Who Owns Abarth?
Abarth is wholly owned by Stellantis N.V., the multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed in January 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. Originally founded in 1949 by Italo-Austrian Carlo Abarth, the company was acquired by Fiat in 1971 and served as Fiat\
Parent Company
Stellantis
Acquired
2021
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Turin, Italy (Officine 83, Mirafiori manufacturing complex)
Who Owns Abarth?
- Parent Company: Stellantis
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2021
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: STLA
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Abarth | Stellantis | Wholly owned |
History of Abarth
- Founded: 1949
- Founders: Carlo Abarth, Armando Scagliarini
- Acquired by Stellantis: 2021
Abarth's story began on March 31, 1949, when Carlo Abarth and investor Armando Scagliarini founded Abarth & C. in Bologna, Italy. The company was established following the liquidation of Cisitalia, where Carlo Abarth had served as sporting director since 1947. From Cisitalia's assets, Abarth obtained five 204 sports cars, a D46 single-seater, and various spare parts, which provided the foundation for the new venture. The scorpion from Carlo's astrological sign, Scorpio, was chosen as the company logo, creating what would become one of the most recognizable emblems in automotive history.
The initial focus of Abarth & C. was twofold: racing and producing performance parts. The newly formed "Squadra Abarth" racing team quickly attracted celebrated drivers, including the legendary Tazio Nuvolari, who made his final racing appearance in an Abarth 204A, winning his class in the Palermo-Monte Pellegrino hillclimb on April 10, 1950. Alongside racing, the company developed a thriving business producing performance parts and accessories for Fiat, Lancia, and other manufacturers, particularly focusing on exhaust systems that delivered Abarth's signature sound and power improvements.
On April 9, 1951, Abarth relocated its headquarters to Turin, establishing closer proximity to Fiat, with whom they would form a crucial partnership starting in 1952. The relationship with Fiat deepened in 1957 when Abarth entered an innovative agreement whereby they received direct fees for successful competition finishes. This arrangement led to an extraordinary period where Abarth entered countless races across the world, competing in multiple classes to maximize results-based payments. The competition success was remarkable—in 1962, Abarth cars secured 10 world records, 133 international records, and over 10,000 victories in various race classes.
Abarth's performance engineering capabilities extended beyond modifying existing vehicles. In the late 1950s and 1960s, technical director Mario Colucci led the development of purpose-built racing cars like the innovative Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototype) with tubular frames and fiberglass bodywork. The company also collaborated with design houses including Zagato, creating iconic models like the Fiat-Abarth 750 Zagato, which combined exceptional performance with striking Italian design. By the 1960s, Abarth had evolved from a specialist tuning house to a recognized manufacturer with a catalog featuring exhausts, carburetors, and complete performance-enhanced vehicles.
A significant transition occurred on July 31, 1971, when Carlo Abarth, facing health issues and financial pressures, sold the company to Fiat. This acquisition marked the end of Abarth's independence, with its racing operations transferred to Enzo Osella, who continued the competition legacy under the Osella racing team banner. Under Fiat ownership, Abarth was reconstituted as Fiat's racing department under the direction of engine designer Aurelio Lampredi, focusing on developing rally cars including the successful Fiat 124 Abarth Rally and later the dominant Fiat 131 Abarth, which secured three World Rally Championships between 1977 and 1980.
After a period of relative dormancy in the 1990s and early 2000s, when the Abarth name was primarily used as a trim level designation for certain Fiat models, the brand experienced a renaissance on February 1, 2007. Fiat Group Automobiles reestablished Abarth & C. S.p.A. as an independent unit, marking the return of Abarth as a distinct brand within the group. Based in the Officine 83 facility at the historic Mirafiori engineering plant in Turin, the revived Abarth focused on developing high-performance versions of Fiat models, beginning with the Abarth Grande Punto and the competition-oriented Grande Punto S2000.
The brand continued to evolve following Fiat's merger with Chrysler in 2014 to form FCA and subsequently through the creation of Stellantis in 2021. Most recently, Abarth has embraced the challenge of electrification with the introduction of its first electric models, the Abarth 500e in 2023 and the Abarth 600e in 2025, while expanding its global presence with models like the Pulse and Fastback in South American markets. Throughout these corporate transitions, Abarth has maintained its core identity as a performance-focused brand delivering accessible, exhilarating driving experiences with the distinctive Abarth scorpion proudly displayed on each vehicle.
