German auto giant Volkswagen Group AG and its subsidiary Audi have owned the Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini since 1998. Founded by the legendary Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963 in Sant'Agata Bolognese, the company quickly gained a place in the sun in the first ten years of its existence. But after 1973, due to the next global financial crisis, Lamborghini changed owners several times.
The Italian manufacturer was then controlled by American Chrysler, then Indonesian MegaTech, and then Malaysian Mycom Setdco. However, a true Lamborghini renaissance was only possible in the caring hands of Audi AG. And now, the British publication Autocar has knowledge that Lamborghini could change owners again.
What Was The Offer To Sell Lamborghini?
According to the publication, Volkswagen AG and Audi have received an offer from the Anglo-Swiss consortium Quantum Group AG to purchase Lamborghini for $9.2 billion. Since the current models of the Italian brand are highly dependent on Audi components, the proposal included a 5-year period for continuing the partnership with Ingolstadt for the supply of spare parts.
In addition, the Quantum Group intends to establish a research center in the German state of Lower Saxony and, together with VAG, to develop batteries for electric vehicles. Moreover, Lamborghini's current management and staff are guaranteed the renewal of work contracts for five years after the manufacturer has been purchased by the new owners. According to the announced business plan of Quantum, thanks to new green technologies, they will be able to significantly increase the production of Lamborghini cars by 2025.
Volkswagen's Response To The Offer
This undoubtedly generous offer to buy Lamborghini for $9.2 billion was immediately rejected by Volkswagen AG and Audi. So, is it even worth thinking about selling such a legendary company for such a price? At the end of 2020, Lamborghini managed to sell 7,430 cars, which is less than in 2019 (8,205 cars) with its fast-selling Urus. But at the same time, the company's profit grew to an unprecedented $1.97 billion.
Today, the Sant'Agata Bolognese manufacturer is obviously in great shape, with the efforts of the German leadership paying off and, of course, Volkswagen will not get rid of Lamborghini for now.
Source: Autocar