Volkswagen will soon put on the market the CrossPolo Urban White, special version of the German compact, featuring a white pearlescent paint, gloss black mirror shells and 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior includes many details in “Silver One” paint on the dashboard and chrome trim on the steering wheel; the sports seats are dressed in cloth and Alcantara, with silver contrast stitching. The car offers a range of four petrol and three diesel engines, mated to a five or six-speed manual transmission or a dual-clutch seven-speed DSG. The model will go on sale in Germany later this year, with a price starting from Euro 18,975.

The new Volkswagen Tiguan, expected in 2014, will be built using the benefits of the MQB platform and will be offered in three different body styles: in addition to the Sport Utility, which will retain the same size as the current model, there will also be an SUV-Coupe and a long wheelbase variant. The latter model is reported to be more than half a metre longer than the “standard” Tiguan and specifically designed for the American market.

To satisfy the needs of this important market, the extended-length crossover is expected to have the classic three-rows of seats. Although this version is an affordable alternative to the more expensive Touareg, its launch could create some financial risks to the Wolfsburg brand. Speculation suggests the Tiguan will mount TSI and TDI engines based on hybrid technology.

View the full Volkswagen Tiguan restyling gallery

Volkswagen has released a video that features the new Passat Alltrack, crossover version of the Passat Variant. Version 2.0 TDI 170hp BlueMotion Technology 4MOTION with six-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic transmission, will be available from the 28th May 2012 priced at £31,025.

Among the various electronic systems offered as standard we find the ESP, trailer stabilisation function, MSR, engine drag torque control, XDS, electronic differential lock and Driver Alert System, that monitors driver’s response and detects fatigue.

The Passat Alltrack also features an Off road program activated by a button placed on the dashboard, Start & Stop system and regenerative braking. The car, with suspensions raised by 30mm compared to the Variant, rests on Valley 7J x 17 alloy wheels and 225/50 R 17 tires.

View the full Volkswagen Passat Alltrack photo gallery

The great interest of the Chinese and North American motorists for the C-Segment saloons have pushed the Volkswagen management to grant the go-ahead to a second CC, more compact and streamlined, which will be placed beneath the new D-segment CC. According to Autocar, the new saloon boasts a sportier look and it is internally known as SC (Sport Coupe). The development has been approved by Volkswagen, after the failure of the NCC (New Coupe Concept) project, displayed at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, which should have become a two door version of the current Jetta. This type of vehicle – spacious, comfortable coupe, but far from sporty - does not capture the public interest anymore.

“Our research suggests there is increasingly a market for a sportier and more stylish version of the Jetta in the mould of the CC only smaller and more affordable. From the feedback we’ve received so far buyers want an individual bodystyle and the practicality of four doors” a company source revealed. The Volkswagen SC will use the MQB platform to build the new Jetta range. It will compete with the 4-door Audi A3 and Mercedes CLC.

The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf will be available in early 2013 in a new electric version, equipped with an EV motor powered by lithium-ion battery. The news come from Car and Driver, which also reveals that the German leaders would choose the friendlier name E-Golf instead of the initial proposed blue-e-motion, an acronym used to define a Golf prototype. The German Group will be using the benefits of the modular MQB platform and therefore requires no further testing, as the innovative platform allows using traditional or alternative engines in the same mounting position and without restriction.

Finally, as a reminder the last blue-e-motion Golf used an electric motor powered by lithium batteries, consisting of 30 modules each, mounted in the transmission tunnel, under the rear seat. It developed an output of 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque, reaching a top speed of 135 km/h, cracking the 0-100 km/h in just 11.8 seconds. Volkswagen has also calculated an increase in weight of 205 kg compared to the Golf BlueMotion.

Volkswagen has announced a new version of its hybrid SUV Volkswagen Cross Coupé, claiming record fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. According to the Wolfsburg’s manufacturer, the concept car uses just 1.8 litres of fuel per 100 Km; emitting only 46g of CO2 per Km. These values are particularly relevant considering that the Cross Coupe is a high-performance car with an amazing top speed of 220 km/h.