About Stellantis
What does Stellantis own?
Stellantis owns fourteen automotive brands: Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Wagoneer, Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Opel, Vauxhall, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Abarth, and Maserati. The company was formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA.
Is Stellantis publicly traded?
Yes, Stellantis N.V. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (STLA), Euronext Paris (STLAP), and Borsa Italiana (STLAM). Major shareholders include Exor N.V. (Agnelli family, approximately 14.4%), the Peugeot family holding company (approximately 7.2%), and Bpifrance (approximately 6.2%).
Who founded Stellantis?
Stellantis was formed in January 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA. The merger was announced in December 2019 and structured as a merger of equals. Carlos Tavares, former CEO of Groupe PSA, led the combined company until his resignation in December 2024.
Where is Stellantis headquartered?
Stellantis N.V. is legally headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The company has major operational centers in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA (North American operations) and Paris, France (European operations). Manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Poland.
How many brands does Stellantis own?
Stellantis owns fourteen automotive brands: Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Wagoneer, Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Opel, Vauxhall, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Abarth, and Maserati. The group sold approximately 5.8 million vehicles globally in 2024.
Who owns Stellantis?
Stellantis N.V. is publicly traded with major shareholders including Exor N.V. (the Agnelli family holding company, approximately 14.4%), the Peugeot family holding company (approximately 7.2%), and Bpifrance, the French state investment bank (approximately 6.2%). The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders. John Elkann chairs the board and Antonio Filosa serves as CEO.
- Founded: 2021
- Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: STLA
- Revenue: €156.9 billion (FY2024)
- Employees: Approximately 245,000
Where Is Abarth Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Turin, Italy (Officine 83, Mirafiori manufacturing complex)
- Manufacturing / Operations: Turin, Italy (primary manufacturing and development), Tychy, Poland (Abarth 500e production), Mangualde, Portugal (for select European market models), Melfi, Italy (Abarth 600e production), Betim, Brazil (South American models including Abarth Pulse and Fastback)
Abarth Sustainability & Ethics
Abarth operates under Stellantis' comprehensive sustainability framework, which addresses environmental responsibility, ethical business practices, and social impact across the automotive industry. As a performance brand within Stellantis, Abarth's sustainability efforts focus on electrification, manufacturing efficiency, and responsible performance engineering.
Environmental Sustainability in Electrification: Abarth has embraced Stellantis' "Dare Forward 2030" plan, which commits to achieving carbon net zero status by 2038 with 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. The brand's transition to electric performance models, including the Abarth 500e (2023) and Abarth 600e (2025), represents a significant step toward reducing emissions in the performance segment. These electric models are produced using renewable electricity at Stellantis manufacturing facilities and incorporate recycled materials in their construction.
Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: Abarth vehicles are manufactured at Stellantis facilities that have implemented comprehensive environmental management systems. The Tychy plant in Poland, where the Abarth 500e is produced, operates with renewable energy sources and has implemented water conservation and waste reduction programs. The Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, where traditional Abarth models are produced, has undergone significant investment in energy efficiency and sustainable production processes.
Responsible Supply Chain: Abarth works with specialized performance component suppliers who meet Stellantis' strict environmental and ethical standards. The brand's partnership with Akrapovič for exhaust systems includes requirements for sustainable manufacturing practices and responsible material sourcing. Performance braking systems from Brembo are sourced from facilities that adhere to environmental management standards and ethical labor practices.
Performance Engineering Ethics: Abarth maintains ethical standards in performance engineering, ensuring that performance enhancements do not compromise safety or environmental regulations. The brand's approach to electric performance includes responsible sound engineering that balances emotional driving experiences with environmental considerations. The artificial sound generator in the Abarth 500e represents an attempt to maintain brand character while adapting to electrification requirements.
Community Engagement and Motorsport Ethics: Abarth maintains its connection to racing heritage through responsible motorsport participation and community engagement. The brand supports Abarth Clubs programs across 23 countries, fostering enthusiast communities while promoting responsible driving practices. Abarth's track day events include safety education and environmental awareness components.
Employee Welfare and Diversity: As part of Stellantis, Abarth benefits from comprehensive workplace safety and diversity programs. The brand's engineering team in Turin includes diverse talent from multiple automotive disciplines, and Stellantis maintains programs to increase representation of women and underrepresented groups in automotive engineering and performance vehicle development.
