Italdesign: the discreet designer facing the threat of leaving the Volkswagen group

It is always fascinating to observe the grand maneuvers of the automotive industry, a realm where glamour meets cynicism at every turn. Take Italdesign, for example: this design studio, which to the average person evokes more of an obscure reference in a B-movie than a living symbol of automotive genius. Founded in 1968 by the master Giugiaro himself, this place has created fascinating designs ranging from the first Volkswagen Golf to the memorable aesthetics of the Audi Q2. But here it is, while it struts under the banner of Volkswagen, the company finds itself threatened by a looming departure, like a supporting actor about to leave the front row.

In this universe where electric reigns supreme, the necessity to save money will take its toll on the grandest ambitions. Volkswagen is seriously considering selling Italdesign to an American player, UST Global, whose interest is as difficult to pin down as a Lamborghini in a massive traffic jam. This strange adventure reveals a darker picture: while Audi tries to sell off family jewels and Seat and Škoda sneak through economic fissures, it seems that the legendary Italdesign might be the next target. It's a bit like Volkswagen is sifting through its portfolio to determine which luxury product could finance the latest electric whim - and suddenly, the name of this venerable Italian institution emerges. What could be more tragically ironic?

While waiting for the situation to unfold, Italdesign's CEO, Antonio Casu, is doing his best to keep morale high. At the Quattroruote Next Forum in Milan, he spoke with a confidence that would make the greatest bluffers blush. But the reality is clear: as long as there is no solution, employees must live in uncertainty. To see the bright side, Italdesign is much more than just a designer - it's a true Swiss army knife, capable of juggling product design and industrial prototyping. If only that would be enough to elbow its way to the feast table of peace for a bright future.

But let's be honest, at a time when dreams of electric and autonomous vehicles are rampant, this iconic studio finds itself at a crossroads. Times are changing, and as Volkswagen dives into the electric turn with projects like the EVX, it becomes increasingly clear that those wielding the Tessin brushes must adapt or, in this particular case, shut the door. Could this be the end of an era where car lines were the unbeatable emotional argument, the swan song of refined design, in favor of cold technological austerity?

It's rumored in the damp corridors of the workshops that the sale to UST Global is not yet a done deal. Discussions ebb and flow, but it nonetheless reflects a pressing desire for profitability within a group that, like a Bugatti in the midst of an identity crisis, must choose its future. In the shadow of what could be Italdesign's last breath, one can only feel melancholy watching this design titan, whose legacy may well sink into oblivion like a Ferrari forgotten at the back of a garage.

Source: www.presse-citron.net

Si vous souhaitez lire d'autres articles tels que Italdesign: the discreet designer facing the threat of leaving the Volkswagen group, consultez la catégorie Volkswagen.