These astonishing values have been achieved thanks to the combination of new engines, which will be unveiled during the ongoing 2012 Geneva Motor Show: a TDI diesel engine combined with two electric motors, already featured on the petrol version, offering alone an autonomy of 40 Km. The combination of the three units is capable of developing an output of 306 hp.

The Volkswagen Cross Coupé TSi engine, presented at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011, provides a maximum power of 265 hp. Thanks to this combination the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7 seconds flat, reaching a top speed of 200 km/h. Fuel consumption is 2.7 litres per 100 km. The new version with TDi engine is not only more environmentally friendly, but also more efficient and powerful.

The Cross Coupé first appearance should be in 2014, allowing Volkswagen to access the line of sportive SUVs, in the styles of Audi Q7 and BMW X6. Its dimensions are quite compact compared to the two rivals, but still bigger than the Volkswagen Tiguan: 4.35 m length, 1.87 m width and 1.52 m height. The car design anticipates the future VW models for this category.

Volkswagen showed up at the ongoing 2012 Geneva Motor Show with a slew of new models, most notably the new Golf GTI Cabriolet, the Cross Coupe Concept and the 5-door version of the Up!. The convertible version of the Golf GTI is powered by the same 2.0-litre engine of the hatchback version, delivering 211 hp and 280 Nm of peak torque. this unit can be coupled to either a manual or a DSG dual clutch auto transmission. Its performance figures are pretty impressive: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 7.3 seconds and 236 km/h (147 mph) of top speed. Aesthetically, the car is almost identical to the model it is based upon, although certain details are wittingly recalling the glorious GTI convertible of the 80s.

Also making its first appearance ever is the 5-door variant of the little VW Up!, which is on display in Geneva in four different variants that were specifically designed for the Swiss event. Its compact design makes it an ideal city car, while its 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine allows it to be pretty responsive and doesn’t need to drink that much. Among the special versions showcased at the VW’s stand in Geneva, there’s also the Swiss Up!, an homage to the host of the kermesse which boasts patterns inspired by Swiss flag both inside and outside. There are also two special versions of the 5-door Cross Up!: the Winter Up!, thought for skiing lovers, and the X Up!, dedicated to those who need to carry a lot of stuff when traveling. Besides, there is also the Cargo Up!, a little van-version of the model for commercial purposes which boasts no less than 1,400 litres of capacity.

The Geneva Motor Show represents the world debut for the Polo Blue GT as well, which is powered by a 1.4 TSI engine producing 140 hp and boasts an average fuel consumption of only 4.7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 108g/km. The standard model comes with a manual gearbox, but a DSG dual clutch transmission will also be made available as optional extra, an addition that will have the average fuel consumption figure go down to 4.5 l/100 km, with 105 g/km of CO2 emission. Also making is world debut is the new , an innovative SUV with an undeniable sporty flair to it. This car is credited with a total output of 306 hp that is the result of the combined action of its TDI engine as well as two electric motors. Claimed top speed for the Cross Coupe Concept is 220 km/h (136 mph), but the most significant figure for this car concerns its fuel consumption: it requires just 1.8 litres of diesel every 100 km, while CO2 emissions is rated at 46 g/km only. Last but not least, the VW Passat Alltrack is also in Geneva for its official debut on European soil: this all-wheel drive version of the Passat is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI unit delivering 170 hp, and has a ride height increased by 30 mm. Check the whole lot out in our exclusive photo gallery.

View the full Volkswagen live at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show photo gallery

The colleagues from CarNews release a new video starring the recent Passat Alltrack, which was introduced last December at the Tokyo and Bologna Motor Shows. The model comes in an estate car configuration and - in VW’s plans - it is supposed to close the gap between the conventional Passat Estate and SUVs like the Tiguan.

