Ambassador: Roberto Baggio
- The Antera brand makes its comeback on the world stage during
the 2024 Milan Design Week with a new collection of light alloy
wheels. A premium made-in-Italy brand, Antera combines timeless
design, cutting-edge technology, and the determination to overcome
any obstacle.
- Its ambassador is the football champion Roberto Baggio, who,
thanks to his successful career and winning mindset, is the perfect
embodiment of the Italian’s brand spirit of 'No Compromise'.
- The new Antera advertising campaign’s slogan, "Where instinct
meets genius, the myth becomes legend", attests to the dedication,
courage, and vision of a brand which is able to project itself into
the future.
- Antera was founded in Milan in 1991 and has produced some of
the most iconic models in the field, including the Type 109, a
three-spoke wheel that was named as “Alloy Wheel Design of the Year
1994”. G.M.P. Group, a company specialized in the global design and
production of alloy wheels, is responsible for bringing it back to
its former glory through an ambitious and solid investment
plan.
- HPE LAB, the hyper-technological Renaissance-inspired
powerhouse, expertly combines the most modern production
technologies with an innovative approach to design and
engineering.
- The new Antera collection features five different models of
various dimensions, from 19 inches to 24 inches, and seven
finishes. The star of the selection is the A303 HPE FORGED wheel
which unites elegance and sturdiness.
- Research and development, technology and design, sustainability
and digitalization are the driving forces behind G.M.P., which is
about to write another compelling page in its history with the
Panther brand.
- Over the last few years, G.M.P. Group has seen significant
growth in Italy and especially abroad, where it takes in more than
80% of its total turnover. Its main markets, as of today, are
Italy, Germany, and Northern Europe.
- Since the end of 2023, Eulero Capital has made its entry into
the groups’ share capital in order to support the ambitious
five-year plan of global expansion and the relaunch of the
legendary Antera brand.
The wait is over. Today, on the occasion of the 2024 Milan
Design Week, the prestigious Antera brand makes its comeback on the
global scene with a new collection of light alloy wheels for the
automotive industry. The collection will be inaugurated by the
brand’s ambassador Roberto Baggio, the footballing legend who,
thanks to his successful career and winning mindset, is the perfect
embodiment of the Italian brand’s spirit of 'No Compromise'.
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Roberto Baggio for Antera (Photo:
Business Wire)
The choice of the famous Number 10 of the Italian national team,
a radiant example of sporting excellence, perseverance, and
generosity, contributes to reinforcing the slogan at the center of
the Antera’s new campaign: “Where instinct meets genius, the myth
becomes legend”. Indeed, Roberto Baggio, the winner of the 1993
Ballon d’Or and a playmaker with refined technique and unique
style, has proven that the most important goals, as regards both
sport and everyday life, are achieved through commitment and
quality which does not take shortcuts, but rather prizes
dedication, courage, and vision. These are the same ingredients of
the ‘No Compromise’ philosophy which G.M.P. Group, a company
specialized in the global design and production of alloy wheels,
intends to employ to bring the historic Panther brand back to its
former glory.
Marco Mancin, Head of G.M.P. Group, states: “Originally, the
founder Marco Muzzarelli’s vision guided the Antera brand via the
principle of ‘No Compromise’, creating a place where dreams and
reality could come together and desire be turned into creation.
This led to prestigious and invaluable products which reached
across space and time to achieve the most authentic expression of
excellence. Today, with the same winning mindset and an important
five-year plan, we are writing a new page in Antera’s history that
will bring the brand back to the Mt. Olympus of light alloy-wheel
producers.”
Marco Finazzi, Chief Commercial Officer: “We have always been
innovators and visionaries in our field, and we aim to restore
luster to the Brand through the development of innovation,
identification, and a process of concrete internationalization. One
thing that will never change is our loyalty to the fundamental
values which forged the brand’s world-renowned identity, and the
determination to pursue our business vision whatever the challenges
that emerge along the way. And we are sure other companies of the
group will want to share a common path towards growth and
development in their fields, always relying on the philosophy of
‘No Compromise’. With this frame of mind, we want to challenge the
status quo in order to offer unconventional products that are able
to anticipate the needs of an exclusive clientele.
