Tag Archives: vehicles

Aston Martin AMB 002 Roadster Is a 130-HP Titanium-Framed Masterpiece Limited to 300 Bikes

Aston Martin has finally taken its motorcycle collaboration with Brough Superior onto the public road. The new Aston Martin AMB 002 Roadster is the first road-legal motorcycle created by the two historic British performance brands, combining Aston Martin’s unmistakable design language with Brough Superior’s exotic engineering and obsessive approach to lightweight construction.

Following the track-only AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro, the AMB 002 Roadster represents the next chapter in a collaboration that has already produced two of the most visually dramatic motorcycles of recent years.

But this time there is a crucial difference: the AMB 002 is designed to be ridden on the road.

Limited to just 300 individually built motorcycles, the AMB 002 Roadster brings together a 1083cc V-Twin engine, 130 horsepower, 110 Nm of torque, a 5-kg titanium frame, carbon-fiber bodywork and Brough Superior’s unusual Fior front suspension. With a claimed weight of only 190 kg, the result is a motorcycle designed around agility, precision and the sensation of being intimately connected to the road.

Aston Martin AMB 002 Roadster: The First Road Bike of the Partnership

The Aston Martin and Brough Superior partnership began with the AMB 001, a track-only motorcycle unveiled in 2019. It was followed by the even more extreme AMB 001 Pro in 2022.

Both motorcycles established the visual and engineering philosophy of the collaboration: extremely low weight, exotic materials, unconventional chassis technology and styling that looks closer to a piece of modern sculpture than a conventional superbike.

The AMB 002 Roadster takes that philosophy in a different direction.

Rather than focusing exclusively on outright track performance, the new motorcycle has been developed specifically around the experience of riding on public roads. Brough Superior says the engine has been tuned to deliver strong low- and mid-range torque, while the chassis has been engineered to provide precision without sacrificing confidence.

That makes the AMB 002 a rather different proposition from simply turning a track bike into something road legal.

It is an entirely new motorcycle.

Aston Martin and Brough Superior say the AMB 002 was designed and engineered from scratch, with no compromise or carry-over componentry from earlier models.

Aston Martin Design Language on Two Wheels

At first glance, the AMB 002 is unmistakably Aston Martin.

The motorcycle’s proportions are compact and aggressive, while its bodywork uses fluid surfaces and tightly sculpted carbon-fiber elements to create a sense of forward motion even when the bike is standing still.

The design is deliberately minimalist, but there is nothing ordinary about it.

The carbon-fiber fuel tank and side fairings have an almost pebble-smooth appearance, while the bodywork rises toward the rider to create a compact, aerodynamic silhouette. Crescent-shaped gills cut into the motorcycle’s flanks help with engine cooling and airflow, while the delicate wire-style mirror stalks reinforce the impression that every unnecessary gram has been removed.

The result is a motorcycle with an unusually strong visual connection to Aston Martin’s road cars and hypercars.

The brand’s famous side-strake has been reinterpreted for the AMB 002, piercing through the side fairing before extending toward the headlamp. The twin oval exhaust outlets are fitted with ribbed heat sinks inspired by the exhaust finishing details used on the Vanquish, DB12 S and DBX S.

At the rear, a dramatic collection of light blades takes inspiration from Aston Martin’s most extreme machines, including the Vulcan, Valkyrie and Valhalla.

It is a particularly clever approach because the AMB 002 does not simply shrink Aston Martin’s car design and place it on two wheels. Instead, the design team has translated recognizable Aston Martin themes into an entirely different mechanical format.

1083cc V-Twin Produces 130 Horsepower

Behind the visual drama is an equally exotic powertrain.

The Aston Martin AMB 002 Roadster uses an all-new 1083cc, four-stroke, water-cooled V-Twin engine producing 130 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque.

Those numbers may not sound outrageous compared with today’s 200-hp-plus superbikes, but outright horsepower is clearly not the primary objective here.

Brough Superior has tuned the engine to provide strong low- and mid-range torque, combined with a smooth and exciting top-end. The goal is an engine that feels responsive and muscular on the road rather than one that demands constant high-rpm use to deliver its performance.

That philosophy suits the AMB 002 perfectly.