The engine line-up for the model includes two turbocharged direct injection petrol units (TSI) delivering 160 and 210hp as well as two turbodiesels (TDI), also with direct injection, producing 140 and 170 hp. The two most powerful Alltrack variants (the 170 hp TDI and the 210 hp TSI) will also come with standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive system and a dual clutch transmission (DSG). As for its carbon footprint, Volkswagen claims that the 140 hp version has a low combined fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 150 g/km, while fuel consumption for the 170 hp version is rated at 5.8 l/100 km, with 152 g/km of CO2 emission. The car rolls on 17″ alloys (although an 18″ option is also available) using a special tyre pressure monitoring indicator.

The cabin of the new Passat Alltrack uses top notch trim, comfort seats with lateral supports in Alcantara, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift lever, accents in ‘Titan Silver’, aluminum pedals and automatic climate control. Obviously, all sorts of electronic trickery and connectivity options are also there, as well as a number of safety systems. If you want to know more about this model, check out the official Press Release right after the jump.

View the full Volkswagen Passat Alltrack photo gallery

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

• Passat Alltrack unites passenger car and SUV worlds
• Passat Alltrack has higher ground clearance and new off-road design
• 4MOTION all-wheel drive is standard for 170 PS TDI and 210 PS TSI

Wolfsburg / Tokyo, 30 November 2011 - Over the past four decades, well over 15 million Passat cars have been built. Along with its favourable all-round qualities, the success of the bestseller – which is sold on all of the world’s continents – can be attributed to the Passat’s wide and diverse range of versions. Now, Volkswagen is extending the model series with another specialist: the Passat Alltrack. This new version is offered in an estate car configuration, and it closes the gap between the conventional Passat Estate and SUVs such as the Tiguan. The rationale here: many car drivers who use their car as a towing vehicle, or in light off-road situations, want a versatile, sporty and very roomy passenger car that has rugged qualities. Volkswagen developed the Passat Alltrack for this clientele. In comparison with the familiar Passat Estate, the new model is defined by new bumpers in SUV style – with wheel well and side sill flares. Its greater off-road ramp angle, approach angle, departure angle and higher ground clearance all make the Passat Alltrack an excellent SUV alternative for driving on unpaved track. The Alltrack will debut in a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show (03 to 11 December); market launch for the new versatile Alltrack begins in early 2012.

Drive versions

Two turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (TSI) with 118 kW / 160 PS and 155 kW / 210 PS and two turbodiesels (TDI) – also with direct injection – with 103 kW / 140 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS are available in the Passat Alltrack. The two most powerful Alltrack versions, the 170 PS TDI and the 210 PS TSI, have standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a dual clutch transmission (DSG). For the Passat Alltrack with a 140 PS TDI, Volkswagen will offer all-wheel drive as an option. Just how efficiently the engines of the Passat Alltrack operate together with the intelligently controlled 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is illustrated by the two TDI engines: the 140 PS version has a low combined fuel consumption of 5.7* l/100 km (equivalent to 150* g/km CO2), while fuel consumption for the 170 PS version is 5.8* l/100 km (152* g/km CO2).

Visual modifications

Good styling always visually reflects a car’s conceptual parameters. In the case of the Passat Alltrack, these include the vehicle’s much more versatile performance parameters for driving on rough terrain than would be found on a conventional estate car. The declared goal of the designers was to reflect this competence with very functional styling. In the area of the side profile, for example, the mentioned classic wheel housings and side sill flares are used, which are functionally oriented and offer rugged protection. The elements do not simply have the appearance of being tacked onto one another, rather they are harmoniously integrated into the Passat’s overall design. The same applies to the new design of the bumpers. Firstly, they show greater volume and are very rugged in construction; secondly, they completely fit in with the styling of the Passat. In interplay with the higher ground clearance and the underbody protection panels in stainless steel look that are integrated front and rear, this projects an overall image that creates a link between the passenger car and SUV worlds.

