Italdesign Expands to the Heart of America's Auto Industry

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Italdesign Expands to the Heart of America's Auto Industry - Image for illustration purposes only
01-10-2025autoweek

New US Headquarters in Michigan

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.

A Bold Entry at CES

The Quintessenza EV Concept:


- Combines a pickup-style body with a 2+2 GT configuration
- Powered by a substantial 150-kWh battery

A Legacy of Automotive Innovation

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.

Strategic Choice: Michigan Over California and Ohio

- Michigan's automotive legacy makes it a natural fit
- CEO Antonio Casu emphasizes extensive service offerings:
- Styling
- Engineering
- Prototyping
- Testing and validation

Economic Impact and Growth

- 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

Recent Projects and Future Direction

- 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: A Vision for the Future

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.

Building Bridges with Michigan's Auto Industry

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.

Summary

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.

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