Italdesign is interested in producing one-offs for companies outside of the Volkswagen Group in its attempt to expand and increase brand awareness.
The VW-owned subsidiary is very familiar with creating custom variations of existing VW models which is understandable given the German conglomerate owns 100 per cent of the design house. The company’s new chief executive Joerg Astalosch thinks the firm can expand its horizons.
When asked by Automotive News how the firm would respond if it was approached by Google or Apple, Astalosch said “Frankly, I would go to them. It can be Tesla as well. And I think there will be many more startups, especially in America.”
Astalosch confirmed that he and the marque’s design boss Filippo Perini are having discussions with a number of automakers to create special one-off and limited production models. Perini has experience doing just that as he worked his magic on the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, Veneno and Centenario.
Italdesign has about 1,000 employees and the ability to produce 500-600 cars annually. In recent times, the vast majority of cars released by the firm have been one-off concepts but if Astalosch’s aims are achieved, we could be on the verge of seeing many more models rolling out of its design and production facility.
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