Dimensions in detail

At a length of 4,771 mm, the Passat Alltrack is exactly as long as the Passat Estate. Despite the wheel housing flares, its width remained identical at 1,820 mm. A comparison of key data for off-road use is of interest: compared to the Passat Estate, ground clearance was increased by 135 to 165 mm. The front approach angle was increased from 13.5 to 16 degrees; in the rear, the departure angle was increased from 11.9 to 13.6 degrees. No less important in off-road use is the ramp breakaway angle which is important in crossing the crest of a hill; here, the value was improved from 9.5 to 12.8 degrees.

Off-road driving programme

Volkswagen SUV drivers are familiar with the ‘off-road driving programme’ on the Tiguan and Touareg. For the first time at Volkswagen, this clever, multifunctional system is being transferred to a passenger car in the Passat Alltrack (control range up to a maximum of 30 km/h). The driver activates this programme by pressing an Off-road button on the centre console. An LED symbol in the instrument cluster indicates when the system is ‘active’. Specifically, the settings for the safety and driver assistance systems and DSG control were modified as follows:

Safety systems: The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is now characterised by higher thresholds for control intervals; on loose road surfaces, such as gravel, a wedge of road substrate is formed in front of the tyres to decelerate the vehicle even more effectively. At the same time, the electronic differential locks (EDS) react quicker to prevent wheelspin at individual wheels. The engine’s torque control (ASR) is modified in parallel.

Driver assistance systems: Hill descent assist is automatically activated at a descent angle greater than 10 degrees; it brakes the Passat Alltrack. Meanwhile functions of the optional adaptive cruise control (ACC) and Front Assist are deactivated.

Dual clutch transmission: A flatter accelerator pedal characteristic makes it easier to meter engine power in off-road situations. At the same time, gear shift points are raised, automatically giving the driver a higher engine rpm and therefore more power to work with. If the DSG selection lever is switched to the manual shift gate, the transmission no longer upshifts automatically. The Stop/Start system and freewheeling are also deactivated.

4MOTION all-wheel drive

The two top engines (170 PS TDI and 210 PS TSI) are delivered with 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. For the Passat Alltrack with 140 PS TDI, the innovative all-wheel drive system is available as an option. Normally, the front axle is the primary drive axle in the Passat Alltrack 4MOTION; the rear axle only gets ten percent of the drive torque. This saves on fuel. The rear axle may be gradually engaged – step by step – depending on the specific driving and road situation. This is done via an electro-hydraulic all-wheel coupling. The advantage of the electronics: no engine speed differences are necessary between the front and rear axles to activate the all-wheel drive coupling, because pressure is built up via an electric pump.

Alltrack standard features

Passat Alltrack features: Along with the Off-road driving programme, modified chassis and body modifications, the Passat Alltrack is characterised by a whole series of specific feature details. These include the new ‘Valley’ type 17-inch alloy wheels (new ‘Canyon’ type 18-inch wheels are another option) and a tyre pressure monitoring indicator. Trimmed in ‘Matt chrome’ on the Passat Alltrack are the roof rails, window surrounds, door mirror housings and radiator grille. Standard features also include front and rear underbody protection in stainless steel look, fog lights, stainless steel door sill plates with ‘ALLTRACK’ signature, comfort seats (fabric covers) and lateral seat supports in Alcantara (colour: ‘Zabriskie black’), interior accents in ‘Titan Silver’ (with ALLTRACK signature on ashtray cover), pedals in aluminium look and automatic climate control. Other ‘ALLTRACK’ signatures are located at the front and rear of the vehicle. On the screen of the instrument cluster the new Passat also ‘greets’ its driver with the ‘ALLTRACK’ signature. Visible from exterior are the decorative chrome tailpipes.

Safety features: Of course, the Passat Alltrack has such features as six airbags, daytime running lights and the ESP electronic stabilisation programme. Additional standard features: fatigue detection and trailer stabilisation with countersteering support integrated in the ESP programme. Effective: automatic hazard light activation under severe braking. Ingenious: if the driver parks the Passat and unbuckles the seat belt before the engine is shut off, the electronic parking brake is automatically activated, which prevents unintentional rolling of the Volkswagen. Child-friendly: in parallel to the standard Isofix fittings for suitable child seats, the Passat Alltrack can also be ordered with two integrated child seats in the rear (for the outer seats).

