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YEARS OF HISTORY

A story of growth, innovation, and solutions designed to give people the freedom to move.
From the birth of SAVA to today’s CA Auto Bank, experience with us the most important chapters of our journey in an experience that blends tradition and technology, in the name of mobility

25 April 1925

WHEN THE
CAR BECAME
AN OPPORTUNITY
FOR EVERYONE

BIRTH OF SAVA

April 25 shaped Italy’s destiny.

In 1945, it would become the Liberation Day. But 20 years earlier, in 1925 in Turin that same date had witnessed the birth of an idea that would redefine mobility itself.

SAVA was born: it was Italy’s first auto finance company, making Fiat cars accessible through installment plans.

A massive advertising campaign was launched in all major Italian newspapers.

Fiat 509:
the first car sold
on credit

At the Milan Motor Show the Fiat 509 – a compact four-seater sedan powered by a 990 cm3 engine – marked the beginning a new era for Fiat, introducing the possibility of paying in installments.

The Fiat 500 in Rome/1925

Press the “Play” button to watch the video: The Fiat 500 in Rome/1925

1932-1936

The era
of economy
cars

1932

Fiat 508 “Balilla”. The first real “economy car”.

Priced at 10,800 lire it was accessible to the middle and lower bourgeoisie and became the symbol of Italy’s industrial growth and modernization.

It's no longer a dream (FIAT 508 Balilla) \ 1932

Press the “Play” button to watch the video: It’s no longer a dream (FIAT 508 Balilla) \ 1932

Between 1925 and 1939, the number of cars in Italy tripled, fueled by SAVA financing: in those years its share capital rose from 3 to 25 million lire.

Automobiles overtook horse-drawn transportation, but true success awaited the first, truly affordable utility vehicle…

FIAT 508
BALILLA

The Fiat 1100 met emerging transportation needs and expanded Fiat’s range beyond luxury and economy.

It was a powerful, but expensive alternative to the “Fiat 508,” and sold 57,000 units between ’37 and ’39, thanks to the instalment sales.

FIAT 500
TOPOLINO
Club 500 Topolino \ 1953

Press the “Play” button to watch the video: Club 500 Topolino \ 1953

The Fiat 500 “Topolino” was next.

Mussolini commissioned Senator Giovanni Agnelli to design a car for everyone, with a price tag of 5,000 lire.

It was launched at 8,900 lire, beyond the reach of most Italians – making SAVA financing essential to its success.

From World War II to the 60s

SAVA leads
mass motorisation

After the war brought automotive production to a halt, the Marshall Plan revitalizes Fiat and the national economy, enabling a fresh start.

The 600 arrived. It was a new utility car from Fiat destined to become an icon of the economic boom, followed in 1957 by the new 500, a key player in mass motorization.

The “600” dominated with a production total of 4,034,000 units, while the “500” followed closely with 3,760,000.
These cars were the ones that mass-motorized the Italians.

SAVA became a major player in this automotive revolution:in 1958. Sales reached 56 billion lire, almost 2 billion more than the previous year.

FIAT 600
Fiat 600

Press the “Play” button to watch the video: Fiat 600

FIAT 500
The New 500 / 1957

Press the “Play” button to watch the video: The New 500 / 1957

Giovanni
Agnelli

The “Roaring Sixties” mark the step towards Fiat’s global success: with Gianni Agnelli at the helm, acquisitions multiply, new plants are built in Italy and abroad, new models for the middle class are born.

The car was no longer just a necessity, but a symbol of wealth, and SAVA, with sales of over 130 billion in 1965, introduced the “leasing” arrangement at the end of the decade.

THE 70IES AND 80IES

FROM CRISIS TO
THE DEVELOPMENT
OF A GLOBAL ECONOMY

After a boom in the 1960s, which culminated for Fiat with the acquisition of Lancia in 1969, the Italian economy slowed down in the 1970s due to strikes, inflation, political violence, and especially the 1973 energy crisis, which hit the automotive and manufacturing industries hard.

