 In 1888, after eight years apprenticeship at his father's watch-making business, Giovanni Battista started building "Welleyes" bicycles, so named because English names had more sales appeal.In October 1898 Giovanni Battista and Matteo co-founded Ceirano GB & C and started producing the "Welleyes" motor car in 1899.In July 1899 the plant and patents were sold to Giovanni Agnelli and produced as the first F.I.A.T.s - the Fiat 4 HP.