CEO dismisses rumors of possible Ducati sale by VW Group
There’s speculation surrounding Ducati’s future ownership that has been making headlines again, after reports suggested that Volkswagen Group could be looking at ways to streamline its portfolio as it undergoes a major corporate restructuring.
But, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer’s top executive says there’s nothing happening behind the scenes, at least from Ducati’s perspective.
Speaking to Australian publication, MCNews, during the World Ducati Week in Misano, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali dismissed suggestions that a sale process is currently underway.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali
“The company is in very good shape,” said Domenicali. He further added that Ducati is financially self-sufficient and does not rely on shareholder funding to execute its future investment plans, including the development of new motorcycle models. He also said that there’s no discussion of the company being sold or anything like that, at least at the moment.
“At the moment, there is no discussion happening in Borgo Panigale,” he said, while acknowledging that decisions involving acquisitions or divestments ultimately rest with Volkswagen Group and its shareholders.
Last week, the German automaker said that the entire group is undergoing a “profound transformation,” aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and reshaping its business for the future.
That statement fueled speculation that prized brands such as Ducati and even Lamborghini, through a different structure, could eventually be used to unlock much-needed cash. However, there remains no official indication that Ducati has been put up for sale.
For now, Ducati appears to be business as usual. Fresh off its centenary celebrations and with a pipeline of new motorcycles already in development, the Bologna-based manufacturer insists its long-term plans remain intact regardless of the speculation surrounding its German owners.
