Ducati CEO confirms VW is evaluating brand’s future amid sweeping restructuring

Volkswagen is openly weighing the future of Ducati as part of a far-reaching restructuring that could reshape one of the world's largest automakers, prompting alarm from the Italian government and fresh speculation about a sale of the iconic motorcycle brand.

A Shift in Tone From Borgo Panigale

For months, Ducati's position had been unambiguous. In July, CEO Claudio Domenicali told MCNews that "at the moment, there is no discussion happening in Borgo Panigale," while acknowledging that ownership decisions ultimately rest with Volkswagen. Audi, Ducati's direct parent within the group, had flatly stated that "Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. is currently not for sale" in response to a €2.5 billion unsolicited bid from PatrItalia, an Italian investment firm.gpone+3

But the tone has shifted. According to GPone, Domenicali has for the first time confirmed that Volkswagen is evaluating the Borgo Panigale company's future, even though Ducati is not officially listed for sale. Italian press reports suggest Volkswagen has begun alerting investment banks of its management's intention to "valorize" Ducati, potentially through a full or partial sale.ilrestodelcarlino+1

Zukunftsplan 2030 Puts Everything on the Table

The development follows the Volkswagen Group supervisory board's unanimous approval on September 2 of its Future Plan 2030, a restructuring program targeting a 9% operating margin by 2030, roughly 50,000 workforce reductions, a 50% smaller model portfolio by 2035, and a review of holdings that could reduce the group's investment portfolio by approximately one-third. Reuters reported that sources say the broader overhaul could ultimately cost around 100,000 jobs.automotiveworld+2

The plan also encompasses the reported phase-out of the Seat brand by the end of 2029, with resources redirected to Cupra, according to an internal document obtained by WirtschaftsWoche. Against this backdrop, Ducati — along with Lamborghini — has emerged as a candidate for divestiture as Volkswagen seeks to focus on its core automotive operations.carscoops+1

Italian Government Moves to Protect a National Icon

The prospect of losing Ducati has triggered a swift political response in Italy. On September 5, Italian Minister of Enterprises Adolfo Urso wrote on X that he had spoken with Domenicali that morning, "agreeing on a road map that allows us to safeguard such an important company, symbol of the Made in Italy". The president of the Emilia-Romagna region, Michele de Pascale, separately wrote to Urso requesting an immediate government table with Volkswagen and Ducati to protect what he called "one of the most recognized and prestigious expressions of Made in Italy in the world".repubblica+2

Just weeks before the restructuring announcement, Urso's ministry had authorized a €121 million development agreement for Ducati's "Raise the Bar" investment program, including €33.5 million in non-repayable grants for research and development. Whether that commitment will be enough to anchor Ducati in Italian hands remains an open question as Volkswagen's restructuring enters its implementation phase.mediahouse.ducati