Convenience features: In the interior, standard features include various storage compartments (such as in the centre console and roofliner console) and the analogue clock on the dashboard. Other standard convenience features: automatic climate control, electro-mechanical steering assist, electric windows front and rear, outside temperature indicator, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function and central locking (with wireless remote). There are also comfort seats in front with pockets on the backrests, manual lumbar supports and electric backrest adjustment (driver’s side). Multifunction leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather-trimmed shift lever grip and fabric floor mats are also part of the standard specification. The RCD 310 radio-CD system with dual digital tuners and MP3 replay function and 4 x 20 Watt audio output, the multimedia AUX-IN socket, automatic running light switching, automatically dipping rear-view mirror, Park Pilot for the front and rear, safety-optimised head restraints with additional longitudinal adjustment and a rain sensor complete the range of standard features.

Key technologies of the Passat Alltrack in detail

Fatigue detection: This system detects waning driver concentration and warns the driver with an acoustic signal lasting five seconds; a visual message also appears in the instrument cluster recommending that the driver take a break from driving. If the driver does not take a break within the next 15 minutes, the warning is repeated once. It works like this: at the beginning of each car trip, the system analyses the driver’s characteristic steering behaviour. Underway, the fatigue detection system then continually evaluates signals such as steering angle, use of the pedals and transverse acceleration. If monitored parameters indicate a deviation from the steering behaviour recorded at the beginning of the trip, then visual and acoustic warnings are produced. Independent of this monitoring, whenever the system is activated it recommends a driving break to the driver after four hours of continuous driving.

Park Assist, Generation II: In contrast to first generation systems, which only supported parking parallel to the carriageway, the latest parking assistant also assists in perpendicular parking – i.e. at right angles to the driving lane. The system is activated at speeds up to 40 km/h by pressing a button on the centre console. The driver indicates the side of the carriageway for parking by activating the indicator for that side. As soon as Park Assist detects a sufficiently large parking space – utilizing its ultrasonic sensors – assisted parking can begin: The driver engages reverse gear and then only needs to accelerate and brake. The Alltrack handles the steering. The driver is assisted by acoustic and visual cues on the multifunction display. While parking, Park Assist reduces vehicle speed to seven km/h. For the first time, this system can also actively brake the car if a collision is about to occur. Nonetheless, the driver remains responsible for braking, since the new braking function of Park Assist cannot guarantee that damage will be prevented in all cases.

Tyre pressure monitoring indicator: The tyre pressure monitoring system makes use of the wheel speed sensors of the ABS system for its operation. And this is how it works: when air pressure decreases in a tyre, this also reduces the rolling radius at that particular wheel; therefore, the wheel turns faster at the same vehicle speed, and the system detects this deviation. The Alltrack driver is warned via the tyre pressure monitoring indicator. Nonetheless, the system does not relieve the driver of the responsibility for independently verifying correct tyre pressure at regular intervals.

Swivelling towbar: An important optional detail for the Passat Alltrack is its swivelling towbar. It is electrically unlatched by pressing a button integrated in the side trim of the trunk. This causes the towbar to travel out from its rest position, and then it is easy to swing it into its operating position with a press of the foot. The towbar unit is designed for loads of up to 2.2 tonnes.

Variable cargo space of the Passat Alltrack

The cargo capacity of the Alltrack’s bootspace when loaded to the lower edge of the windows is 603 litres. When the space giant is fully utilised, including the 90 litre spare wheel well, cargo capacity is 1,731 litres – in this case, the Passat Alltrack is loaded up to the roofliner and to the backrests of the front seats. A cargo net barrier may be mounted behind the first seating row and/or behind the second seating row to prevent luggage from entering the passenger space when braking.