The following years saw the arrival of new models, such as the Fiat Uno, whose success led it to become the symbolic car of the 1980s.

Ad - Fiat Uno - Like us / 1987

Press the “Play” button to watch the video: Ad – Fiat Uno – Like us / 1987

1980s

The international economic landscape in the 1980s saw the rise of a global dimension, that called for all-out competition, and a progressive production decentralization.

These years were characterised by important acquisitions, such as the Alfa Romeo brand, up until the affirmation – in the early 1990s – of new models like the Fiat Punto.

Meanwhile, in 1986 SAVA became Fiat SAVA and started a strong international expansion.

AD FIAT Punto - Launch (The Answer) \ 1993

Press the “Play” button to watch the video: AD FIAT Punto – Launch (The Answer) \ 1993

2004

THE DEFINITIVE
TURNING POINT
FOR FIAT

SERGIO
MARCHIONNE

In the 1990s, the Fiat Group strengthened its liquidity by increasing investments, divesting minor assets and giving management greater autonomy.

With the arrival of Sergio Marchionne in 2004, Fiat entered a new phase of recovery.

2006

THE PARTNERSHIP
BETWEEN FIAT
AND CRÉDIT AGRICOLE

Thanks to agreements with General Motors, Fiat secured $2 billion and, through new capital and production rationalization, repositioned itself by forging key financial deals.

One of the most significant partnerships was the one with the French banking group Crédit Agricole, which led in 2006 to the creation of a joint venture: Fiat Auto Financial Services, of which SAVA becomes part.

Thanks to the contribution of SAVA, Fiat Auto Financial Services brings expertise in the sector and a network of agencies, while Crédit Agricole contributes capital and a strong international presence.

In 2007, following the transformation of Fiat Auto into Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA), the joint venture was renamed FGA Financial Services.

2007-2013

FROM THE NEW 500
TO THE BIRTH
OF FGA CAPITAL

2007

The New 500, a supermini produced by Fiat and inspired by its iconic ancestor, is unveiled in Turin.

2008

FGA Financial Services signs an agreement with Jaguar Land Rover for car financing in Europe.

In 2009 the company changed its name to FGA Capital. Under this new name, signed a partnership with Chrysler to manage the financial services for the Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge brands.

October 12th 2014

FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES
IS BORN

Having already acquired a minority stake in 2009, Fiat acquired full ownership of Chrysler’s shares in 2014 and reorganized the company, creating FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), the seventh-largest automaker in the world.

This growth will culminate, in January 2021, with the creation of the Stellantis Group, the result of the merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA (which included the Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall Motors brands), making it the fourth largest car manufacturer in the world.

January 16th, 2015

THE BIRTH
OF FCA BANK

The joint venture obtains a banking license in Europe, leading to the creation of FCA Bank, a company – equally owned by FCA (later Stellantis) and Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance – at the head of an international banking group with a strong presence in 18 countries.

Becoming a bank strengthens FCA Bank’s position with international investors, allowing it to diversify its funding sources and enhance its customer offerings.

The new bank’s success was rapid, starting in the following months, through the launch of new partnerships and innovative digital products.

Since 2016

FCA BANK’S
NEW PARTNERSHIPS

FCA Bank acquired a majority stake in Ferrari Financial Services, a subsidiary of Ferrari, becoming the financial partner of one of the world’s leading luxury brands.

The newly founded bank announced a new cooperation with the Erwin Hymer Group, marking its strategic entry in the world of recreational vehicles (caravan and motorhome).

2018

The bank wais chosen as the financial partner by the historic Aston Martin brand

FCA Bank entered the two-wheeled business through a strategic agreement with the iconic Harley-Davidson, motorcycle brand.

2020

Two Bank signed two new major partnerships

The first one is with Lotus: FCA Bank became the exclusive provider of financing to consumers and dealers in the UK and other European markets.

The second one is with the French Groupe Pilote, one of Europe’s leading motorhome manufacturers.

