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.
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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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.
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
Why Lotus no change under Potong!
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.
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.
Oh really dewasemut?It’s not failed but the Indonesia cancel the project,not failed.OK stupid?Stop condemning Proton
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.
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”.
Dont forget, Tata is owner of Jaguar & Land rover. Look at the great looking cars produce by them
Money talks Bullshit walks……
oiiittt. u guys forgot to mentioned another great car designed by Pininfarina, the hyundai matrix, a true people’s car.