Moreover, the Passat Alltrack can accommodate a substantial payload: a maximum of 656 kg can be stowed (Passat Alltrack with 103 kW / 140 PS). Other key data on the Alltrack cargo space: 0.72 m tall cargo opening and 0.83 m interior height; 1.0 m width between the wheel wells. Largest width in the cargo space: 1.3 m. The loading surface of the Passat Alltrack when the rear bench seat is folded down is a minimum 1.94 m long.

Variable cargo floor: The optional movable cargo floor can be variably shifted forwards or backwards within the area of the loading surface. This makes it easy to stow heavy objects directly behind the backrest of the rear seats. The cargo floor may be loaded with up to 100 kg in weight; it is also easy to remove completely with a simple hand pull. In addition, Volkswagen will also be offering a cargo space divider pack for the Passat Alltrack. This space divider is a cargo floor that can be set upright to artificially divide the cargo space so that smaller luggage pieces do not slide through the bootspace. In front-wheel drive versions, the pack also includes storage bins in the spare wheel well for small items. In addition, a stainless steel load sill protection plate is part of the pack.

Remote unlatching of the rear bench backrest: No less practical is the remote unlatching of the rear bench backrest. Levers mounted in the trim on the right and left sides of the boot make it easy to unlatch the left and/or right section of the 1/3 to 2/3 split backrest so that it can fold forward in a controlled way.

A few days ahead of its official unveiling at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen releases a few pictures of its long awaited Golf GTI Cabriolet, that will surely be one of the most sought-after models at the Swiss event. In the wake of the concept versions introduced at the Worthersee Tour last summer, VW launches this new convertible version of its iconic hatchback that is meant to revive the splendors of the Golf GTI Cabrio of the 80s, sporting fine details such as the red edging and GTI badge on the front grille, Denver 17″ alloys - or a set of Detroit 18″ as optional extra - chrome plated mufflers and rear diffuser.

As for the interior, the model retains all the distinctive elements of the Volkswagen Golf GTI: red inserts and stitching, multifunction steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever wrapped in leather, and ‘Jacky’ upholstery for the seats, while ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery is also available as optional. The model comes with an electrically powered fabric soft top which can be folded away in just 9.5 seconds and lifted up in about 11 seconds, even when travelling at speeds of up to 30 km/h (18 mph).

Under the typical GTI ‘open’ bonnet pulses the well-known 2.0-litre turbocharged unit equipping its hatchback counterpart, credited with an output of 211 hp and 280 Nm of peak torque. This engine can be coupled to either a 6-speed manual or automatic DSG ‘dual clutch’ gearbox, and is capable of pushing the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.3 seconds - versus the 6.9 seconds of the hatch - with 236 km/h (147 mph) of top speed.

View the full Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet photo gallery

The gap between sixth and seventh generation VW Golf will be much more noticeable than the one between the fifth and the sixth. Instead of opting for the ‘constant update’ strategy, as it’s done sone so far, Volkswagen has this time decided to push harder and have produced a bolder vehicle, arguably more visually engaging than its predecessor.

The Golf VII is quite similar to the IV due to the use of the hyped MQB platform, which has reduced the vehicle’s dimentions. The German hatchback will in fact result lower than the previous model, with a more sloped windscreen, while the MQB platform will provide extra comfort, increased security and efficiency. In regards to the Golf VII, Top Gear has revealed that it will weight 135 less than its predecessor due to the extensive use of aluminium and high-strength steel.

Here are few spy shots of the new Volkswagen Beetle Convertible dealing with some winter tests, in this case to check the fabric top’s resistance in harsh weather conditions. Aesthetically, this vehicle is basically the same as the 2013 VW Beetle and in terms of engine range, what we know so far is that it will include a manual 1.2 l TSI 105 hp, a DSG 2.0 TSI 200 hp, a manual DSG 1.4 TSI 160 hp as well as turbodiesels such as a manual DSG 1.6 TDI 105 hp, a manual BlueMotion Technology 1.6 TDI 105 hp and a manual DSG 2.0 TDI 140 hp.