2016-2018

NEW PRODUCTS AND
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The bank’s wide range of services expanded with:

2016

Launch of the Deposit Account in Italy, an accessible and flexible online savings product. The success of the product will lead the company to export it to Germany as well.

2019

Launch of the 100% digitized FCA Bank credit card, fully manageable online.

MY FCA BANK

Digital platform where customers can manage contracts and financing, integrated with the Finance Calculator for real-time rate calculation and online credit pre-approval.

FCA BANK E-COMMERCE

A new channel to apply for auto financing entirely online, with a simple and fast process.

FCA BANK PAY

Innovative digital platform, inspired by the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) trend, that enables participating retail locations to provide new methods of payment: in instalments, with or without interest, or in a single payment.

In 2017, FCA Bank also inaugurated its new headquarters at Porta 12 in Mirafiori, Turin:
a modern, internationally oriented new home.

2019-2021

THE DEVELOPMENT
OF LEASYS AND LEASYS RENT

In the following years, Leasys expands its presence in the short-term rental sector through several acquisitions (WinRent in Italy, AIXIA in France, Drivalia Car Rent in Spain, ER Capital in the UK,  Sadorent in Portugal).

These acquisitions lead to the creation of Leasys Rent, a sister company of Leasys , positioning itself as the core of FCA Bank Group’s new mobility offer, offering flexible, digital, and sustainable solutions.

The Bank is also strongly committed to the mobility sector, with the consolidation of the international offering of Leasys, the Group’s rental company.

This expansion led to the opening of subsidiaries and branches in important European markets such as France, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

In October 2019, CarCloud was launched: it’s the first monthly car subscription in Italy, inspired by the trends of disownership and subscription economy.

The Group inaugurates the network of Leasys Mobility Stores,  physical locations where customers can explore all of the mobility solutions offered by the company, “from one hour to a lifetime”.

While, in January 2021 was launched LeasysGO!, the  car sharing dedicated to the electric New 500: a milestone in FCA Bank’s plan to promote a more sustainable and democratic mobility.

2021-2022

BECOMING
AN INDEPENDENT
FINANCIAL ENTITY

At the end of 2021, FCA Bank shareholders – Stellantis and Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance – made a double announcement, crucial to the bank’s history:

CA Consumer Finance will acquire all the shares in FCA Bank and Leasys Rent held by Stellantis, creating a new independent operator in car financing, rental and mobility.

Leasys will be merged with Free2Move Lease (a brand created by the PSA Group), to form a new long-term rental player, controlled by Stellantis and CA Consumer Finance.

FCA Bank begins its journey to become an independent financial institution, establishing new partnerships across all mobility sectors, far beyond the perimeter of the Stellantis brands.

NEW AGREEMENTS ARE SIGNED WITH:

TESLA

The iconic American manufacturer and a global pace-setter for the electric transition

MAZDA

The Japanese automotive manufacturer, known for its innovative technologies.

VINFAST

A Vietnamese brand that produces zero-emission vehicles

DR AUTOMOBILES

A fast-growing Italian automotive company

KOELLIKER GROUP

A storied importer and distributor of Asian brands (including Aiways) in Europe

CAMPELLO GROUP

Importer of XEV, a brand known for quadricycles and electric microcars

OTHER PARTNERSHIPS

FCA Bank continues its expansion in other sectors, signing new agreements:

  • Two wheels: Fantic Motor, Vmoto Soco
  • Leisure: Knaus Tabbert, Concorde, Carthago and Groupe Rapido
  • Heavy goods vehicles: Ford Trucks

2022

DRIVALIA, THE NEW PLANET
OF MOBILITY

At the Paris Motor Show, at the CA Consumer Financer stand, Drivalia is officially unveiled: the new Group’s new rental, leasing, and mobility company replaces Leasys Rent.

Created with the aim of democratizing sustainable mobility, Drivalia offers a complete range of mobility solutions, from electric car sharing to car subscriptions, and rentals of all durations.

It is Drivalia’s so-called “Planet Mobility”, a complete system of integrated mobility – summarized by the four verbs “Rent. Lease. Subscribe. Share”.

