Pantera International Exclusive - July 23, 2000

This may not be a brand you are familiar with right now. You will be soon for the name DeTomaso is now part of the package. Pantera International is proud to announce that DeTomaso Modena S.p.A. will be manufacturing this new line of Jeep like vehicles.

Anyone familiar with the history of Alejandro DeTomaso knows that he is considered a great industrialist. His world is not limited to the manufacture of exotic sportscars and racing cars. Other projects include motorcycles (Guzzi), small passenger cars (Innocenti) automotive design (Ghia studios), boutiques, watches and real estate holdings to name a few. When the Qvale Group split up with DeTomaso Modena S.p.A., there was concern that this would be the last time we would hear of the Isis. Instead, the company is back with a vengeance. Roaring back.

This new vehicle will utilize a turbo diesel engine mated to a 5 speed transmission. This robust vehicle will be sold in 5 European nations including the Soviet Union. It will not be offered in the U.S. market. The car will be assembled in Modena. A staff of 200 employees will be responsible for the assembly.

Important to note is that DeTomaso Modena S.p.A. is the manufacturer for a client who has retained the firm to construct the car. The value of the contract is rumored to be over 200 million dollars (USD). The projected number of vehicles built will help establish DeTomaso Modena S.p.A. as a leading automotive builder in Italy.  More importantly, a strategic alliance has been struck between DeTomaso Modena S.p.A. and the firms involved that will also provide a source for the next engines for the new Vallelunga and 2002 Pantera.  The name of the manufacturer will be announced in the near future and a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised. This writer is very pleased.

We applaud the new direction the factory is taking under the firm leadership of the founder. We are not being asked to embrace or purchase this car. We only root for its success because the capital it generates will help underwrite the cost of the exciting new DeTomaso cars that are in the pipeline.

Please click here to view larger images, specifications and contact information for the Simbir.

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