Audi AG CEO Gernot Döllner recently stated that there are no plans to sell Ducati in the next two to three years, following a review of the entire investment portfolio by the Volkswagen Group board. This statement comes amidst persistent rumors of a potential divestment by VW, driven by their broader "Future 2030" plan which includes significant job cuts and the disposal of certain assets to adapt to lower vehicle sales and focus on the core automotive business.
Despite the current denial, the possibility of a future sale remains. The Volkswagen Group is undergoing a challenging phase, with plans for up to 100,000 job cuts worldwide and the closure of four plants in Germany. Investment bankers have reportedly advised Volkswagen to consider further divestitures, similar to the sale of a majority stake in its marine engine division, Everllence, which generated approximately $8.7 billion.
Ducati, acquired by the Volkswagen Group in 2012 for about $747 million (including assumed debts) through its Audi subsidiary, has seen substantial growth under their ownership. In 2022, Ducati's turnover reached a record $1.089 billion, delivering 61,562 motorbikes, and achieved an operating profit of $112 million in 2023. While turnover slightly decreased to $925 million in 2025, with an operating profit of $52 million, these figures are still significantly higher than pre-acquisition levels. The company also launched a $121 million investment program in 2026, largely for industrial research and experimental development.
Analysts note that while Ducati is a small part of the overall VW Group, accounting for only about 0.3 percent of total revenue, it represents a highly profitable asset within the motorcycling sector with a strong brand image, premium product range, and significant racing success. These factors could make Ducati an attractive acquisition target if a sale were to occur, potentially fetching a much higher valuation than its 2012 purchase price. However, as of now, Ducati is not officially for sale, and no concrete decisions have been made by Volkswagen to divest the brand.
