Since the beginning Fiat has had a strong propensity toward technological innovation for its products and production processes. Even today, Fiat believes that innovation which is sustainable and puts people, society and the environment first is fundamental to strengthening its position. The Group has numerous laboratories and research centers around the world, equipped with the most modern technologies, where every day teams of technicians and engineers study, design and experiment to develop solutions that anticipate the needs of customers and transform creative ideas into innovative products and services that contribute to making mobility ever more sustainable.
Fiat has a rich history of technologies transformed into innovations that anticipated the demands of the market by reducing emissions (from the Fire to Common Rail engines, from the MultiJet and TetraFuel system to the Natural Power range, and the Start∓Stop system), by ensuring maximum safety for daily driving and maximum safety rating scores (from vehicle stability and dynamic control systems, to the extensive use of high resistance steel), and by enabling the vehicle to communicate with the driver and the world outside (from the Blue&Me system with integrated bluetooth, handsfree and voice recognition, to integrated navigation systems and eco:Drive which aids drivers in driving in a more ecological manner).
With Fiat’s increasing ownership interest in Chrysler, activities between the two have been expanded from development of shared platforms and models to also include plans for a shared research and innovation program. As a result, in March 2011, CRF reorganized its research and development activities and created a new FGA-Chrysler Innovation & Methodologies Synergies unit whose main task is to facilitate bi-lateral sharing and coordination. In this initial stage, innovation activities are being shared in the areas of connectivity, postural and climate comfort, and fuel consumption reduction. Additionally, to promote a more intensive and focused collaborative process, the two partners undertook a review of strategies and processes which led to the formulation of a joint innovation plan for 2012. Other technology sharing initiatives include target deployment and testing methodologies, particularly in the areas of ergonomics and fuel consumption, as well as joint development of virtual simulation know-how. The primary objective for 2012 will be to expand the collaboration between the two groups in order to fully leverage their respective technical capabilities and experience.
Expenditure on Research ↦ Development1 totaled approximately €2.2 billion for the year, equivalent to 4.2% of net revenues for the Industrial Activities, and R&D activities involved some 17,000 specialized personnel at 77 centers.