With only 190 kg to move, 130 horsepower gives the motorcycle a highly favorable power-to-weight ratio. More importantly, the relatively light mass should make acceleration, cornering and changes of direction feel immediate.

The engine is also manufactured in-house at Brough Superior’s headquarters in Toulouse, France. Its cases are CNC-machined from billet, allowing the engineers to optimize both weight and structural efficiency.

It is an appropriately uncompromising solution for a motorcycle carrying the Brough Superior name.

A 5-Kilogram Titanium Frame

Perhaps the most remarkable engineering detail on the AMB 002 is hidden underneath the carbon-fiber bodywork.

The motorcycle uses an extraordinary titanium frame that weighs just 5 kg.

Rather than using a conventional frame architecture, Brough Superior employs a distinctive backbone design. The titanium structural spine is milled from solid billet and serves as the central element around which the motorcycle is built.

The lightweight frame contributes to the AMB 002’s claimed 50:50 weight distribution.

That balance is reinforced by the motorcycle’s exceptionally low center of gravity. Carbon fiber is used extensively for the body panels and fuel tank, allowing mass to be concentrated around the motorcycle’s center rather than carried high above it.

The final result is a motorcycle weighing just 190 kg.

For a 1083cc performance machine, that is an impressive figure.

More importantly, the low mass should be noticeable every time the rider changes direction. Rather than relying exclusively on engine power to create excitement, the AMB 002’s character is built around its ability to turn quickly, brake precisely and change direction with minimal effort.

Brough Superior Fior Fork Sets the AMB 002 Apart

The chassis technology is just as unusual as the frame.

Instead of conventional telescopic forks, the Aston Martin AMB 002 Roadster uses Brough Superior’s distinctive double-wishbone Fior front suspension.

The system separates steering and braking forces while maintaining precise control over the front-end geometry. It is an evolution of the technology developed for the AMB 001 Pro.

This configuration is intended to provide a combination of steering accuracy, agility and high-speed stability that would be difficult to achieve using a conventional fork.

There is another major advantage.

The Fior system has anti-dive characteristics, helping maintain stability under braking. That should be particularly valuable when braking aggressively while the motorcycle is already leaned into a corner.

For a road-focused motorcycle, this is an important distinction. The AMB 002 is not simply about making the rider feel fast; its chassis is intended to make the motorcycle feel predictable and controllable when the pace increases.

The combination of a 5-kg titanium frame, 50:50 weight distribution, low center of gravity and Fior front suspension gives the AMB 002 a technical identity that is distinctly Brough Superior.

Lightweight Construction Is the Real Performance Weapon

There is a temptation to focus on the 130-hp figure, but the AMB 002’s real performance story is its weight.

At 190 kg, the motorcycle is considerably more interested in being light and responsive than in chasing headline horsepower numbers.

That approach also explains the extensive use of carbon fiber, titanium and billet-machined components.

The carbon-fiber bodywork contributes to the low center of gravity, while the titanium chassis structure reduces mass without abandoning structural rigidity. The engine cases are machined from billet, continuing Brough Superior’s aerospace-inspired approach to manufacturing.

This is engineering intended to be appreciated both from the saddle and with the motorcycle parked in a collector’s garage.

Luxury Details Meet Racing Technology

Although the AMB 002 is fundamentally a performance machine, Aston Martin has not ignored the details that define its road cars.

The motorcycle features keyless functionality, a backlit ignition button and a hand-crafted saddle with leather seat pads.

Those elements might appear insignificant next to a titanium frame or an exotic suspension system, but they reinforce the central idea behind the project.

The AMB 002 is supposed to be both a motorcycle and a luxury object.

It is designed for riders who appreciate engineering but also want craftsmanship and exclusivity. In that respect, it occupies an unusual position between a high-performance motorcycle and a collector’s piece.

Only 300 Aston Martin AMB 002 Roadsters Will Be Built

Exclusivity is guaranteed by production numbers.

Aston Martin and Brough Superior will build only 300 examples of the AMB 002 Roadster, with each motorcycle individually constructed.

That limited production run is consistent with the AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro and reflects the amount of specialist manufacturing involved.

A motorcycle with a billet-machined titanium frame, CNC-machined engine cases and extensive carbon-fiber construction is not something that can realistically be produced on a conventional mass-production line.

For collectors, the AMB 002 therefore has significance beyond its performance.

