by Italdesign could be sold by Audi
Audi is considering the possibility of selling its design studio Italdesign or finding a new partner. This is part of the strategy to restructure the German operations of the Volkswagen Group, which is facing increasing competition, especially from Chinese manufacturers. The sale of Italdesign could bring additional funds for the development of new models.
Italdesign was founded in 1968 by renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani. In 2010, Audi acquired 90.1% of the company’s shares, and in 2015, it fully bought out the remaining stake. Now, trade union representatives report that Audi has already received several purchase offers but does not plan to sell the company to competitors or financial groups.
“Audi’s management has been tasked with finding a buyer, but this process could take several months,” said Gianni Mannori from the Fiom trade union.
Financial status and prospects
Italdesign remains a profitable enterprise: in 2023, its revenue amounted to 332 million euros. The company employs about 1,350 workers, mostly in Turin. However, the Volkswagen Group, which includes Audi, is facing challenges—for example, its core brands had to cut over 35,000 jobs in Germany to save costs.
The decision to sell Italdesign could be part of a larger cost-optimization plan. Although the company remains profitable, Audi is likely looking for ways to reallocate resources to more promising areas, such as electric vehicles and digital technologies. The search for a buyer will continue for several more months, and its results could impact not only Italdesign’s future but also that of the entire group.
