Thread: Impressive haul truck

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

Fiat had an automated engine assembly plant 20 years ago. Engines assembled by robots and untouched by human hand. Materiel delivered to the work stations by automated carriers following magnetic tracks in the floor and a computer telling them where to go and stop.

Fiat also beat Henry ford to the production line. Just not as successfully.
Very innovative that group of Italians. Shame they never turned their attention to rust prevention.

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

Fiat made good diesel engines and good earthmoving equipment. Pity about the cars and trucks. The one good thing you can say about Fiat cars is that they are marginally better than Renaults.

Fiats were always great fun to drive. Got a 1979 Fiat 132-2000 here in a shed. DOHC, 5 speed, four link rear suspension. Well ahead of japanese cars of the era. The chassis communicates really well to the driver. Typical Italian engineering quality (just good enough).

This one only survived because it's in the driest part of the country. All others crumbled to rust long ago.