Volkswagen Group Plans Restructuring: Eyes Ducati Sale, Lamborghini IPO, After Spinning Off Bugatti and Marine Engines

Volkswagen Group is advancing a large-scale business restructuring, aiming to raise funds through asset divestitures and organizational adjustments. Previously, Porsche sold its entire stake in Bugatti Rimac, marking the first time since Bugatti joined the Volkswagen Group in 1998 that it has exited the group’s portfolio. Meanwhile, Volkswagen has announced the sale of a 51% stake in its marine diesel engine subsidiary, Everllence, expected to generate approximately €7.4 billion, while retaining the remaining 49% stake in the medium term. According to multiple media reports, consultants hired by Volkswagen are evaluating further potential asset divestitures, including a possible sale of the Ducati motorcycle brand and transforming Lamborghini from a wholly owned private brand into a publicly listed company. If Lamborghini goes public, Volkswagen could maintain control through Audi while raising capital via a public stock offering. A Volkswagen Group spokesperson did not deny the rumors, stating only that all brands and subsidiaries require “profound transformation” and that the group is actively pursuing a “restructuring of its business architecture.” The company noted that its existing business model—developing vehicles in Germany, manufacturing them in Europe, and selling globally—is no longer sustainable. In an internal email dated July 2025, then-Porsche CEO Oliver Blume described this model as “no longer viable in its current form,” shortly before assuming the role of CEO of Volkswagen Group. Additionally, the autonomous driving project jointly developed by Volkswagen’s software subsidiary CARIAD and Bosch may be terminated despite having already invested €1.5 billion. German media also reported that the group plans to shut down four factories and cut around 100,000 jobs—far exceeding its previously announced target of reducing 35,000 positions in Germany by 2030. To date, aside from Bugatti’s exit and the sale of Everllence shares, none of the other proposed adjustments have been officially confirmed.