Will Volkswagen drop Ducati from its portfolio

For bike enthusiasts worldwide, Ducati is not just a motorcycle brand but a symbol of performance and racing. Now a fresh debate has begun over the famed Italian brand's future. A Bloomberg report says Volkswagen Group is considering separating Ducati from its portfolio. Notably, the move is under discussion even though Ducati is profitable.

In 2022, Ducati crossed 60,000 motorcycle sales for the first time under Volkswagen Group. But in 2025, the company's global sales fell to 50,895 units, a drop of about 7 percent from the previous year. Despite this, Ducati posted a 5.6 percent profit margin.

Volkswagen Group has been focused on boosting profitability across its business. The group's operating profit margin is expected to be around 3.8 percent in 2026, down from 4.2 percent last year. The company aims to eventually raise its operating return on sales to 8 to 10 percent, which is why businesses not delivering the expected returns are being reassessed.

Audi CEO Gernot Dolner, whose company is part of Volkswagen Group, has already said that around 600 businesses, including Ducati, are being reviewed. There is talk that the group is considering cutting the number of its businesses by about a third, and Ducati is feared to be affected in this process.

Ducati's popularity remains strong, with the brand known for powerful motorcycles such as the Ducati Monster and the Panigale V4. In MotoGP, Ducati has dominated with six straight championships since 2020. If the brand is sold or spun off, who would take charge of it remains a big question. Volkswagen has made no official announcement on the matter so far.