Volkswagen-Audi sells Italadesign: employees "disappointed with the way they are treated

When Volkswagen confirmed that it was considering selling ItaldesignThe shockwaves went through not only Piedmont, but the whole world of automotive design. In Moncalieri, where the studio founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro is headquartered, incomprehension quickly gave way to frustration. For many employees, the announcement didn't just mark a break: it was seen as an abandonment.

A historic jewel that VW wants to sell in order to refocus

As you enter the Italdesign hall, the symbol is obvious: a DeLorean DMC-12 on display as a permanent reminder of the studio's global influence. A heritage that Volkswagen embraced fifteen years ago, gradually buying up the company to the point of owning 100 % of its shares. But despite record sales of 330 million euros and a net profit of 30 million, the German group, in the midst of restructuring, now wants to part ways with the company. In Wolfsburg, the priority is now to streamline the structure, rationalize and refocus investments on electrics and strategic technologies. Entities deemed "peripheral".

For the employees, however, there was no reason to expect such a decision. Many have always seen themselves as a direct extension of Audi and Volkswagen. "Employees have long felt part of the VW family. Today, they're disappointed with the way they're being treated", explains F.A.Z. Fiom representative Gianni Mannori.

UST Global, a buyer that feeds the malaise of its teams

The first serious lead mentioned for the sale had the effect of an electroshock: UST Globalan Indian-American technology company with no ties to the automotive industry. The consortium even carried out due diligence and submitted a bid. For Moncalieri's engineers and designers, this scenario has raised fears of a methodical carve-out or a repositioning towards activities far removed from Italdesign's DNA. Already, some 60 engineers have reportedly left the company in recent months. A clear sign of the company's instability.

The unease is compounded by the fact that internal communication is considered minimalist. Volkswagen-Audi merely states that it is "constantly evaluating its portfolio", without denying or confirming any sales leads. A silence perceived as a lack of consideration for a team that has shaped Volkswagen's visual identity for decades.

The Italian counter-attack

Faced with this widespread concern, an italian coalition has emerged. An unlikely but powerful alliance, bringing together industry figures such as Eugenio Razelli, former boss of Magneti Marelli, and Amedeo Felisa, current managing director of Aston Martin. Joining them are Giancarlo Tonelli and financier Andrea Pavan, backed by the Adler Group and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. Their goal: to keep Italdesign on Italian soil, diversify its activities, open up new markets - from Stellantis to aeronautics to yachting, and restore its role in the national industrial ecosystem. A loan of 50 million euros has already been secured from Italian banks. But this initiative comes late. As the trade unions point out, the warning signs were sent out as early as May. Today, the race against time is on, as Volkswagen wants to conclude quickly.

Meanwhile, employees are waiting for answers. Their request is simple: to be considered. Having participated in Volkswagen's transformation for more than ten years, they expect something other than speculation and decisions taken from a distance. Volkswagen promises clarification by the end of the year.