It is the first road-going motorcycle created by the Aston Martin and Brough Superior partnership, making it an important milestone in the relationship between the two brands.

Aston Martin AMB 002 Roadster Deliveries Begin in 2027

Initial orders for the AMB 002 Roadster are now being accepted, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027.

That means customers will have to wait before experiencing the new motorcycle on the road, but the AMB 002 is clearly being positioned as a long-term collector and riding machine rather than a conventional showroom product.

Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman describes the project as the realization of a long-standing ambition to create an Aston Martin motorcycle for road use.

That ambition is now reality.

A Motorcycle Designed to Feel Like a Blade

The most interesting aspect of the Aston Martin AMB 002 Roadster is that its engineering and styling appear to share the same objective.

The design is sharp without being visually cluttered. The chassis is lightweight without appearing fragile. The engine is powerful without chasing the biggest possible horsepower number.

Everything points toward the same goal: making the rider feel connected to the machine.

Brough Superior President Thierry Henriette describes the motorcycle as creating the sensation of becoming one with a lightweight, precise blade. The upright riding position and unobstructed view over the road are intended to give the rider a feeling of gliding above the surface while retaining complete control.

That is perhaps the best way to understand the AMB 002.

It isn’t trying to be the fastest motorcycle in the world.

It is trying to be one of the most special.

Aston Martin AMB 002 Roadster Specifications

Engine: 1083cc four-stroke water-cooled V-Twin
Power: 130 hp
Torque: 110 Nm
Weight: 190 kg
Frame: Titanium backbone structure
Frame weight: 5 kg
Bodywork: Carbon fiber
Front suspension: Double-wishbone Fior fork
Weight distribution: 50:50
Production: 300 individually built motorcycles
Production location: Brough Superior, Toulouse, France
Orders: Now open
Deliveries: Q3 2027

Source: Aston Martin

Mate Rimac Takes Bugatti

After almost three decades under Volkswagen Group ownership, Bugatti has officially entered a new chapter. Porsche has completed the sale of its stake in Bugatti Rimac and the Rimac Group, formally ending the Volkswagen Group’s ownership connection with the legendary French hypercar manufacturer.

The transaction marks the end of one of the most significant chapters in modern Bugatti history. Volkswagen Group acquired the rights to the Bugatti name in 1998, and under its ownership the French marque evolved from a historic automotive name into one of the most recognizable and technologically ambitious hypercar manufacturers in the world.

Now, with Porsche completely out of Bugatti Rimac, Mate Rimac is taking a much more prominent role in the future of Bugatti.

Volkswagen Revived Bugatti in the 1990s

Bugatti’s modern revival began in 1998, when the Volkswagen Group, under then-CEO Ferdinand Piëch, acquired the rights to the historic French brand.

Piëch had ambitious plans for Bugatti. Volkswagen subsequently presented several dramatic concept cars as it explored how to return the marque to the top of the automotive world.

The result was the Bugatti Veyron.

When it arrived, the Veyron fundamentally changed expectations for what a production road car could achieve. Its quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, enormous power output and extraordinary engineering made it one of the defining performance cars of the 21st century.

The Veyron was eventually followed by the Bugatti Chiron, which pushed the formula even further and established Bugatti as one of the world’s ultimate hypercar manufacturers.

For Volkswagen, Bugatti had become much more than a historic name. It had become a technological showcase for the group.

The Birth of Bugatti Rimac

The next major change came in 2021.

Volkswagen Group decided to restructure its ownership of Bugatti, bringing Rimac into the picture. The resulting joint venture, Bugatti Rimac, gave Rimac a 55 percent stake, while Porsche retained the remaining 45 percent.

It was an unusual but potentially powerful combination.

On one side was Bugatti, a brand synonymous with extreme luxury, mechanical engineering and record-breaking internal-combustion engines. On the other was Rimac, a company that had established itself as a leader in high-performance electric powertrains, batteries and advanced vehicle technology.

Porsche played a central role in the arrangement through its ownership position in the Volkswagen Group structure.

Five years later, that relationship has now come to an end.

Porsche Completes Its Exit From Bugatti Rimac

In April 2026, Porsche announced that a consortium led by HOF Capital had agreed to acquire its stake in Bugatti Rimac. Following the necessary regulatory approvals, the transaction has now been completed.

