Alfa Romeo began as SAID, a joint venture between Frenchman Alexandre Darracq and Italian investors. It became A.L.F.A in 1910 and was later renamed Alfa Romeo in 1920 under the leadership of Nicola Romeo. Initially known for luxury cars, the company shifted to mass production after WWII. Financial struggles led to a government takeover, and eventually Fiat acquired it in 1986. Alfa Romeo exited the U.S. market in 1995 but returned in 2008.