Ferrari partners with former Apple iPhone designer's firm

A creative partnership between Ferrari and new design firm LoveFrom will see the manufacturer expand its luxury business horizons beyond the automotive sphere.

LoveFrom, a firm set up by Apple iPhone veteran Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson, has entered a partnership with Exor – which in turn is the holding company of the Agnelli family with a controlling stake in Ferrari.

It's hoped the partnership will merge Ferrari's history of performance with the experience in design of LoveFrom, the latter saying it will "explore a range of creative projects with Exor in the business of luxury".

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Ferrari Chairman John Elkann

Ferrari Chairman John Elkann didn't provide specifics, but said the partnership will also see Ive join Exor's Partners Council.

“In building great companies, we also believe in building great partnerships," said Elkann.

"Soon after LoveFrom was founded we began to talk with Jony and Marc about opportunities to combine their world-renowned creativity with ours, in complementary and incremental ways. Ferrari represents a first [and] exciting chance to do great things together as we build our future.

"I’m also delighted that Jony is joining our Partners Council, where we look forward to benefitting from his uniquely valuable perspectives.”

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LoveFrom's Marc Newson (left) and Sir Jony Ive (right)

Newson and Ive added they were excited to not only join Ferrari, but also Exor – as the holding company currently owns a 14.4 per cent stake in automotive conglomerate Stellantis.

“We have been friends with John for many years and are great admirers of his insight and vision," the pair said.

"We are thrilled to be embarking on such an important, long term collaboration with Ferrari and more broadly Exor. As Ferrari owners and collectors, we could not be more excited about collaborating with this extraordinary company and in particular with the design team expertly led by Flavio Manzoni.

"We see some uniquely exciting opportunities working together, which we believe will yield important and valuable work.”

It is understood LoveFrom's staff includes a number of former Apple employees from its user interface side of the business, meaning the collaboration with Ferrari could lead to more bespoke infotainment systems in the future.