UST has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Italdesign from the Audi Group, bringing the Italian firm’s six-decade design and engineering heritage together with UST’s capabilities in AI and software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The partnership is framed around the convergence of design, engineering, and AI across the vehicle development cycle.

Italdesign, which has shaped some of the automotive industry’s most recognisable vehicles over nearly 60 years, will continue to operate under its own name and identity. UST’s capabilities in digital engineering and SDV architecture are intended to expand Italdesign’s global reach.

The deal reflects a shared belief that design, engineering, software, and AI must be integrated from concept through to production. Italdesign’s relationships with global OEM customers add direct automotive industry reach to UST’s existing technology and digital engineering capabilities.

In a statement, Antonio Casu, Chief Executive Officer of Italdesign, said: “We bring nearly 60 years of experience and a unique credibility in the global automotive industry to this partnership. We will continue to operate as Italdesign, with our values and distinctive competencies, based on a holistic and multidisciplinary approach and an increasing focus on sustainability, while benefiting from UST’s global scale, digital engineering expertise, AI capabilities, and global client relationships.”

Source: UST