There are a few automotive rumors that seem to spring up every fairly frequently. One, of course, is that the Corvette will undergo some radical change -- it won't. Probably ever. But that's an old example, a more recent one would be the potential sale of Ducati. Not only is this a more recent example, it's also one with a higher rate of correctness.
This most recent iteration of the rumor comes courtesy of the Financial Times who reports that Ducati's owner, Investindustrial, has the brand up for sale for 1 billion euros ($1.3 billion)-- three times the original investment-- or if that doesn't pan out, putting Ducati public on the Hong Kong market. In 2008 Ducati was removed from the Milan stock exchange to operate as a private company owned by an arm of Investindustrial. "Ducati is now a perfect company but the further growth it requires needs the support of a world-class industrial partner," said Investindustrial chairman Andrea Bonomi.
So it's not a surprise that Ducati is up for grabs, but the list of buyers lining up might be.
The three names swirling around the rumor mill now are Volkswagen, Mahindra and BMW. BMW has stated that they're not currently interested, but didn't flat-out deny their interest in the rival superbike builder.
Next up is Volkswagen. Volkswagen is good at gobbling up luxury marques (Bentley, Lamborghini), making them run and start every time (Bentley, Lamborghini) and turning a profit from them. Ducati could be the next step down this path.
Finally we've got Mahindra. Mahindra is desperately trying to be a full-line global carmaker and proving they can sustain Ducati's image and reputation would certainly go over well for that goal.
Investindustrial wants Ducati gone this year. Will it go German, Indian, or could a surprise Italian (unlikely) or American buyer get it?
mtakahashi says:
10:23 AM, 02/16/12
Let's not forget that Mercedes/AMG has been co-branding on recent bikes, too.
gregnv says:
10:52 AM, 02/16/12
VW seems like a natural. They already have Italian brands under their belt in addition to other German Marks.
Does this all seem vaguely familiar? First Germany, then dabbling in Spain (SEAT), then uniting with an Italian maker (Lamborghini), an alliance with a Japanese maker (Suzuki), and ultimately taking on some of the crown marks of France (Bugatti) and the U.K. (Bently). No harm intended, all in good fun :-), but I couldn't help but notice.
pearley says:
02:03 PM, 02/16/12
Apple will buy it. And then Apple will buy everything else. The whole world will be Apple.