Fábrica Nacional de Motores

Logo of the FNM with the snake motif of the Alfa Romeo logo.

The Fábrica Nacional de Motores ( FNM) was a Brazilian manufacturer of motors and motor vehicles based in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro. The company, established in 1942, which for years had modified load and passenger cars from the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo produced, went to the takeover of the company by Fiat in 1988 on the Iveco Group.

History

The company was founded in 1942 by the Brazilian government in the course of the Estado Novo policy under President Getúlio Vargas Dornelles. First, aircraft engines were manufactured by license from the American producer Curtiss- Wright.

After the Second World War it was decided to shift the production program on the production of trucks. With the Italian manufacturer Isotta Fraschini, a license agreement was concluded in 1949. A little later, however, Isotta Fraschini had to close the doors for economic reasons. Two years later it was found with Alfa Romeo, a new truck technology partner. For many years, the only FNM and dominant producer of medium and heavy trucks in Brazil.

In 1961 the collaboration with Alfa Romeo was extended to passenger cars. The beginning was the four-door sedan model Alfa Romeo 2000 Berlina, which was sold under the name FNM 2000. The engines were throttled back towards the original 2000 cc with 105 hp to 1975 cc with 95 hp. With the two-door coupe Onça also a separate elegant model was developed in 1966, its lines remind us unmistakably of the first generation of the Ford Mustang.

In 1968, Alfa Romeo, the majority at FNM. The car engines were at 2150 cm ³, and then increased to 2300 cc. 1974 there was a model change; externally resembled the FNM in 2300, although the Alfa Romeo Alfetta introduced in 1972, but built on the technical basis of the previous model on. Thus, in 2300 the wheelbase of 21 cm, and the body by 41 cm were longer than the Alfetta and the transmission was not placed in conjunction with the differential of the rear axle, but a conventional flanged to the motor. This model was produced until November 1986 and also briefly offered in 1981 under the name of Alfa Romeo Alfa Rio Germany.

Following the acquisition of Alfa Romeo by Fiat 1986 FNM was integrated into the Fiat Group. In 1988 the brand name FNM was replaced by the Fiat - Iveco and production focused on vans and trucks Iveco program.

Production figures FNM 2000/2150, to the extent determined:

Swell

• Automobile review, catalog numbers 1968-1973 ( specifications, quantities )
• Car catalog, edition 1985/86 (data TI4 )