Volkswagen AG is evaluating a potential sale of Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati as part of a broader review of its corporate portfolio, according to company officials. The assessment comes as the automotive group seeks to streamline operations and reallocate resources toward core growth areas.
Under a strategy approved by Volkswagen’s supervisory board, the group is reviewing approximately 600 of its 2,000 corporate holdings—amounting to roughly one-third of its overall portfolio. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed that Ducati is included in this disciplined evaluation process, though he emphasized that no formal decision regarding a sale or retention has been finalized.
Financial analysts estimate Ducati’s enterprise value at approximately €1.25 billion ($1.5 billion USD).
While Ducati maintains strong brand equity and stable global volume, its operating margin remains below the group’s long-term target threshold, contributing to its inclusion in the strategic portfolio assessment.
This is not the first time Volkswagen has considered divestment options for Ducati. The group previously explored a sale of the brand in 2017, but the proposal was ultimately shelved following strong opposition from internal labor representatives and key stakeholder groups. If this goes for due process will BMW, Bajaj and Hero Motocorp bid for it again? Time will tell.