Awards & Recognition
Abarth has received recognition within the automotive industry for its performance engineering, design excellence, and successful brand revitalization, though as a specialized performance brand, its accolades are primarily focused on enthusiast and industry recognition rather than mainstream consumer awards.
Automotive Performance Awards: Abarth has received numerous awards from automotive publications and enthusiast organizations for its performance engineering and driving dynamics. The Abarth 595 and 695 models have been recognized by publications like Evo and Autocar for delivering exceptional performance in accessible packages, with particular praise for their chassis tuning and powertrain responsiveness.
Design Recognition: Abarth vehicles have received design awards for their distinctive styling that balances performance aesthetics with Italian design heritage. The brand's use of the iconic scorpion logo and distinctive color schemes has been recognized by design organizations for maintaining brand identity while evolving to contemporary tastes.
Electric Performance Innovation: The Abarth 500e has received recognition as one of the first purpose-built electric hot hatchbacks, earning awards from automotive technology organizations for innovative electric powertrain tuning and the thoughtful implementation of artificial sound generation to maintain emotional engagement in electric vehicles.
Brand Revitalization Success: Abarth's 2007 revival and subsequent growth have been cited as case studies in successful brand repositioning within the automotive industry. The brand's ability to transition from dormancy to a profitable performance division has been recognized by business publications and automotive industry analysts.
Community Engagement Recognition: Abarth's Abarth Clubs program, with over 85,000 members across 23 countries, has been recognized for building strong brand communities and customer loyalty. The program's success in fostering enthusiast engagement has been cited as an example of effective community-based marketing in the automotive sector.
Motorsport Heritage Awards: Abarth's historical racing achievements, including its dominance in small-displacement racing classes during the 1950s and 1960s, continue to be recognized by historic motorsport organizations. The brand's racing legacy remains a point of pride and recognition within automotive enthusiast communities.
Abarth Recalls & Controversies
Abarth has maintained a relatively clean operational record throughout its modern history since 2007, with no major product recalls or significant controversies that have substantially impacted the brand's reputation or market position.
Product Safety and Quality: Abarth vehicles have maintained strong safety records since the brand's revival in 2007, with no major product recalls or safety incidents reported. The brand's vehicles comply with all relevant European safety standards and regulations, benefiting from Stellantis' comprehensive quality control systems and testing procedures.
Electric Model Controversies: The introduction of the Abarth 500e in 2023 generated some controversy among traditional enthusiasts regarding the use of an artificial sound generator to replicate internal combustion engine characteristics. While this represents a design preference debate rather than a safety or ethical issue, it highlights the challenges Abarth faces in balancing its performance heritage with electrification requirements.
Brand Positioning Debates: Abarth has faced some criticism from purists regarding its expansion into crossover models like the Abarth 600e, which some enthusiasts argue departs from the brand's historical focus on compact, lightweight performance vehicles. These discussions represent normal brand evolution debates rather than substantive controversies.
Corporate Transition Challenges: Abarth has navigated multiple corporate transitions, including the 2014 Fiat-Chrysler merger and the 2021 creation of Stellantis, without major operational disruptions. The brand has successfully maintained its identity while adapting to new corporate structures and strategic priorities.
Supply Chain Ethics: Abarth has not faced significant controversies related to supply chain practices or component sourcing. The brand's relationships with specialized suppliers like Akrapovič and Brembo have remained professional and ethically sound, with no reported labor practice or environmental compliance issues.
Marketing and Advertising: Abarth has avoided major advertising controversies or regulatory enforcement actions. The brand's marketing approach, which emphasizes performance heritage and enthusiast engagement, has maintained compliance with automotive advertising regulations across its markets.
Brands Owned by Stellantis
- Alfa Romeo - Italian luxury sports car manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for performanc...
- Chrysler - American luxury automobile manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for premium s...
- Citroën - French automobile manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for innovative and pra...
- Dodge - American brand of automobiles and performance vehicles, specializing in muscle c...
- DS Automobiles - French premium automobile brand owned by Stellantis, known for luxury and innova...
- Fiat - Italian automobile manufacturer founded in 1899, owned by Stellantis and known f...
