This story in AutoBlog paints a rather convincing picture that various forces at VW will block any effort to sell Ducati, despite the fact that bids have been solicited from numerous potential buyers.
It is quite clear that German companies, such as VW, have a rather complex management structure, which may prevent consummation of a deal to sell Ducati despite efforts to do so at lower management levels. AutoBlog points, specifically, at the “employee representatives on Volkswagen’s supervisory board.” According to the article, approval of any sale of significant VW assets (including, Audi-owned Ducati) must occur at the supervisory board level, where sufficient dissent is already apparent.
See more of MD’s great photography:
In a way i’m disappointed Harley won’t be buying them. When will they update the 1200 sportster engine? Something to compete with the Bmw and triumph 1200’s.
Ahhhh…. Never!
Harley is one of those companies that believes they only compete with themselves. To some degree, I guess they are correct.
That’s good news. VW has done a great job with them so far. Ducati is selling a ton of bikes, and they keep coming up with interesting product.
If Ducati was doing so well, why would they have to sell it?
They need cash to pay for the diesel scandal.
For what ever reason or reasons this is good news. VW have been good stewards of Ducati.
Yeah, voice of people – “volk” pays at VW. Employees reps are part of the deal or no deal. They have to be respected; that is the German way.
I think FIAT should step up and make VW an offer they cant refuse…
No no, please no Fix It Again Tony ruining Ducati! In any case, not going to happen per Norm’s comments below (thank god).
And FWIW when I saw the photo of the Panigale Final Edition and the words “Ducati… NOT…” I got excited thinking this was an article about Ducati not killing off v-twin superbikes… a guy can dream can’t he??
Actually, a special edition ABARTH Ducati Superbike sounds really cool, and It doesn’t bother me if the mechanic who would be doing the service be called Tony either.
So does VW.
re: “The billionaire Porsche and Piech families, controlling 52 percent of voting shares in VW and holding four supervisory board seats, do not support selling Ducati”
well that’s it then.
Aeah, who’d buy a Ducati anyway? Some poseur. Gi’me a Suzuki any day. Or a Yamaha.
Dr Valentino Rossi for his ‘after racing’ project.
Ducati only copy MV Agusta so get one of those
re: “who’d buy a Ducati anyway? Some poseur”
aw man, in the words of Moe Szyslak i’m sitting right here.
dunno – I like mine a lot. Now if someone was to give me a gsx-s1000f, I’d like that too. But no-one is giving me nothing.
The best of all outcomes. Italian and German collaboration is responsible for some of the best designs (Audi R10)
And some of the worst (Husqvarna under BMW, specifically the 450 abomination).
yes but otoh the nuda was pretty cool
Husky is Swedish, not Italian
They were Swedish……about thirty years ago! Then they were Italian, and then German, and now Austrian.
“Italian and German collaboration is responsible for some of the best designs.”
Pish posh. Buncha bloody wankers.
-Winston Churchill
Lol. I dont think (Sir) Winston drove a modern Lambo. That might convince him otherwise
I heard the V2 was a real rocket!