The origins of a myth forged over the years in pursuit of 'No
Compromise'
World-renowned for its innovative design and meticulous
attention to detail, the Antera Brand is still remembered for
developing some of the most celebrated models in the industry, such
as the Type 109 three-spoke wheel which brought home numerous
prestigious international awards—including the highly coveted
"Alloy Wheel Design of the Year 1994" title. Founded in 1991 in
Milan by Marco Muzzarelli, the Panther brand has been a major
player on the automotive scene in the past decades, offering elite
wheels globally which are made with new standards in design and
production. Later, the brand continued its steady and progressive
rise and, at the end of 2011, was enriched with a wide range of
products with exemplary technical and stylistic features to
perfectly reflect the essence and uniqueness of the Italian brand.
The basis of Antera's success has always been the continuous search
for excellence, both in the creative and executive fields, without
ever compromising and with an eye on tomorrow. After all, the name
Antera is made up of the Latin words Ante (before) and Aera (era),
which perfectly sum up its vision: getting ahead of the times with
authentic masterpieces forged by the skilled hands of master
craftsmen who imbue the quality and precision of Italian design
into every detail. That is why these designs are a living testimony
to a cultural heritage and a deep-rooted passion that, through the
use of cutting-edge technologies and a rigorous manufacturing
philosophy, are shaped and perfected in Italian factories. Antera
is an ambassador of luxury which encapsulates time, history, and
innovation without boundaries.
A premium Made-in-Italy brand: timeless design, cutting-edge
technology and a winning attitude
From conception to design and engineering to production,
Antera’s entire industrial process takes place "in house" and is
powered by renewable energy in a virtuous circuit that internalizes
processes, optimizing them to achieve maximum efficiency. The
company's trademark is the synergistic work between the various
departments that allows for the best design ideas to be transformed
into unique and prestigious products. Underlying this creative
process, in which the art of creating forms meets the most
innovative technology to materialize them, daily dialogue between
designers and engineers takes place using advanced design software,
FEM calculations, and modeling systems in a direct line with the
production department. This synergy between creativity and
technology results in products with a unique personality that are
an ideal extension of the character of the car for which they were
designed and made. This leads to the Casting department where
state-of-the-art equipment transforms the raw material into a
tangible form. The industrialization of production processes on the
basis of "lean-production" allows for both the normal success of
G.M.P. Group wheels and high and efficient productivity. The same
approach to excellence is again found in the departments where
machining is carried out on semi-finished products from the
foundry. This is where prestigious finishes are made to create
unique products through a fully automated processing cycle that
guarantees serial quality at every single stage. The creation of
these ingenious Italian masterpieces ends in the innovative
painting plant, which is perfectly integrated into the factory and
ensures the highest quality of execution and full control of the
production chain at all stages. Finally, it should be mentioned
that all G.M.P. Group products are approved and certified in
compliance with international standards and are the result of
company processes which are marked by excellence to ensure
compliance with strict quality regulations.
HPE LAB, hyper-technology meets Renaissance values
Inspired by the Renaissance concept which sees the combination
of Art and Science as not only possible but also desirable, G.M.P.
Group has placed the combination of the latest manufacturing
technologies and an innovative and creative approach to design
& engineering at the heart of the relaunch of Antera. This new
and key part of creating cutting-edge products takes shape through
the activities of the team that makes up the new HPE LAB
division—an acronym for High Performances Engineering
Laboratory—where ideas become authentic masterpieces with
Made-in-Italy appeal. Specifically, HPE LAB is not only the
pinnacle of engineering dedicated to the creation of
high-performance products, but also embodies an empathetic approach
to design and manufacturing, going beyond the simple pursuit of
performance. It is, in fact, about deeply understanding customers'
needs and expectations, integrating innovative solutions that meet
not only functional, but also emotional and aesthetic demands. This
led to the revolutionary process of the Antera HPE LAB team which,
by overcoming the conventional limits of low-pressure casting,
opened up new design possibilities without affecting the very high
levels of strength and lightness. So, the new division not only
thinks outside the box, but also sets new standards of excellence,
allowing the Style Center to fully express the beauty of every
single alloy-wheel model.
The new and exclusive Antera collection
Antera’s exclusive collection comes in 5 models (A101, A103,
A105, A107 and A303), each of which has different dimensions
between 19” and 24” and no less than seven sophisticated finishes:
Piano Black Diamond, Moon Grey Diamond, Piano Black, Silver Ice,
Stone Bronze, Satin Champagne and Piano Black Champagne. The star
of the new line is the A303 HPE FORGED model which combines
elegance and strength into a unique work of design and engineering.
