Volkswagen is considering selling motorcycle brand Ducati, as the latest part of its cost-cutting and streamlining operations.

Volkswagen is also reported to have given investment bank Evercore the task of evaluating options for funding the brand’s post-dieselgate strategy shift, reports Reuters.

Amid rising costs from the dieselgate scandal, Ducati is likely to be sold just five years after it was acquired by Audi.

Volkswagen’s campaign of cost-cutting has long been rumoured to include a manufacturer, following withdrawals from VW’s WRC campaign, and Audi’s withdrawal from the WEC and Le Mans.

Other reported cost-cutting measures were the loss of 30,000 jobs within the next few years, and the streamlining of the Volkswagen brand. If sold, Ducati will be the first manufacturer to be trimmed from the VW Group portfolio.

Competitor firms such as Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha would all likely have an interest in acquiring Ducati from Volkswagen.

Autocar UK is awaiting comment from Volkswagen.

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