The name Automobili Pininfarina might sound prestigious and well-established, but the German-based, Indian-backed outfit is actually one of the world's newest car brands after forming in April of this year. And the company now has its sights set on establishing a footing in the luxury market.
In 2015, $19 billion Mahindra Group pruchased a majority stake in Pininfarina S.p.A, the legendary Italian design studio credited with penning some of the automotive world's most beautiful cars. Then earlier this year, the two company's announced the formation of the all-new brand, Automobili Pininfarina, combining Mahindra's EV expertise from years of Formula E competition and Pinifarina's automotive design prowess.
Launched with the not-so-insignificant goal of being 'the most sustainable luxury car brand in the world', Automobili Pininfarina aim to have a range of full-electic cars and SUVs available in all major global markets under the name Pininfarina within the next five years.
Pininfarina H2 concept revealed in 2016. Photo / Supplied
“Automobili Pininfarina is a pioneering new business created to service the most discerning clients in the world," said Automonili Pininfarnia CEO, Michael Perschke.
"Our product portfolio will launch with an innovative, zero-emissions hypercar that represents the progression we aim to make at the pinnacle of the luxury and sports car market.”
The company has now elected its Board of Directors, attracting talent from brands like Bugatti, Ferrari, Maserati and Volvo, and are now focusing on building their first full-electric hypercar.
Automobili Pininfarina's operational headquarters will be based in Munich, Germany, with all cars designed, developed and produced in Germany and Italy.
Pininfarina H2 concept. Photo / Supplied
The first car from Automobili Pininfarina will be a low volume electric hypercar, codenamed PF0, that will retail at between US$2.0 million and US$2.5 million.
PF0 will reportedly accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in less than 2 seconds and have a range of over 480km. The company will hold a private client viewings of the all-electric hypercar in Miami, USA next moth, and plans to deliver the first cars within the next two years.
PF0 will be followed by a range of low-volume all-electric cars, including luxury SUVs, sold and serviced through a network of luxury car retailers.
Panifarina HK GT concept. Photo / Supplied
"We have attracted some of the best automotive industry talent from all corners of the globe, said Perschke."
"Now this team is completely focussed on delivering ground-breaking, highly desirable vehicles through a business strategy which will see Automobili Pininfarina become the most sustainable luxury automotive business in the world.”