This is accomplished by using HPE FORGED technology, which on the
one hand provides superior strength and lightness while, on the
other hand, allows for unprecedented levels of precision and detail
in design. With this top-of-the-line wheel, Antera becomes a symbol
of stylistic and technological supremacy. Furthermore, enhanced by
its large size (24") and eye-catching Piano Black Diamond finish,
the A303 HPE FORGED is the ideal solution for cars and features a
design which is as sophisticated as it is bold—the same
peculiarities expressed by Antera's new rim. The A101 model also
stands out for its muscular nature combined with refined elegance.
Indeed, its bold lines and strategically designed intersections
catch and amplify light, enhancing the aesthetics of the car on
which it is mounted, offering a perfect balance of strength and
class. Perfect for exclusive cars, the A101 highlights both the
elegance of the vehicle and adds a touch of sportiness and
aggression, giving the car a balance between traditional
sophistication and a modern boldness. Four finishes are available:
Piano Black Diamond, a deep black with diamond sparkle; Moon Grey
Diamond, a moon gray with diamond shine; Piano Black, a deep,
sophisticated black; and finally Stone Bronze, a warm, natural hue
that evokes ruggedness. To be outside the box is to challenge the
status quo, to break free from preconceptions and embrace a
timeless aesthetic. This unique appeal is embodied by the A103
model, which exhibits precise lines by dissecting the wheel into
distinct segments, each of which is made with meticulous care. This
subdivision does not sacrifice aesthetic consistency, but instead
elevates it. The inspiration comes from geometry which is so
perfect that it almost seems to have been designed by nature
itself. Each shape is the result of a careful study by Antera's HPE
LAB in which emotion and science come together in an exclusive
design, embodying absolute personality and unparalleled aesthetic
supremacy. There are four finishes to choose from: Piano Black
Diamond, which blends deep black with diamond surfaces; Moon Grey
Diamond, a lunar gray base with diamond detailing; Piano Black,
with a uniformly black surface offering timeless sophistication and
power; and Silver Ice, for a uniform sheen that evokes innovation
and gives the A103 wheel a futuristic appeal. The collection’s A105
model features bold and decisive shapes that transcend traditional
lines, making it an icon of style and sportiness. Its perfect
symmetries catch the eye while the sharp asperities retain an
unexpected balance. Created for discerning customers that aspire to
excellence without compromise, the A105 wheel embodies the Antera
HPE LAB's commitment to innovation and is the result of advanced
low-pressure casting techniques, producing shapes and silhouettes
that rival the excellence of the forged world. Ideal on cars that
already are icons themselves and benchmarks of the entire
automotive industry, the A105 is available in Piano Black Diamond
and Moon Grey Diamond finishes which shine with elegance;
meanwhile, Stone Bronze and Piano Black Champagne combine
sophistication and grandeur and introduce new beauty and
distinction standards in wheel design. Finally, Antera's new
collection offers the A107 model, a masterpiece of engineering
where aluminum, cast in purity, undergoes painstaking craftsmanship
to create a wheel with an unmistakable design. It is a masterpiece
of symmetry and proportion where each spoke, designed with artistic
precision, reflects the harmony between man and nature, embodying
the perfection of the golden ratio. The A 107 is not only a tribute
to Renaissance genius, but also represents the meeting of classical
art and automotive modernity, combining aesthetics and
functionality in a timeless design. The imposing yet meticulously
balanced structure defies the boundaries between sturdiness and
grace. Moreover, this wheel tells the story of craftsmanship
through fine details etched into the aluminum. Four finishes are
available: Piano Black, Silver Ice, Stone Bronze, and Satin
Champagne.
G.M.P. Group, its origins and new corporate structure
Founded 20 years ago, G.M.P. Group is a company specialized in
the design and production of light alloy wheels for the
international automotive industry. The company employs about 150
people at its headquarters in the province of Bergamo, which covers
a total area of 27,000 sqm—16,000 sqm of which is dedicated to the
various production departments and about 500 sqm to offices. Its
products of design and technological excellence are mainly intended
for the Italian, German, and Northern European markets. In recent
years, it has also recorded significant development in Italy and
especially abroad, where it makes more than 80% of its revenues,
with an annual turnover of about 40 million euros and an operating
margin close to 20%.
At the end of 2023, G.M.P. Group opened its share capital to the
entry of Eulero Capital, which acquired 51% of the Bergamo-based
group to support the company's new growth phase. This is a
strategic corporate transaction which will allow the company to
continue the process of product enhancement, innovation, and
international growth. In particular, the entry of Eulero Capital
and its partners, together with Banca Ifis and other shareholders,
aims to support Marco Mancin, the Group's founder and current CEO,
and the management team in the development of new products of the
GMP Italia brand, the relaunch of the prestigious Antera brand, and
a strong international expansion, including targeted acquisitions
in key countries and direct entry in non-European markets as well.