Porsche has sold both its stake in Bugatti Rimac and its 21 percent stake in the Rimac Group.

According to Porsche, the transactions will generate proceeds of approximately €1 billion. Around €250 million of that amount will be used to further finance pension obligations and improve the company’s net cash flow margin.

While Porsche is now leaving the ownership structure, the relationship with Rimac has already produced tangible technology for one of its most important products.

The Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid uses a battery supplied by Rimac, demonstrating that the collaboration was about more than simply ownership structures and corporate transactions.

Mate Rimac Takes Over as Bugatti President

The completion of the deal also brings significant changes to Bugatti’s management structure.

Mate Rimac, founder of Rimac, will become President of Bugatti Automobiles. He replaces Christophe Piochon, who is stepping down from his positions as President of Bugatti Automobiles and Chief Operating Officer of Bugatti Rimac.

The move gives Rimac even greater influence over the future direction of Bugatti.

Marko Brkljacic, formerly Chief Operating Officer of Rimac Technology, will join the Bugatti Rimac management team as Chief Operating Officer.

Meanwhile, current Bugatti Automobiles CEO Hendrik Malinowski will move into the role of Chief Commercial Officer.

The changes suggest that Bugatti and Rimac are entering a new phase in which the relationship between the two companies will become increasingly integrated, while Bugatti itself remains focused on maintaining its unique identity.

The Bugatti Tourbillon Is the First Car of the Rimac Era

The first major product to emerge from the Bugatti Rimac era is the Bugatti Tourbillon.

It is an important car for the brand for several reasons.

The Tourbillon represents Bugatti’s first electrified production model, combining a high-performance internal-combustion engine with an electric powertrain. It is therefore a significant technological departure from the Veyron and Chiron, while still following Bugatti’s traditional philosophy of combining extreme performance with luxury and engineering sophistication.

Before the Tourbillon was revealed, there was considerable speculation that the successor to the Chiron could become a fully electric hypercar.

Given Rimac’s expertise in electric vehicles, the assumption seemed logical.

But Mate Rimac and his team took a different approach.

Rather than turning Bugatti into another electric-only hypercar manufacturer, the company chose a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The decision allowed Bugatti to embrace electrification without abandoning the combustion engine that has been central to the brand’s identity for decades.

That strategy was not entirely unexpected.

When the Bugatti Rimac joint venture was created in 2021, Mate Rimac identified a plug-in hybrid hypercar as one of the objectives within his ten-year vision for Bugatti.

The Tourbillon is the result of that philosophy.

Bugatti Refuses to Abandon the Combustion Engine

The Tourbillon is particularly significant because it demonstrates that electrification does not necessarily mean the end of the internal-combustion engine at the highest level of performance.

Instead, Bugatti has used hybrid technology to enhance its traditional formula.

That distinction matters.

Rimac has demonstrated what is possible with fully electric hypercars, but Bugatti occupies a different position in the automotive world. Its customers expect not only breathtaking acceleration but also mechanical theatre, craftsmanship, exclusivity and a sense of occasion.

The Tourbillon attempts to combine those characteristics with modern electrification.

It is effectively Bugatti’s answer to the question of how a hypercar brand built around enormous combustion engines can move into the electric age without losing its identity.

A New Home for the Tourbillon in Molsheim

The Tourbillon also represents an important milestone for Bugatti’s manufacturing operation.

The brand’s new La Manufacture production facility in Molsheim was created specifically to support the next generation of Bugatti vehicles.

The facility represents a significant investment in the future of the brand and reinforces Bugatti’s commitment to producing its cars in Molsheim, the historic home of the company.

For Bugatti, this is about more than constructing a new factory. It is about combining traditional French craftsmanship with the increasingly sophisticated technology required to build modern hybrid hypercars.

That combination is central to Bugatti’s identity.

What Happens to Bugatti Now?

The end of Volkswagen Group ownership does not mean Bugatti is becoming a conventional Rimac product.

In fact, the opposite may be true.

Bugatti and Rimac have always represented two very different approaches to performance. Rimac’s expertise lies heavily in electric propulsion, batteries, software and advanced vehicle technology, while Bugatti’s appeal is built around luxury, exclusivity, craftsmanship and mechanical engineering.

