Volkswagen Group Evaluates Potential Ducati Sale

Volkswagen Group is evaluating the future of Ducati as part of a wider review of its business portfolio, with Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirming that the Italian motorcycle manufacturer is among the assets being assessed for a potential sale.

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali had previously confirmed that the brand was part of the review. Döllner has now echoed those comments, saying that Ducati is part of the evaluation process but that “nothing has been decided.”

Multiple VW Businesses Under Review

Ducati is one of around 600 businesses being reviewed by Volkswagen Group as the company looks to simplify its portfolio.

The group acquired Ducati in 2012 and had previously considered selling the motorcycle manufacturer in 2017 before deciding to retain it. Ducati has since continued to build its position in motorcycle racing, including MotoGP and World Superbike. In 2025, Ducati reported EUR 925 million in revenue and EUR 52 million in operating profit.

A potential Ducati sale is reportedly expected to generate around EUR 1.25 billion, compared with the EUR 7.4 billion Volkswagen Group is expected to raise from the planned sale of a 51 percent stake in its Everllence ship-engine business.

Existing Interest from Patritalia

Italian company Patritalia expressed interest in acquiring Ducati in August, having also shown interest in MV Agusta. The group has outlined plans that include retaining a predominantly Italian workforce at Ducati.

Patritalia has also expressed ambitions around motorcycle racing, including becoming the sole engine supplier for Moto2 and advocating for a more open market across all three MotoGP classes.

However, these proposals face significant hurdles. Triumph has been the sole Moto2 engine supplier since 2019 and has already announced plans for an updated engine for the category. Yamaha is scheduled to become Moto3's sole engine supplier from 2028, replacing KTM and Honda.

Changing either supplier would require the consent of the respective manufacturers as well as Liberty Media, which owns the MotoGP brand.

No Decision Yet on Ducati's Future

The evaluation does not necessarily mean Volkswagen Group has decided to sell Ducati. Both Domenicali and Döllner have stressed that the brand is still being assessed and that no final decision has been made.

For now, Ducati remains part of Volkswagen Group's portfolio, with the review potentially determining whether the Italian motorcycle manufacturer continues under the group's ownership or is transferred to a new owner.

Sources: GPOne, Bloomberg, Visordown, Autocar India