Aliso Viejo, California – September 09, 2026 -- UST has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Italdesign from Audi Group, combining nearly six decades of automotive design heritage with UST's artificial intelligence and digital engineering capabilities.
UST buys controlling interest in Italdesign from Audi Group
The deal pairs Italdesign's design and engineering pedigree, built over almost 60 years, with UST's expertise in automotive engineering, AI, software-defined vehicles and digital ecosystem design. The companies said the partnership aims to help automakers manage the growing complexity of next-generation mobility by accelerating innovation from concept through production.
Italdesign retains its brand and Turin base under new ownership structure
Italdesign, headquartered in Moncalieri near Turin, employs more than 1,300 professionals across 10 international sites and has delivered over 1,000 industrial design and transportation projects. The company said it will continue operating under the Italdesign name, preserving its multidisciplinary approach while expanding into sectors including aerospace and robotics.
Antonio Casu, Chief Executive Officer of Italdesign, said the firm brings nearly 60 years of experience and credibility in the global automotive industry to the partnership, while gaining access to UST's global presence, digital engineering expertise, AI capabilities and worldwide client network.
UST executives frame deal as platform for software-defined mobility
Vijay Padmanabhan, Chief Financial Officer of UST, said the investment was made not only for Italdesign's capabilities but for its people, legacy and reputation for turning bold ideas into world-class products, adding that the combination creates a platform to shape the future of mobility.
Gilroy Mathew, Chief Operating Officer of UST, said clients increasingly need partners who can connect design, engineering, software and AI, and that the partnership with Italdesign will help clients move faster from concept to production while preserving creativity and technical excellence.
Automakers face mounting pressure to integrate AI-driven, connected vehicle platforms
The transaction responds to an automotive sector shifting rapidly toward software-defined, AI-enabled and increasingly connected vehicles. UST, founded in 1999 and based in the United States, employs more than 30,000 people across over 30 countries, providing AI-driven digital solutions, proprietary platforms and engineering capabilities to clients globally.