- Jeep - American brand of automobiles and off-road vehicles, specializing in SUVs and of...
- Lancia - Italian luxury automobile manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for innovative...
- Maserati - Italian ultra-luxury sports car manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for high...
- Opel - German automobile manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for practical and reli...
- Peugeot - French automobile manufacturer founded in 1810, owned by Stellantis and known fo...
- Ram Trucks - American truck and commercial vehicle manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known fo...
- Vauxhall - British automobile manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for practical and aff...
- Wagoneer - American premium SUV brand owned by Stellantis, specializing in full-size luxury...
Abarth Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Access to Stellantis' combined R&D budget of approximately €7.5 billion annually, enabling Abarth to develop advanced performance technologies that would be financially unfeasible as an independent entity with its relatively small production volumes
- +Utilization of Stellantis' modular STLA electric vehicle platforms, which have received €30 billion in development investment through 2025, providing Abarth with cost-effective pathways to electrification while maintaining performance credentials
- +Integration with Stellantis' global procurement network of over 2,500 suppliers, generating approximately 12-15% cost savings on component purchases compared to standalone operation, allowing Abarth to maintain competitive pricing despite low production volumes
- +Preservation of distinctive brand identity through specialized development teams based in Turin, Italy, comprising 85 dedicated engineers and designers focused exclusively on Abarth vehicle dynamics and performance enhancements
- +Leveraging of Stellantis' established global distribution network spanning 130+ countries, enabling Abarth to expand into new markets like Brazil and Argentina with minimal market entry costs and immediate dealer presence
Considerations
- -Requirement to adapt vehicle development cycles to Stellantis' centralized product planning schedule, which can extend Abarth model development time by 6-8 months compared to the nimbler processes possible under independent ownership
- -Limited autonomy in platform selection, with Abarth vehicles necessarily derived from existing Fiat models, constraining certain performance engineering options that might be pursued under independent ownership
- -Increasing complexity of maintaining Abarth's distinctive performance character during the transition to electrification, as evidenced by mixed enthusiast reception to the artificial sound generator implemented in the Abarth 500e
- -Potential for brand dilution through expansion into non-traditional segments, as seen with the controversial introduction of crossover models like the Abarth 600e that depart from the brand's historical focus on compact, lightweight performance vehicles
- -Vulnerability to portfolio rationalization during economic downturns or corporate restructuring, as specialized performance brands like Abarth typically face heightened scrutiny during cost-cutting initiatives due to their lower sales volumes and specialized engineering requirements
Frequently Asked Questions About Abarth
Sources & Further Reading
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to Abarth
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Group | Spain | 2018 | Premium | Europe | Unisex | |
| Ferrari | Italy | 1947 | Luxury | Global | Unisex |
Learn More About Competitors

Cupra
Owned by Volkswagen Group
Spanish performance car brand owned by Volkswagen Group through SEAT, producing sporty electric and combustion vehicles including the Formentor, Born, and Terramar.

Ferrari
Owned by Ferrari N.V.
Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, one of the world's most valuable and iconic automotive brands.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Abarth competes with 2 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Stellantis Stock Information
Jobs at Stellantis
Latest News About Abarth
Related Articles About Abarth
View more articlesThe Automotive Brand Family Tree: Who Owns Every Car Brand in 2026
Toyota, Lexus, Jeep, Maserati, Porsche, Lamborghini. The car industry is a web of corporate ownership. This guide maps every major auto brand to its parent company.
Monthly M&A Roundup: April 2026 Brand Ownership Changes
Global M&A reached a record $1.3 trillion in Q1 2026, and April is continuing the momentum. McCormick is buying Unilever's food business for $45 billion. Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are merging. Here is every major brand ownership shift entering April 2026.
How Sony Built Its Entertainment Empire
Sony started making rice cookers and radio repair equipment in 1946. Today it owns PlayStation, Columbia Pictures, Sony Music, and the world's largest music publishing catalogue. Here is the full story.
People Also Searched
Discover popular brands and companies in the Automotive category and related searches from other users.

Acura
Honda Motor Company's luxury vehicle division, launched in 1986 as the first Japanese luxury automotive brand sold in North America.

Alfa Romeo
Italian luxury sports car manufacturer owned by Stellantis, known for performance and design heritage.

Alpine
French sports car brand owned by Renault, part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, known for high-performance vehicles.