Alfredo Altavilla, a manager who holds primary roles at the
international level in the automotive world and other sectors, has
also joined the board to support the project.
Social and environmental commitments as a key to local
development
Along with process technologies and product innovation, G.M.P.
Group pursues a development strategy that increasingly integrates
ESG issues in both product offerings and business execution in
terms of People, Environment, and Corporate Governance. After all,
sustainability represents a well-defined social and environmental
commitment in the Bergamo-based group's corporate vision, which
includes actively contributing to the development of the territory
and community in which it operates. For this reason, the company's
leadership has planned a more than €10-million investment program
to support a new business plan for the next five years which
focuses on product innovation, energy efficiency, and welfare. The
group has stood out for several years for its genuine and deep
commitment to promoting an environmentally sustainable corporate
culture. The most recent step taken in this direction was the
photovoltaic system installed at the end of 2022 on the roof of the
plant. The implementation of the new system was a tangible
expression of G.M.P. Group's desire to reduce its environmental
impact and actively promote the use of clean, renewable energy. In
addition, the PV plant's production control panel is accessible and
visible to all, allowing for an open, environmentally sustainable
culture with the community, customers, and suppliers. Weekly data
on energy produced, CO2 saved, and trees saved is available at the
following link.
Digital and technological transition to confidently face
tomorrow
G.M.P. Group is leading the digital and technological transition
with constant investment, including remote services for customers
and suppliers and management and communication cross-sharing
processes on digital platforms that ensure timely dialogue without
borders. Research and development, technology and design,
sustainability and international expansion are the driving elements
behind both the rebirth of Antera and the development of the
Bergamo-based company’s new products—always focusing on the
excellence of "Made in Italy" in terms of design, quality,
innovation and respect for the environment. The appointment to get
a closer look at the new life of the Panther brand and G.M.P.
Group's ambitious industrial plan is set for the days of Milan
Design Week, April 15-21, when several on-site activations and
social networks will reveal every detail.
A stylistic and technical champion on and off the
field
Born in 1967 in Caldogno, Veneto, Roberto Baggio’s sporting
career ran from 1982 to 2004, playing for Italy's most prestigious
Serie A teams and winning two league titles—an Italian Cup, a UEFA
Cup, and the 1993 Ballon d'Or. That same year he met peace master
Daisaku Ikeda in Tokyo to whom he gave his Italy "10" jersey—a
magic number that he shared with two champions he admired as a
child: Zico of the Brazilian national team and the unforgettable
Paolo Rossi. The latter was his childhood hero child, with Biaggio
even writing an open letter to him, published by the Gazzetta dello
Sport, which recounts the trips he took on the barrel of his
father's bike to reach the Menti stadium in Vicenza to enjoy the
player who would become the Pablito of the national team in 1982.
Always far from the mundane and a lover of the outdoors, he has
been a farmer since retiring from soccer and currently lives in
Altavilla Vicentina with his wife and three children. In addition,
he has written an autobiography, A Door in the Sky, and his life
and career have been chronicled in a Netflix/Mediaset series, Il
Divin Codino (2021) directed by Letizia Lamartire. Nicknamed
"Raphael" for his soccer flair, Baggio converted to Buddhism in
adulthood and opened a Soka Gakkai (Buddhist secular school) inside
one of his clubs in Corsico, near Milan: the Ikeda Cultural Center,
the largest Buddhist center in Europe. Moreover, the champion is
very active in the humanitarian field, as evidenced by his support
for the Borgonovo Foundation to raise funds against ALS and for
affected populations after the earthquake in Haiti, as well as the
construction of hospitals around the world. He even received the
2010 Peace Summit Award title on November 9, 2010 for his
commitment to those most in need. In 2023 he supported the Italy
Bares project (the Italian version of the charity show Broadway
Bares created by Jerry Mtichell) that aimed to raise funds to fight
HIV, AIDS and raise public awareness of prevention culture. He
remains in the hearts of all soccer fans, poems, plays (such as
Mario Morisi's Orfeo Baggio) and songs, including Cesare
Cremonini's Marmellata #25; Dalla's Baggio Baggio; Diodato's L'uomo
dietro il campione, which is also the soundtrack to Il Divin
Codino; Miles Kane's Baggio and Scrivile Scemo by Pinguini Tattici
Nucleari. There are even references to him in comic books and
cartoons as well, such as in some episodes of What a Champion Holly
and Benji!!! and, although unofficially, in Sailor Moon.
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