The challenge for Mate Rimac will be maintaining that distinction while taking advantage of the technology and expertise available through the wider Rimac organization.

The Tourbillon suggests that the company already has a clear philosophy.

Bugatti will embrace electrification, but it will do so on its own terms.

The End of a 28-Year Volkswagen Chapter

Volkswagen’s involvement with Bugatti began in 1998 with Ferdinand Piëch’s ambitious plan to revive one of the world’s greatest automotive names.

It produced the Veyron, one of the most influential performance cars ever built, followed by the Chiron and an entire generation of Bugatti models that transformed the brand into a symbol of automotive excess and engineering ambition.

The 2021 creation of Bugatti Rimac represented another turning point.

Now, with Porsche’s stake sold and the transaction completed, the Volkswagen era has officially ended.

Bugatti is entering its next chapter under much stronger Rimac influence, with Mate Rimac moving into the role of President of Bugatti Automobiles.

The Tourbillon is the first major statement of that new era. It combines a combustion engine with electric assistance, traditional Bugatti craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, and the heritage of Molsheim with the engineering expertise of Rimac.

The biggest question now is not whether Bugatti will change.

It is how far Mate Rimac will take it.

For a company that has already produced the Veyron and Chiron, expectations could hardly be higher.

Source: Bugatti

Volkswagen Could Sell Ducati as Group Reassesses Non-Core Brands

Volkswagen is preparing one of the most significant restructurings in its recent history, with plans to cut around 50,000 jobs and significantly reduce the number of models offered across its vast automotive portfolio. But the company’s transformation could extend well beyond cars, with Volkswagen now examining the future of several businesses and ownership stakes — including iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati.

The Volkswagen Group has already announced plans to sell or reorganize roughly one-third of its so-called “non-core activities.” The objective is straightforward: concentrate capital and management resources on businesses that provide a clear strategic and financial contribution to the group’s core operations.

Among the brands now facing closer scrutiny is Ducati.

According to Bloomberg, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer could potentially be sold as Volkswagen looks for ways to simplify its sprawling corporate structure and strengthen its financial position. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed that Ducati is part of the ongoing evaluation, although he emphasized that no final decision has been made.

“Nothing has been decided,” Döllner told Bloomberg, while acknowledging that Ducati would need to be considered as part of the wider evaluation process.

Ducati Could Become a Major Asset Sale

Ducati has a long history stretching back to 1926 and has become one of the world’s most recognizable premium motorcycle brands. Volkswagen added Ducati to its portfolio on July 19, 2012, making it the 11th brand within the Volkswagen Group at the time.

More than a decade later, Ducati remains a highly desirable name in the motorcycle industry, but its recent financial performance could make the company an attractive candidate for a strategic sale.

Ducati delivered 50,895 motorcycles worldwide last year, representing a 7 percent decline compared with the previous year. The Multistrada was the company’s best-selling motorcycle, accounting for 13,873 deliveries.

The Panigale followed with 10,606 units, while the Scrambler recorded 5,814 deliveries.

Those numbers demonstrate the strength of Ducati’s product portfolio, but the company’s profitability has come under pressure.

Ducati generated an operating profit of approximately €52 million last year, a dramatic 42.8 percent decline. The company attributed the deterioration to unfavorable currency exchange rates and tariffs imposed during the Donald Trump administration.

Despite the relatively modest operating profit, Bloomberg estimates Ducati could be worth approximately €1.25 billion.

That valuation could make Ducati one of the more interesting potential assets available as Volkswagen restructures its operations.

Why Would Volkswagen Sell Ducati?

At first glance, selling Ducati might seem surprising. The brand has enormous global recognition, strong emotional appeal and a premium position that distinguishes it from mass-market motorcycle manufacturers.

However, Volkswagen’s current restructuring strategy is less about whether a business is successful in isolation and more about whether it fits the group’s long-term priorities.

Volkswagen owns an enormous collection of automotive brands and businesses, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Škoda, SEAT/Cupra, Bentley, Lamborghini and other operations. The group also has interests extending beyond traditional passenger cars.

Maintaining numerous businesses requires significant capital, management resources and investment. Volkswagen is now attempting to determine which assets are essential to its future and which could generate more value if sold or reorganized.

Ducati could therefore become a classic example of a valuable business that simply does not fit Volkswagen’s increasingly focused strategy.

