# Italdesign ownership transfers to UST

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italdesign-business-transformation-and-brand-relaunches
> Updated: 2026-09-06T08:58:54.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

Italdesign is undergoing a business transformation to become a multidisciplinary integrator of mobility and technological innovation. As part of this shift, the majority stake in the Moncalieri-based company has officially transferred from the Audi Group to UST, a US-based specialist in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and digital engineering. 

Under the new ownership structure, Volkswagen retains a 40% stake in the historic firm through Automobile Lamborghini and will continue as a partner on ongoing projects. CEO Antonio Casu characterized the transition as a “long-term strategic alliance rather than a simple sale.” The company will maintain its headquarters in Moncalieri, its existing management team, and its staff of 1,300 employees. The firm continues to operate across seven verticals, including automotive development, aerospace, robotics, and industrial design.

In connection with these developments, the DR Group has announced plans to relaunch the historic Italian automotive brands Itala and Osca. This strategy involves utilizing Italian design through collaborations with Italdesign combined with modern technology and Chinese-sourced platforms. The relaunch aims to introduce seven new models between late 2026 and 2027, including various SUVs for Itala and Osca, as well as an electric city car and a mid-engine sports car.

## Claims

- Journalist Salvo Sottile claims Report correspondents Bernardo Iovene and Luca Bertazzoni insulted him at the Rai headquarters. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Sottile accused Report host Bruno Ranucci of mitomania regarding his comparisons to historical figures. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Sottile stated he does not want disciplinary measures taken against the Report correspondents. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Italdesign Giugiaro majority ownership transfers to US firm UST

Majority ownership of automotive design firm Italdesign Giugiaro has passed to US-based technology company UST, while Volkswagen retains a 40% stake.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/salvo-sottile-claims-report-correspondents-insulted-him-at-rai

### 2026-08-29: DR Group to relaunch Itala and Osca automotive brands

DR Group is reviving historic Italian brands Itala and Osca, launching seven new models including SUVs and a mid-engine sports car between 2026 and 2027 using Chinese platforms and Italdesign styling.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dr-group-to-relaunch-itala-and-osca-automotive-brands

### 2026-08-27: Italdesign announces business transformation and ownership change

Italdesign is evolving from an automotive design specialist into a multidisciplinary technology integrator, with a majority stake transfer from Audi Group to UST expected in 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italdesign-announces-business-transformation-and-ownership-change

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Cite as: Italdesign ownership transfers to UST. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italdesign-business-transformation-and-brand-relaunches