In 2010, Volkswagen Group acquired a 90.1 % stake in Italian auto design agency Italidesign—the design agency accountable for a number of the most iconic Italian sports activities automobiles and supercars of all time. The acquisition was technically completed by way of Lamborghini, additionally a VW Group firm, and is now underneath the purview of Audi. However that might quickly change.
The Germans are allegedly seeking to promote Italidesign. Union representatives for Italidesign had been advised the corporate was already being reviewed as a part of due diligence in preparation for a sale, based on Automotive Information Europe. A gathering with firm employees is seemingly scheduled for Might 12 at Italidesign’s headquarters in Italy.
The Italian information outlet Corriere della Sera first broke the information. The report means that Audi is not merely taking motion for a possible sale, however already has one thing cooking. There isn’t any point out of potential patrons at this level, however Corriere della Sera claims folks in Turin are fearful about what comes subsequent. Following the Might 12 assembly is one other one scheduled for Might 19 that may reportedly contain a delegate from the Turin Industrial Union.
As soon as the worldwide hotspot for automotive design, Turin has taken some hits lately. Bertone folded in 2014 earlier than returning in 2022 with new house owners, however a lot hasn’t been heard on the corporate’s proposed supercar in almost a yr. Pininfarina was offered to India-based Mahindra. Italidesign’s earlier sale to VW Group saved the agency rooted in Europe, at the very least. With issues booming in China, it would not be a shock to see the storied model shift to Chinese language possession.
The potential sale is one other signal that issues inside the prolonged Volkswagen household aren’t preferrred. Regardless of a rise in EV gross sales, the conglomerate is in a monetary bind that almost led to plant closures in Germany. Because it stands, the corporate will cut back its workforce by over 35,000 folks within the subsequent 5 years. Sadly, it seems like Italidesign might be a part of these cuts.
Italdesign did not instantly reply to our request for remark. We are going to replace this text if further information turns into obtainable.
Lest you overlook, Italdesign sculpted some actually gorgeous automobiles. The BMW M1 was one of many agency’s most iconic designs, whereas the Lamborghini Gallardo, Lotus Esprit, DeLorean DMC-12, Maserati MC12, and so many others had been created by Italdesign.
We’ll have to attend and see what the subsequent period seems like for the long-lasting Italian model.
