The foundation of the Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile, known as Simca, occurred on 2 November 1934 within the premises of a defunct car manufacturer in Nanterre. Enrico Teodoro Pigozzi, who would later be known as Henri, established this automotive firm after years of navigating European industrial markets as a dealer and commercial representative.
Early Business Ventures
Born in Turin in 1898, Pigozzi took on significant family responsibilities at age 14 following his father’s disappearance in 1912. Post-war opportunities in 1918 led him to distribute surplus military motorcycles throughout the Piedmont region. By 1920, he transitioned into the coal import sector before launching a private enterprise in 1924, which facilitated the movement of scrap steel from France to Piedmontese steel mills.
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Pigozzi’s steel trading brought him into contact with Giovanni Agnelli, the proprietor of Fiat. Impressed by the young entrepreneur’s insight into the French industrial landscape, Agnelli appointed him as Fiat’s General Representative in France in 1926. Pigozzi subsequently founded the Société Anonyme Français des Automobiles FIAT, or SAFAF, based in Suresnes. Between 1928 and 1934, he oversaw the assembly and distribution of roughly 30,000 Fiat vehicles in the country.
The Rise and Sale of Simca
After establishing Simca in 1934, Pigozzi led the company for nearly 30 years, serving as Director General and later as President-Director General. The automotive firm eventually attracted international interest, notably from Ford and Chrysler. Following Chrysler's 1958 acquisition of a minority stake, the American corporation expanded its influence. In 1963, Chrysler secured a 64 percent controlling interest, leading to Pigozzi's forced resignation on 31 May of that year.
Fast facts
- Born: 26 June 1898, Turin
- Died: 18 November 1964, Neuilly-sur-Seine
- Primary Enterprise: Simca
- Professional Titles: Entrepreneur, Businessperson
- Key Distributor: SAFAF
- Citizenships: Italy, France
Questions readers ask
What role did Fiat play in his career?
Fiat appointed Pigozzi as their General Representative in France in 1926, providing the platform for him to establish SAFAF and later build Simca.
Why did Pigozzi leave Simca?
He was forced to resign as president on 31 May 1963 after Chrysler acquired a 64 percent majority stake in the company.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Simca