FCA Bank and Drivalia | Mondial de l’Auto

Press the “Play” button to watch the video: FCA Bank and Drivalia | Mondial de l’Auto

The evolution from Leasys Rent to Drivalia marks the beginning of a new course, with the company positioning itself as an independent operator, no longer tied to a single automaker, but open to new opportunities and partnerships.

April 4th, 2023

WELCOME
CA AUTO BANK!

April 4, 2023, marks a turning point in the history of the Group with the creation of Crédit Agricole Auto Bank, the new “mobility bank for a better planet”, nearly a century after the founding of SAVA, in Turin.

As the direct successor of FCA Bank and now wholly owned by CA Consumer Finance, the Bank emerges as one of the leading independent, multi-brand players in vehicle financing and leasing, and mobility solutions.

Operating in 17 European countries and Morocco, CA Auto Bank embodies the transition toward a more sustainable future, with the ambitious goal of making zero- and low-emission vehicles accessible to all.

CA Auto Bank Highlights

Press the “Play” button to watch the video: CA Auto Bank Highlights

2023-2025

THE GROWTH
OF CA AUTO BANK
AND DRIVALIA

2023

CA Auto Bank strengthens its presence through new partnerships in the automotive, notably with AEC Group (the official importer of Dodge, RAM, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC), with McLaren Automotive, the prestigious British supercar manufacturer, and with Lucid Motors, the California-based specialist in luxury electric vehicles.

Another milestone was reached with the agreement between CA Auto Bank and the Beneteau Group, a global leader in the marine sector. This partnership marks CA Auto Bank’s entry into the boating industry.

Another major initiative is the rebranding of Drivalia’s electric carsharing service, now known as E+Share Drivalia.

The rebranding marks the international expansion of the service: E+Share Drivalia has now made its debut in France, starting in Lyon.

2023 also saw the launch of Drivalia Future, a marketplace where you can purchase vehicles from Drivalia’s fleet that have reached the end of their rental or subscription contracts.

Drivalia | E+SHARE DRIVALIA

Press the “Play” button to watch the video: Drivalia | E+SHARE DRIVALIA

Drivalia’s geographical expansion is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. It began with the launch of two new branches in Belgium and the Netherlands, followed by the strategic acquisition of ALD Automotive’s operations in Norway and Ireland, as well as LeasePlan’s activities in the Czech Republic and Finland.

2023

CA Auto Bank introduced the Futura and Drivalia credit cards, designed to integrate sustainable mobility into users’ daily lives through exclusive benefits and the €co Club loyalty program.

CA AUTO BANK AND DRIVALIA HELPED CA CONSUMER FINANCE ACHIEVE A KEY MILESTONE:
1 MILLION
VEHICLES
FINANCED IN EUROPE IN 2023

2024

Growth continues with the official launch of the new CA Auto Bank France, formed through the merger of the French subsidiary with Sofinco Auto Moto Loisirs, and the expansion of Drivalia in Poland and Sweden.

CA Auto Bank also expands its deposit account offerings into new markets.

Collaborations with Tesla, Mazda and Lotus are consolidated, while new partnerships are launched, both with established brands such as General Motors and Norton Motorcycles, and with key OEMs for the development of electric mobility, such as BYD, GAC, Dongfeng and Chery (through the Omoda and Jaecoo brands).

2024-2026 SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

CA Auto Bank unveils its 2024-2026 Sustainability Plan, based on four strategic pillars: Sustainable mobility, Innovation and digitalization, Environment, and People.

As the “mobility bank for a better planet”, CA Auto Bank plays a key role in the energy transition, striving to make zero- and low-emission vehicles more accessible.

Through its flexible and tailored financial solutions, along with Drivalia’s car rental services, the Bank contributes to shaping a greener future.

2025

2025: A CENTURY
OF MOBILITY

IN 2025, CA AUTO BANK CELEBRATES
A CENTURY
OF EVOLUTION