Italdesign is set to open its US headquarters in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, reinforcing its presence near Detroit's automotive hub. This strategic move aims to foster collaboration with automakers and strengthen the design house's influence in the US market.
Closely associated with the legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, Italdesign has long been a staple at prestigious concours events. Despite its global renown, a North American branch was noticeably absent until now.
- Michigan's automotive legacy makes it a natural fit
- CEO Antonio Casu emphasizes extensive service offerings:
- Styling
- Engineering
- Prototyping
- Testing and validation
- 24 new jobs expected in Bloomfield Hills
- $20 million investment in the local economy
- Supported by a $200,000 grant from the Michigan Business Development Program
- Noteworthy collaborations:
- Creation of the Nissan GT-R50 for its 50th anniversary
- Partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering on a modular EV platform
- Italdesign's focus: contract engineering and development for automakers
The Quintessenza concept, introduced at CES, is a unique blend of Australian ute styling and Italian GT elegance. Equipped with three electric motors and 777 hp, it showcases Italdesign's cutting-edge design capabilities, targeting adventurous urban dwellers.
Fabrizio Mina, Italdesign USA CEO, underscores the significance of a local presence in Michigan, enabling the company to provide tailored services to major players and startups alike.
Italdesign's establishment of a US headquarters in Michigan marks a strategic extension of its storied legacy into the American market. By aligning itself with Detroit's robust automotive ecosystem, Italdesign is poised to continue its tradition of innovation while contributing positively to the local economy.