Mahindra in negotiations to buy Pininfarina – reports

PininfarinaSergio_052

Automotive News has reported, citing a Bloomberg report, that Mahindra & Mahindra is close to finalising a deal to buy Italian auto styling house and engineering company Pininfarina. However, talks have been happening for weeks, are still ongoing, and could still fall apart, according to people familiar with the matter.

The involvement of India’s largest SUV maker here isn’t entirely out of this world, as it cooperates with Pininfarina on SUV development, and has worked before on the REVA Halo electric sports car concept (below) for last year’s Delhi Motor Show.

Founded in 1930, the hallowed house behind the aesthetics of wheeled greats such as the original Jaguar XJ6, Rolls-Royce Camargue, two-door bodystyles of the Peugeot 504 and – of course – a host of Ferraris, Fiats, Alfa Romeos and Maseratis, needs little introduction.

mahindra-reva-halo 047

Recent times have seen the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe and Pininfarina Sergio (which became the six-unit-only Ferrari Sergio), but the Turin-based firm has lost money in 10 of the past 11 years, due to debt and a dwindling business to build cars for other companies.

Mahindra’s entry could be just the thing for Pininfarina, while the Italian firm could inject some flair into Mahindra and SsangYong models (the Indian company bought SsangYong in 2011).

Meanwhile, Italian tyre maker Pirelli is set to be acquired by China National Chemical Corp (ChemChina) in a 7.1 billion euro (RM28.6 billion) deal.

Pininfarina Sergio concept

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • Painter on Mar 26, 2015 at 11:02 pm

    I think this is the dawn of Asia. We start buying European companies. This could be a turning point in mankind’s history.

    Few hundred years back, European tradesmen bought land and businesses from Asian Royals and forced the latter into submission.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 2
  • dodgeviper88 on Mar 26, 2015 at 11:09 pm

    might not be such a bad idea. you can look at jaguar land rover and how they are doing now as they’re under tata

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  • heybadigol (Member) on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:16 am

    The other day, a People’s Republic of China company wanted to buy Pirelli. Now India wants Pininfarina. The recently “Americanised” Ferrari (who’s cars are designed by Pininfarina & uses Pirelli tyres) might want to make a business opportunity out of this.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • dewaSemut on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:00 am

    Thinking of it, Proton is ahead of other Asian car companies in acquiring Euro automotives… Lotus and MV Augusta.

    The only thing is it’s a failed investment.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 3
    • Oh really dewasemut?It’s not failed but the Indonesia cancel the project,not failed.OK stupid?Stop condemning Proton

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
      • Amir pekerja proton on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:34 pm

        Oi, go back to your work. Ooops, proton staff mainly makan kuih, goyang kaki, main telur.

        No wonder proton is a parasite to Malaysian economy.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • C.P.MOHAN on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:03 am

    As I see it what is sold is old technology. New technology is Hybrid, Electrical and Driver less. Asia has the money or is this a “garage sale”.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • alldisc on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Dont forget, Tata is owner of Jaguar & Land rover. Look at the great looking cars produce by them

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Money talks Bullshit walks……

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • hondaman on Mar 27, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    oiiittt. u guys forgot to mentioned another great car designed by Pininfarina, the hyundai matrix, a true people’s car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
 

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