Turin, Italy
The automotive industry and design world mourn the loss of Paolo Pininfarina, the head of the renowned design house Pininfarina, who passed away last Tuesday.
Paolo Pininfarina has left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape with iconic designs that have shaped the industry’s aesthetic and technological advancements.
His contributions will continue to inspire and influence future generations of designers and enthusiasts.
Paolo Pininfarina’s legacy extends far beyond his family ties, as he was the driving force behind the company founded by his grandfather, Batista in the 1930s.
He was serving as president since 2008 and his dedication, enthusiasm and energy have propelled Pininfarina into new realms of design excellence.
His leadership guided the company through a process of diversification in the 1980s, expanding its influence beyond automotive design to become a benchmark in several areas of design.
Paolo’s tenure at Pininfarina was marked by significant milestones, including the cessation of Pininfarina’s automotive production in 2011 and the acquisition of Pininfarina S.p.A. by the Indian company Mahindra Group in 2015.
He also played a pivotal role in the launch of Automobili Pininfarina in 2018, a venture that aimed to redefine electric hypercar technology.
Some of his notable achievements was the creation of the Ferrari-based Pininfarina Sergio Barchetta in 2013, a tribute to his late father and a testament to his design prowess.
Additionally, Paolo unveiled the Automobili Pininfarina Battista electric hypercar at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability while paying homage to his grandfather’s legacy.
Paolo Pininfarina had been in the family business since 1982, after working for Cadillac, Honda, and General Motors.