The future is looking bright for electric cars, with many automotive makers announcing plans to build their own models. Renowned design studio Pininfarina have become the latest example, declaring their intentions to become an automotive brand. Owned by the Mahindra Group, Automobili Pininfarina is being presented as “the world’s newest sustainable luxury car brand.” The company plans on launching its first electric hypercar in 2020.
Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra is excited to move the new business forward. “Italy’s renowned design expertise produces objects of true beauty and unique style. Drawing upon the pedigree and design vocabulary of the Pininfarina aesthetic heritage we will develop a rare collector’s item that only a handful of connoisseurs will ever own. It will be an innovative and pioneering product powered by high technology.”
Details about the hypercar are sparse, though Pininfarina have claimed it will be able to go from 0 – 186 mph in 11 seconds and reach a top speed of over 250 mph. This is due to the powerful fuel cells that will be included in the vehicle.
Mahindra is confident in the ability of electric vehicles. “The Mahindra Group has bet big on electric vehicles. They are the future, and when power, beauty and high end EV technology come together in one car – that will be the perfect luxury vehicle, that will give car lovers the freedom to roam without impacting the planet adversely.”
Managing Director, Pawan Goenka added “we believe that this is the perfect time to launch Automobili Pininfarina. Given Mahindra’s growing EV expertise from our participation in Formula E racing where we are currently second in the constructors’ and drivers’ championships, and Pininfarina’s design expertise that will allow us to develop stylish, extreme-performance, electric vehicles for global markets.”
Paolo Pininfarina, grandson of founder Battista Farina, will continue as chairman of Pininfarina SpA and he gave his thoughts. “We are pleased to welcome the new company Automobili Pininfarina which represents an additional client for Pininfarina SpA, joining the list of the many prestigious car makers for which we will be designing cars in the future. This project helps me and my family to realise my grandfather’s dream of seeing outstanding innovative cars solely branded Pininfarina on the roads.”
The announcement is sure to start off the next successful chapter in the Italian manufacturer’s story.
Image Credit: Journal.classiccars
