FIAMM S.p.A. Business Report up until FY ended Dec. 2014
New Business
Enters into lithium-ion battery business
-In 2014, the Company unveiled its lithium-ion technology at Automechanika 2014 in Frankfurt. New technology includes two 48V lithium-ion batteries developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli and a 12V lithium-ion battery developed by FIAMM.
Contracts
-In January 2012, the Company announced that it is supplying FIAMM SoNick salt batteries for the IVECO "Daily Electric" vans. The FIAMM SoNick technology enables the "Daily Electric" van to be equipped with high energy density nickel sodium chloride batteries, which require no maintenance and are completely recyclable. (From a press release issued in January 2012)
Joint Venture
-In 2010, the Company and MES-DEA S.A. have formed a new company FZ Sonick S.A. to supply sodium-nickel-chloride batteries (ZEBRA batteries). MES-DEA is a Swiss-based manufacturer of ZEBRA batteries for electric vehicles. The new entity is headquartered in Stabio, Switzerland, where MES-DEA is already operating a factory. (From a press release on February 4, 2010)
-During 2004, the Company set up a joint venture with Minda, in India, for the production of horns for cars and motorbikes with the aim of generating a turnover of about USD 19.5 million, producing about 11.5 million pieces for both the Indian and international markets. Minda is a leading manufacturer of automobile components with a turnover of INR 3,690 million and a work force of 3,000 people throughout India. It manufactures automobile security systems, connective systems, instrument panels, switches, lamps, horns, and CNG kits.
Acquisition
-In 1999, the Company acquired Uranio di Veronella (Verona) and United Energy (Brussels). These acquisitions, together costing between L70bn and L80bn, are expected to give the Company over 14% of the EU battery market.
-In 1998, the Company acquired MAF Mecaniplast, a French manufacturer of automotive antennas.
-In 1998, the Company acquired AKUMA, a manufacturer of starting batteries in the Czech Republic.
R&D Structure
-The Company has R&D facilities in Aubergenville, France and Montecchio (VI), Italy.
New Products
-In 2014, the Company unveiled its lithium-ion technology for start/stop systems, including two 48V lithium-ion batteries developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli and a 12V lithium-ion battery developed by FIAMM. 48V batteries are conceived for A, B, and C segments.
-Cyclop SP Car (new starter battery for automobiles): The Cyclop SP Car is able to deliver long life and top performance both at the same time. These starter batteries have been specially developed by the FIAMM laboratories to satisfy the increased demand of modern-day cars for energy, and to fulfill the more exacting requirements of the car manufacturers who install them as original equipment on their top models. (The Cyclop SP Car was released in October 2005.)
-Multi Sound Device (MSD): The MSD is a sound interface that has been designed to manage and emit all the sounds present on a car, from the horn to the car alarm, from the clicking of the indicator lights to the closure of the doors. This product was designed by the Company's researchers and the patent has already been approved in Europe, the main Asian countries, and the countries of the NAFTA.