Could Ducati leave Volkswagen Group? There are no official plans to sell the Italian manufacturer, but Volkswagen’s major financial restructuring has put Ducati once again at the center of takeover speculation. With its strong profitability and premium reputation, Ducati remains one of the group’s most valuable non-automotive assets.
According to the Financial Times, investment banks are encouraging Volkswagen to consider selling Ducati after the successful disposal of a majority stake in marine engine maker Everlens. The transaction generated about €7.4 billion, but analysts believe that amount could be quickly absorbed by the costs of the German group’s largest-ever restructuring program.
Volkswagen is currently facing intense pressure from the rapid expansion of Chinese electric vehicle makers. Reports suggest the company is preparing measures that could include cutting 100,000 jobs and closing four factories as it looks to reduce costs and finance its next generation of electric vehicles.
This is not the first time Ducati has been linked to a possible sale. In 2017, following the Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen explored the possibility of selling the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer, attracting interest from several potential buyers before abandoning the plan.
However, the current situation is driven by a different financial scenario. Advisors reportedly believe the strong valuation achieved through the Everlens transaction could encourage Volkswagen to revisit the idea of selling Ducati or even spinning off Lamborghini, allowing the group to raise additional capital while allowing it to focus on its core automotive business.
Despite the renewed speculation, several analysts quoted by the Financial Times still consider a Ducati sale unlikely. Volkswagen has also declined to comment on whether any additional strategic assets may be sold, meaning there is currently no official indication that Ducati is in the market.
Ducati’s strong performance works in its favour. While maintaining a powerful global image with success in both MotoGP and WorldSBK, the Italian manufacturer is enjoying strong demand for its premium motorcycles, significantly increasing its market value.
If Volkswagen eventually needs to raise further capital through asset sales, Ducati will certainly attract considerable interest from investors around the world. However, for now, the brand remains firmly within the Volkswagen Group, and the latest reports renew speculation rather than an imminent sale.
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