History

In 1922, the production of electrical equipment was started, followed by sparkplugs and batteries and windshield wipers (1929).

In 1930, the company started the mass production of radios with the trademark RadioMarelli.

During this period, Enrico Fermi covered the position of Managing Director of the Magneti Marelli science and research laboratories.

In 1931, Fimm began to produce batteries for submarines and for electric-drive vehicles as well as lighting systems for trains.

In 1935, a joint venture was signed by Fimm and Bosch, thus creating a new company called Mabo, which specialised in the sale of electrical equipment for automobiles and motorcycles.

In 1941, Fimm became a supplier to the Italian Aeronautical Industry.

Some of the company’s factories were bombed during World War II: the company started to rebuild and recover in 1946, and the following year Fimm was listed in the stock markets of Milan, Genoa, Turin, Rome and Naples.

In 1955, the company started the mass production of television components.

During this twenty-year period, the company expanded to Spain, Brazil and Argentina.

In the early 1960s, the company experienced a difficult moment as it was hit by the economic crisis, and for the first time since 1945 proceeds were on the downswing.

In 1967, Fiat purchased the Magneti Marelli share owned by Ercole Marelli.

In 1969, Magneti Marelli’s electronic systems started to be installed on racing cars.

In 1972, the company abandoned the production of radios and televisions, although the sales activity continued.

In this decade, corporate restructuring was especially important, along with the growing relevance taken on by Research and Development.

In 1982 the company declared a state of crisis, and a rationalization plan was implemented.

In 1984 the headquarters moved from Sesto San Giovanni to Cinisello Balsamo.

In 1986 the company became an international holding, responsible for important European Companies specialised in the production of components with prestigious brands.

In 1989 the Excellence Centre for electronic systems was created in Italy and in France.

In 1990 the corporate structure was reorganized into divisions, based on product lines.

In this decade an M&A policy was applied, also through joint venture agreements: in 1993 in Brazil with American Walbro and in 1999 in Germany with Bosch in the lighting systems sector.

At the end of the decade Magneti Marelli strengthened its core business, disinvesting in areas considered non-strategic. To this purpose, it launched a restructuring plan according to which, in 2001, it acquired control of Automotive Lighting, it sold the air-conditioning systems to the Japanese group Denso and sold off other activities.

In October of 2002, the FIAT group decided to group all the units that were initially independent under Magneti Marelli Holding. So, Magneti Marelli started a new phase, with the medium/long-term goal to strengthen its own competitive position and economic-financial solidity.

Starting in 2005, the current management rebuilt the original perimeter, reintegrating activities tied to electronics and spare parts.

Today, Magneti Marelli confirms its mission of excellent automotive components and focuses its efforts especially on intelligent systems for the active and passive safety of the vehicle, making the most of its great expertise in electronic systems.

Today Magneti Marelli is structured along the following business lines: Lighting, Electronic Systems, Powertrain, Suspension Systems, Exhaust Systems, After Market Parts & Services and Motorsport.