India-based Mahindra buys legendary automotive design house, Pininfarina, in a move that will boost both the design and engineering capability of Mahindra.

MAHINDRA HAS TAKEN its first step into a much larger universe, to bastardise a phrase from Obi Wan Kenobi, by purchasing the legendary automotive design and engineering house, Pininfarina. Mahindra said Pininfarina would remain an independent company and so should be able to continue its work with some of Europe’s leading brands, but it will also assist Mahindra with product conceptualization, design and styling. Paolo Pininfarina will continue as the Chairman of its board.

Mr Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, commenting on Pininfarina joining Mahindra, said, “Pininfarina will add enormous value to Tech Mahindra’s portfolio of engineering services. But just as important is the fact that the legendary high-end design credentials of Pininfarina will significantly enhance the design capabilities of the entire Mahindra Group. Given the increasing design sensibilities of today’s consumers, product design will greatly influence customer choice and experience, and hence our success”.

“Our clients want more from us, consistently. Adding Pininfarina’s legendary design skills to our Integrated Engineering Solutions enables a strong entry into Automotive styling, design & development and reinforces our body engineering capabilities. Further, Pininfarina’s 25-year design expertise in industries beyond Automotive will give us that winning edge in areas such as Aerospace, Consumer Electronics, Architecture & Interiors and Transportation where we already have a strong footprint,” according to CP Gurnani, CEO & Managing Director, Tech Mahindra. 

Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman Pininfarina S.p.A. added, “In a globalized world, entrepreneurship and capital do not need a passport. We are joining hands with a $ 3.9 Billion Technology & Global partner, and part of the $ 16.9 billion global Mahindra Group, which will not only strengthen our Italian identity but will open more doors. Tech Mahindra’s global presence and global delivery model will allow us to compete for a larger pie of the business.”