Audi CEO drops plan to sell motorcycle brand Ducati
Rupert Stadler
INGOLSTADT  Germany (Reuters) - Germany’s Audi (NSUG.DE) has abandoned plans to sell its Italian motorcycle brand Ducati  its chief executive Rupert Stadler said  in a sign of confidence that the carmaker expects to be able to carry the costs of its transformation.
Steps to reduce costs by 10 billion euros ($11.8 billion)  cut red tape and deepen ties with fellow Volkswagen-owned (VOWG_p.DE) brand Porsche are “gradually increasing our financial and organizational leeway for the strategic realignment ”  chief executive Rupert Stadler  told reporters.
There is therefore no economic need to sell  Ducati  Stadler  said. Volkswagen asked banks to evaluate options for Ducati and transmissions maker Renk earlier this year as seeks to become more nimble in its shift towards electric and self-driving cars following its diesel emissions cheating scandal.
While pushing the costly shift to zero-emissions and autonomous technologies  holding on to the profitable Ducati division and the lucrative Lamborghini brand has become more important   Stadler  said.
“Looking after a premium bouquet is as difficult as the work of a gardener ”  Stadler  said. “Therefore I am pleased with every new flower  with every promising new branch ” he added  predicting Lamborghini’s sales would double on the back of its new sport-utility vehicle.
Separately   Stadler  said Audi will spend nearly half a billion euros over the next eight years on training staff for the digital age  with steps to develop as well as hire experts such as automotive app-designers and car robotics specialists.
INGOLSTADT  Germany (Reuters) - Germany’s Audi (NSUG.DE) has abandoned plans to sell its Italian motorcycle brand Ducati  its chief executive Rupert Stadler said  in a sign of confidence that the carmaker expects to be able to carry the costs of its transformation.
Steps to reduce costs by 10 billion euros ($11.8 billion)  cut red tape and deepen ties with fellow Volkswagen-owned (VOWG_p.DE) brand Porsche are “gradually increasing our financial and organizational leeway for the strategic realignment ”  [TGT]told reporters.
There is therefore no economic need to sell  Ducati  [TGT]said. Volkswagen asked banks to evaluate options for Ducati and transmissions maker Renk earlier this year as seeks to become more nimble in its shift towards electric and self-driving cars following its diesel emissions cheating scandal.
While pushing the costly shift to zero-emissions and autonomous technologies  holding on to the profitable Ducati division and the lucrative Lamborghini brand has become more important   [TGT]said.
“Looking after a premium bouquet is as difficult as the work of a gardener ”  [TGT]said. “Therefore I am pleased with every new flower  with every promising new branch ” [TGT] added  predicting Lamborghini’s sales would double on the back of its new sport-utility vehicle.
[TGT]said Audi will spend nearly half a billion euros over the next eight years on training staff for the digital age  with steps to develop as well as hire experts such as automotive app-designers and car robotics specialists.