Volkswagen Group evaluates potential sale of motorcycle brand Ducati

Volkswagen Group is evaluating the possible sale of its Italian motorcycle brand Ducati as part of a wider review of its business holdings. Facing financial pressure and strong competition from Chinese companies, the German automotive giant is reviewing 600 of its 2,000 businesses.

Leadership Statements

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali confirmed the evaluation during an exhibition in Bologna, Italy, stating that no final decision has been made yet. Audi CEO Gernot Dollner also verified that Ducati is part of the ongoing review process. Bloomberg reported that Volkswagen's supervisory board approved cutting its portfolio by a third, which includes plans to lay off 50,000 workers in Germany by 2030 and sell a 51 percent stake in its Everllence ship-engine unit for EUR 7.4 billion. A sale of Ducati could bring in about EUR 1.25 billion.

Potential Buyer

Italy-based Patritalia has already expressed interest in acquiring Ducati after pursuing MV Agusta. Patritalia's plans include wanting Ducati to employ a mostly Italian workforce and seeking to become the sole engine supplier for Moto2. However, Triumph currently supplies Moto2 engines and has new plans for next year, while Yamaha is set to supply Moto3 from 2028, meaning any changes would require consent from current suppliers and MotoGP owner Liberty Media.

Context

Large industrial groups often restructure and sell off non-core luxury or niche brands when their main automotive business faces severe financial headwinds. Volkswagen previously acquired Ducati in 2012 and briefly considered selling it years ago before deciding to keep the superbike manufacturer.