Company

The roots of VM Motori

It all began in 1947, in the immediate post-war period, when two local entrepreneurs, Vancini and Martelli — from whose surnames the acronym VM is derived — founded a small company in Cento, in the province of Ferrara, dedicated to the production of diesel engines, initially for the agricultural sector. Driven by the spirit of recovery that characterised post-war Italy, the two founders laid the foundations of a business destined to make its mark.

The company quickly gained recognition, first locally and then nationally, thanks to the creation of the first diesel engine entirely designed and manufactured in Italy. This achievement marked the beginning of its international expansion.

History

1970

Stabilimenti Meccanici Triestini (SMT), a joint venture between SNIA and IRI/Finmeccanica, faced a crisis due to the contraction of the textile market. Finmeccanica acquired SNIA’s shares and, after lengthy negotiations, initiated a merger process with VM Motori.

1972

Stabilimenti Meccanici VM S.p.A. was established, with two plants: one in Cento for the production of industrial engines and the other in Trieste for marine engines and generating sets. The company officially became part of the IRI-Finmeccanica Group.

1979

Finmeccanica created the Diesel Grouping, bringing together VM Motori, Ducati, Isotta Fraschini and the CESID centre, with the aim of developing a diversified engine manufacturing operation.

1989

VM Motori was privatised.

1990

The revolutionary Turbotronic engine was unveiled in Milan, featuring turbocharging and electronic combustion management. It was described as the cleanest diesel engine in the world for its performance and low emissions.

1995

Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) acquired VM Motori, which five years later became part of the DaimlerChrysler Group.

2003

Penske Corporation acquired 51% of VM Motori.

2007

General Motors acquired 50% of the company, purchasing the DaimlerChrysler stake.

2011

Fiat Powertrain acquired Penske’s share, becoming a 50% co-owner.

2014

FCA, owner of Fiat Powertrain, acquired the remaining 50% from General Motors, bringing VM Motori fully under Group control.

2021

With the creation of the Stellantis Group, VM Motori became part of one of the world’s leading automotive groups.

2022

Under the leadership of the Stellantis Group, the new “Industrial and Marine” Business Unit was established, with the aim of consolidating and developing the VM Motori brand’s presence in non-automotive sectors, strengthening its focus on industrial, agricultural and marine applications.

2025

The Business Unit was acquired by Marval S.p.A., a Piedmont-based company specialising in precision mechanical machining for automotive components. Through this operation, VM Motori was reborn as an independent company, ready to face new challenges.

values

TECHNOLOGY

Our product range is driven by this vision: high-performance engines designed to ensure efficiency, reliability, and full compliance with the strictest emission standards.

But we don’t stop at technology. We offer our customers comprehensive and highly qualified support — from bespoke design to engine installation on the vehicle — providing turnkey, tailor-made solutions.

The significant resources invested in research and innovation, together with the use of cutting-edge technologies, place VM engines at the forefront of the powertrain sector for industrial and marine use.

The current product range is the tangible result of this vision: outstanding performance, reliability, and adherence to the most stringent emission standards. In addition to technological excellence, the company offers its customers highly qualified support that extends from custom design through to engine installation on the vehicle, ensuring bespoke solutions and a complete service.

RELIABILITY

VM Motori engines are designed to stand the test of time and deliver consistent performance, even in the most challenging conditions. At the Cento facility, each engine undergoes thorough testing with state-of-the-art technologies and strict quality controls. The final approval process includes demanding trials in real operating environments to guarantee maximum safety, functionality and performance.

A comprehensive process, developed to provide our customers with reliability without compromises.

QUALITY

Thanks to advanced testing technologies and a structured quality control system, each product undergoes thorough testing to guarantee high performance, reliability and safety in every operating condition. Before delivery, every unit is hot-tested for several minutes to verify its perfect operation within the defined performance parameters.

Choosing VM Motori means relying on a partner that places quality first, offering tailored solutions and a professional service that supports the customer at every stage of the project.

values

TECHNOLOGY

At VM Motori, innovation and technology are at the heart of everything we do. Continuous investment in research and development, combined with the use of the most advanced solutions, make our engines a benchmark for industrial and marine applications. Our product range is driven by this vision: high-performance engines designed to ensure efficiency, reliability, and full compliance with the strictest emission standards. But we don’t stop at technology. We offer our customers comprehensive and highly qualified support — from bespoke design to engine installation on the vehicle — providing turnkey, tailor-made solutions. The significant resources invested in research and innovation, together with the use of cutting-edge technologies, place VM engines at the forefront of the powertrain sector for industrial and marine use. The current product range is the tangible result of this vision: outstanding performance, reliability, and adherence to the most stringent emission standards. In addition to technological excellence, the company offers its customers highly qualified support that extends from custom design through to engine installation on the vehicle, ensuring bespoke solutions and a complete service.

RELIABILITY

VM Motori engines achieve high levels of reliability thanks to rigorous testing carried out using the most advanced equipment at the Cento plant. The final approval process includes a series of demanding trials conducted directly in real operating environments, essential to ensuring safety, performance and full functionality in every condition of use. VM Motori engines are designed to stand the test of time and deliver consistent performance, even in the most challenging conditions. At the Cento facility, each engine undergoes thorough testing with state-of-the-art technologies and strict quality controls. The final approval process includes demanding trials in real operating environments to guarantee maximum safety, functionality and performance. A comprehensive process, developed to provide our customers with reliability without compromises.

QUALITY

At VM Motori, quality is an integral part of our identity. Every engine is the result of highly controlled manufacturing processes, aligned with the stringent standards of ISO 9001 certification, which ensures excellence in corporate quality management. Thanks to advanced testing technologies and a structured quality control system, each product undergoes thorough testing to guarantee high performance, reliability and safety in every operating condition. Before delivery, every unit is hot-tested for several minutes to verify its perfect operation within the defined performance parameters. Choosing VM Motori means relying on a partner that places quality first, offering tailored solutions and a professional service that supports the customer at every stage of the project.