Volkswagen is reportedly looking for a buyer for its exotic Ducati brand. It is one of the profitable section of Volkswagen group but getting over the diesel-gate scandal will need the sacrifice of an important brand from the lineup. It was bought by Audi in 2012 while selling it in 2017 would be a considerable loss, that too when the brand is expanding in most markets and registering highest ever sales in company history. Scrambler range from Ducati has been one of the most successful series ever.
Hero MotoCorp is one of the prospective buyers for the exotic Italian brand, competing against few manufacturers from China and consortium of buyers. If no one agrees on the deal, Ducati may enter stock market. The company currently has 1594 employees in around 90 countries, operating 783 sales and service networks among the same regions. Ducati could help Hero develop their brand image and technology being used in upcoming bikes for global as well as Indian market.
Hero MotoCorp Might Buy Ducati Brand from Volkswagen Group
They first invested in Eric Buell Racing but that didn’t end as a successful venture. High displacement bikes are now higher in demand and all manufacturers are looking forward to get their hands on this segment. Ducati is recently reported to bring 5 new models in India. This also includes the entry level Monster 797, carrying a price tag of INR 7.82 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Hero MotoCorp in currently known for commuter bikes and sells more than 2 lakh units of just Splendor series every month.
[Source: Reuters]
