According to Silvio Angori, CEO of Pininfarina, autonomous driving will be one of the critical success factors for the brand.
If we go back to the beginnings of the automobile industry, it is easy to see the importance of Italian design houses – carrozzerias – in the production of some of the most beautiful sports cars ever. The vast majority of European brands were responsible for external specialists – such as Pietro Frua, Bertone or Pininfarina – with the task of developing the new models, from the chassis, passing through the interior and ending with the bodywork.
In the 21st century, long gone are the times when design houses had decision-making power. Therefore, in the case of Pininfarina, it was necessary to follow a different path, a path that, in addition to electric vehicles, will also include autonomous driving, this after the company was bought by the Indian giant, the Mahindra Group, at the end of last year.
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Speaking to Automotive News, Silvio Angori, CEO of Pininfarina, revealed a little of the brand's ambition for the near future. “Today we are facing a different world, a world of new mobility and transport services where driving will be secondary or may not even exist. It's a great opportunity for us.”The Italian businessman admits that the direction of the brand will pass less for the exterior design of the vehicles and more for the interior of the cabin. “In a driverless car, we have to add something to the space where people will spend most of their time, and in that design will make all the difference. Even if we are reading our emails or doing something else, we want to be in an unpleasant space.”
Images: Pininfarina H2 Speed Concept