Our history: how it started
Italdesign, a journey through decades of innovation
1968
Studi Italiani Realizzazione Prototipi S.p.A., founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani in Moncalieri,Italy, would soon become Italdesign, marking the beginning of an adventure in the automotive world. Their first major project came with the Alfasud for Alfa Romeo, cementing Italdesign’s role as a service center for the automotive industry.
1970
Italdesign’s collaboration with Volkswagen on the design of the Passat strengthened its international reputation. The decade also saw the creation of three iconic models: the Volkswagen Scirocco, the first-generation Volkswagen Golf, and the Audi 80. In 1974, Italdesign began working with the DeLorean Motor Company, for which Giorgetto Giugiaro would design a legendary car: the DeLorean DMC-12, presented in 1981 and made famous worldwide by the “Back to the Future” film trilogy. These projects showcased Italdesign’s ability to blend innovative design with artisanal craftsmanship, creating vehicles that were not only functional but also works of art.
1980
Italdesign took a step forward with the creation of a new design division dedicated to industrial and transportation design expanding its scope from just automotive services. Within this expansion, the company never forgot its roots, establishing itself as one of the leading automotive design studios. The use of sophisticated software such as CAD, CAS, CAE, and CAM revolutionized the creative process, taking the company to new heights.
1990
Italdesign solidified its reputation in the industry, continuing to collaborate with major automakers like Fiat, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi. Each project represented another challenge, successfully met. During these years, its talents were recognized with two prestigious Golden Compasses, for the Fiat Punto and for the Isitron Dental System, further emphasizing its strengths and versatility.
2000
In 2003, Giugiaro Architettura was born, a new division dedicated to civil and industrial architecture, interior architecture, yacht design, trade show installations, urban furniture, and urban and landscape planning. Italdesign diversified its portfolio, once again demonstrating its ability to innovate, adapting its expertise in automotive design to other sectors. In 2004, it won the Compasso d’Oro once again, for the Alfa Romeo Brera.
2010
A significant change: Volkswagen AG acquired 90.1% of Italdesign Giugiaro’s capital, integrating the company into the German group under the control of the Lamborghini holding company, an Italian subsidiary of Audi. In 2015, the Giugiaro family sold the remaining 9.9% of the shares to Audi AG. Giorgetto Giugiaro resigned from all corporate positions, leaving an indelible mark on the world of design. In 2016, Italdesign paid homage to Giugiaro with a new logo that included the G, a symbol of his fundamental contribution.
2020
Italdesign evolves once again, transforming from an automotive service company into a general service provider.The logo was updated once more, emphasizing a new identity, not merely as designers or engineers, but as ideneers – people who are able to transform ideas into tangible realities.
Celebrating Italdesign's Achievements
Italdesign has been honored with numerous awards over the years, recognizing its innovative contributions and outstanding performance in the automotive industry and beyond. These distinctions highlight the company’s dedication to excellence, creativity and leadership in design and engineering.
7
COMPASSO D’ORO
34
GOOD DESIGN
8
IF DESIGN
13
RED DOT
+ 390
AWARDS WON
