Sources Say Audi To Announce Purchase Of Ducati Next Week

Luxury carmaker Audi plans to announce the acquisition of Ducati next week, two people familiar with the matter said, in a deal likely to rev up its long-standing rivalry with BMW in superbikes.

The unit of Volkswagen. Europe's biggest carmaker, encountered no major stumbling blocks during due diligence on the Italian motor cycle manufacturer, the people said on Wednesday.

 

uhn2000 - 4/11/2012 1:56:48 PM

+1 Boost

BMW, VW/Audi is seriously gunning for you. This is a massive win for everyone, even Ducatti. I do however think that this will hurt MotoGP as I can't see VW supporting it and the massive budget associated.

AlleVier - 4/12/2012 1:38:32 AM

+1 Boost

If the MotoGP expenses were the reason for Ducati's massive debt, then maybe you're right. However, with VW's resources and Audi's understanding of the importance of racing for development and brand-building, especially for Ducati, it might not harm their effort at all.

94geo - 4/11/2012 2:06:38 PM

+3 Boost

Hmm, Audi is attempting adopting a business model eerily similar to BMW...Not too sure how well Audi trying to be BMW will work, since BMW already exists. haha.

JustaCar - 4/11/2012 10:43:24 PM

-1 Boost

Audi already owns Lamborghini. How is that copying BMW?

chewy - 4/13/2012 12:17:02 PM

+1 Boost

What does BMW have to do with Audi making motorcycles? The NSU part of Audi was making motorcycles before BMW?

AlleVier - 4/11/2012 6:20:00 PM

+1 Boost

I'd sure think it'd be interesting if they did the Gallardo/R8 thing and make an Audi bike with lesser performance and lower price point. Multistrada, maybe?