Promoted: Italian giant Marelli celebrates 100 years of history

The Italian giant was created in 1919 - under the name Magneti Marelli - and has been at the forefront of cutting edge technology and innovations - both for the race track and the road - ever since.

Such "game-changing" innovations in Formula 1 include the semi-automatic gearbox, which Marelli developed alongside Ferrari in 1989, pictured above, and the introduction of the computerised steering wheel in '94.

Other significant developments include advanced real-time telemetry in 2001 and the development of the KERS in '08.

Marelli's managing director of motorsport, Riccardo De Filippi, believes the heritage and DNA of the company help ensure that Marelli remains world leaders even after 100 years.

"Magneti Marelli immediately saw the benefit of trying automotive components in extreme conditions that you can achieve in a race," he said.

"Since the very beginning magnetos [which Marelli first produced and provide current for the ignition system of a spark-ignition engine] have been used on racing cars in parallel for the road car and so it's part of our history, automotive and motorsport from the very beginning, and it is something that is probably unique.

"Being also a way for promoting the brand, since then Marelli through the years has always used the motorsport department for pushing innovation and that's one of the key characteristics of Marelli.

"I would say it's not just about credibility but it's about experience, it's about the DNA of the company. It's a matter of being credible as well and our history demonstrates that."

Going into the 21st century the company has turned towards electrification, working in Formula E to develop its powertrain as just one example.

More recently they have created a 400 frame-per-second camera which is used in F1 "in order to provide the FIA with valuable information in case of an accident", and are working with the governing body's other leading championships including the World Endurance Championship, FE and MotoGP promoter Dorna to provide solutions aimed to improve safety as well as the show.

Away from the race track the company continues to be at the forefront of technology and has a vast portfolio covering automotive lighting and powertrains, as well as suspension, exhaust and electronic systems.

This year it merged with Calsonic Kansei to become Marelli and as a result has become one of the world's largest auto parts suppliers with bases in more than 20 countries -including the United States of America, Japan, China and Brazil - with roughly 170 manufacturing plants based around the globe and a workforce of more than 62,000 employees.

"The vision is the same, the mission is the same and on top of that, the two companies are very much complementary. Nowadays I'm proud to say that in our portfolio we can also offer items that were not there in the past," said De Filippi.

"We think that two important companies joining forces to become what is the ninth largest independent automotive supplier in the world is for me a great opportunity for a brilliant future."

Marelli will celebrate its centenary anniversary by sponsoring Moment of the Year at the Autosport Awards, which takes place on December 8.

To find out more, visit www.marelli.com