Volkswagen Is Doing The Math, Wants To Sell Ducati Despite Success

Volkswagen is considering selling Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati as the German automotive conglomerate starts a daunting restructuring of its global business portfolio.

The iconic motorcycle brand — operated by VW’s Audi division since 2012 — is one of approximately 600 business units under review out of the group's roughly 2,000 corporate holdings. According to Bloomberg, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has confirmed that Ducati’s future is actively being discussed as part of a portfolio review, though no final decisions have been made.

The review is part of a widespread restructuring plan approved by Volkswagen's supervisory board aimed at reducing the group’s holdings by roughly one-third, trimming operational costs, and focusing on core carmaking. The move follows Volkswagen’s recent deal to sell a 51-percent stake in its Everllence marine engine division.

Bologna-based Ducati could reportedly fetch approximately €1.25 billion ($1.5 billion USD). Last year, the brand delivered roughly 50,000 motorcycles, generating €925 million in revenue and €52 million in operating profit. The brand was originally purchased for €747 million.

Despite dominant racing performance—including six consecutive MotoGP constructors’ championships since 2020—Ducati’s single-digit operating margins trail the 9-percent margin target set by Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume for 2030. Former VW Chairman, Ferdinand Piëch, personally championed Audi’s acquisition of Ducati.

Despite the review, Döllner told Italian outlet Il Sole 24 Ore that no decision on Ducati's future would be made within the next two or three years.

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