first truck produced in series in Brazil, equipped with a 7.3-liter, 100 hp diesel engine and an 8-ton load capacity.
Subsequently, the situation complicated with the bankruptcy of Isotta Fraschini. At that time, FNM formed a partnership with the then-state-owned Italian Alfa Romeo, initiating the era of the notorious 'Fenemê' trucks. The first model of this phase was the FNM D-9500, launched in 1952, which had a 130 hp diesel engine and a capacity for 8.1 tons of cargo, capable of reaching 14 tons when coupled with a trailer. Starting in 1953, FNM implemented a plan for nationalizing components, covering cabins, tires, and batteries, aiming to achieve 45% local content.
The FNM's phase as a state-owned company ended in 1968 when it was privatized and incorporated by Alfa Romeo. In 1973, Fiat took control of Alfa Romeo and, consequently, FNM. Four years before discontinuing the FNM brand, in 1973, Fiat had concrete plans to expand its operations in Brazil. While building its factory unit in Betim (MG), the company acquired 43% of Alfa Romeo do Brasil (which controlled FNM at the time), with the goal of using the Duque de Caxias factory to develop a new line of trucks.
Three years later, in 1976, the Fiat 130 was introduced, a medium model equipped with a six-cylinder engine and a modern cabin ('cara chata'), representing a considerable advance over the old FNM models from the 1960s. During the same period, the heavy FNM 190 began to absorb the influence of the Italian group. Still in 1976, Fiat assumed full command of operations and extinguished the FNM brand. In 1977, Fiat Diesel Brasil S.A. was born, at which point the brand began to display only the Fiat name in its heavy vehicle portfolio.
With the new corporate name, the automaker updated its line: the 70 and 130 models were replaced by the new Fiat 80, 120, and 140. The heavy 190 received a renewed version, called the 190H, which offered a more comfortable and updated monocoque cabin. Additionally, the brand began supplying chassis for urban buses and options with a factory third axle, increasing load capacity.
Fiat soon faced logistical and operational difficulties common to many automakers operating in a continental-sized country. The problems were clear: even facing these obstacles, Fiat continued to modernize its line. In 1982, it launched the Fiat 190 Turbo, equipped with a 306 hp turbo engine, bringing the model up to the technological level of competitors of the time, such as Mercedes-Benz, Scania, and Volvo. In addition to the new engine, Fiat invested in unprecedented comfort features for the category at that time.
However, innovation was not enough to reverse the situation. In addition to the low acceptance of Fiat trucks in the market, recurring strikes and confrontations on the production line caused layoffs and demonstrations. Unexpectedly, in June 1985, Fiat permanently ceased truck production. Some equipment was sold to other manufacturers, and the Xerém factory was bought by Ciferal. In total, Fiat Diesel was active in Brazil for only nine years (from 1976 to 1985), and despite its short existence, its trucks remain in the memory of the roads as robust and unusual models.