A sale would also allow Volkswagen to unlock capital that could potentially be redirected toward electric vehicles, software, manufacturing, batteries and other strategic areas where the group faces intense competition.

Ducati’s Future Could Depend on the Buyer

If Volkswagen ultimately decides to sell Ducati, the identity of the next owner could become just as important as the sale itself.

Ducati occupies a unique position in the motorcycle market, competing primarily through engineering, performance, technology, racing heritage and brand prestige rather than sheer production volume.

The company has built an especially strong reputation through motorcycles such as the Panigale, Multistrada and Scrambler, while its involvement in MotoGP and World Superbike continues to reinforce its performance credentials.

For a potential buyer, Ducati could therefore represent more than a motorcycle manufacturer. It could provide access to a globally recognized premium brand with significant technological and motorsport value.

For Volkswagen, meanwhile, the question is whether that potential is worth retaining — particularly when the wider group is under pressure to become leaner and more financially efficient.

Audi Is Also Considering More U.S. Production

Ducati is not the only issue being examined by Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.

Audi is also evaluating whether to manufacture some of its vehicles in the United States, a move that could become increasingly important as trade tariffs put additional pressure on vehicles imported into the American market.

Audi currently does not manufacture vehicles in the United States, leaving the German luxury brand more exposed to tariffs than some of its biggest competitors.

Döllner confirmed that Audi is considering producing at least some SUVs in America. Two potential locations are reportedly being examined: Volkswagen’s existing manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the future Scout Motors plant in Blythewood, South Carolina.

A decision has not yet been made.

Audi Faces a Competitive Disadvantage in the U.S.

The potential move reflects a significant strategic challenge for Audi.

The United States is one of the world’s most important luxury SUV markets, but Audi currently relies on imported vehicles to serve American customers. That creates an obvious disadvantage when compared with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

BMW operates one of the world’s largest BMW manufacturing facilities in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where it produces a substantial range of SUVs for the global market.

Mercedes-Benz similarly has a major SUV manufacturing operation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Both companies therefore have extensive U.S. manufacturing capacity that allows them to produce popular SUVs close to one of their most important customer markets.

Audi has no equivalent vehicle production facility in America.

That could change if Volkswagen decides to use existing group infrastructure.

Scout Could Provide Audi With a Shortcut

One particularly interesting possibility is the new Scout Motors manufacturing plant in South Carolina.

Scout is a Volkswagen Group-backed American brand focused on rugged electric and range-extended vehicles. Its planned manufacturing operation could potentially provide Audi with additional production capacity without requiring the German luxury brand to build an entirely new factory from the ground up.

Volkswagen’s Chattanooga facility is another possibility.

The Tennessee plant already has extensive manufacturing experience and produces vehicles for the American market, making it a logical candidate if Audi decides that localized SUV production is necessary.

However, using either facility would require careful consideration of production capacity, vehicle platforms, logistics, labor arrangements and the degree to which Audi models could be integrated into an existing manufacturing operation.

Volkswagen’s Restructuring Goes Beyond Job Cuts

Volkswagen’s plan to cut approximately 50,000 jobs and reduce its model range has understandably attracted most of the attention, but the potential Ducati sale illustrates how much broader the restructuring could become.

The company is effectively reassessing what Volkswagen Group should look like in the future.

That could mean fewer models, fewer employees and potentially fewer businesses under the corporate umbrella. Assets that once made strategic sense may now be judged primarily on profitability, capital requirements and their contribution to the group’s long-term objectives.

Ducati’s possible sale is therefore more than a story about a famous motorcycle brand changing hands. It is another indication that Volkswagen is prepared to make difficult decisions as it attempts to improve efficiency and financial performance.

For Audi, the priorities are somewhat different. The luxury brand needs to strengthen its position in the United States while dealing with tariffs and the rapidly changing global automotive market.

Producing SUVs in America could be one of the most effective ways to reduce its exposure to trade restrictions and bring Audi closer to its American customers.

Neither the Ducati sale nor Audi’s potential U.S. production move has been finalized. But both developments point toward the same broader reality: Volkswagen is entering a period in which almost every part of its global business could be subject to review.

And if the company decides that Ducati no longer belongs inside the Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s most famous motorcycle brands could soon have a new owner.

Source: Bloomberg