The news that Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. is officially on sale came out just a few days ago on the Financial Times, but the whole automotive industry is already burning with excitement. Investindustrial Holding, the Italian group that controls the legendary motorcycle manufacturer, confirmed they are willing to sell their majority stake for something like 1 billion Euros (roughly 800 million £ / 1.3 billion $), but they are looking for a buyer/partner that would have the right resources to let Ducati continue its growth.

Ducati is one of the most legendary names in motorcycling, which made history through its many innovative models and outstanding success in racing, and it is well set-up in terms of facilities and technical knowledge, not to mention the value of the brand itself: it seems just normal that the biggest names in the business are so tempted by a company of this leverage. Since the news came in the open, many rumors have surfaced about who the ‘buyer’ could be, and BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen (as well as Indian giant Mahindra) are among the ones that popped up more often.

Investindustrial Holding’s main man, Mr.Andrea Bonomi, said that the group would like to close the deal by the end of the current year, confirming that many American, Asian and European subjects have already shown some interest in the buyout. Having bought it in 2005 from US-based Texas-Pacific Group, the Italian private equity firm has been at the helm of the Ducati boat for over six years now, but Mr.Bonomi thinks that the time has come for a change: “At the moment Ducati is a perfect company, but in order to get to the next level it needs to find a strong partner that operates globally. This year we are going to work to find that partner“. After the jump we will look more closely at the current scenario, trying to figure out what the real chances are for each buyer to get their hands on the iconic Italian manufacturer. To start with, BMW just called itself out…

BMW declares itself out

BMW is the first company to declare itself out of the race to take over Ducati. The Bavarian manufacturer is already actively involved in motorcycling and motorcycle racing with its own brand and the BMW Motorrad division, and it did not take them too long to rule themselves out of the run. In a recent official statement published by Bloomberg and Italian news agency ANSA, BMW simply says that at the moment they are not interested in buying any company. Even though they did not mention it, it is pretty clear that they were denying the rumors of a possible Ducati takeover.

Volkswagen keen to enter the motorcycle market

Having a German company gaining control of one of the most famous company in the Bologna area would be nothing new: let’s just think of how Volkswagen - through Audi - took over the mighty Lamborghini in 1998. That marriage went very well actually: the Wolfsburg-based giant seemed to be on a world-wide shopping spree in that period, and they just added a new bright gem to their already impressive collection of jewels. Since then, Lamborghini saw its sales growing exponentially year by year, and the same can be said about its international reputation. Surely, the overall financial situation of Ducati at this moment has little or nothing to do with the stranded conditions of Lamborghini back then, but it is not difficult to detect some similarities between the two operations.

Another important factor that might play a part in the equation is that Mr.Ferdinand Piech, current chairman of the Volkswagen Group, is a self-professed motorcycle enthusiast, and his promptness in terms of decision making is quite well-documented. The first rumors about VW’s interest toward Ducati came out about two years ago, but they were never confirmed by either party. Later on, all these rumors just dissolved when Volkswagen signed a partner agreement with Suzuki, which eventually turned out to be a total failure and is still being discussed in courts. Back then it seemed likely that VW would have gone on to take control of the whole Suzuki group, including its motorcycle division, but we know now that that was just not bound to happen.

Volkswagen has always seemed keen to enter in the two-wheels arena, but for one reason or the other they never made it happen. With Ducati now up for grabs, it is pretty clear that this might be the big chance they have been waiting for. It might take ages before another opportunity so tempting will materialize, so they might just seize the moment.

Mercedes, AMG and Ducati: a love affair

As for Mercedes-Benz, things are a little different. The 3-pointed star house already boasts a partnership agreement with Ducati that was signed by its sport division AMG about a year ago. The collaboration between the two companies has led to the birth of spurious models such as the Ducati Diavel AMG that we saw at the latest Frankfurt Motor Show as well as the odd pair SLK55 AMG and Ducati Streetfigther 848, which were jointly introduced to the crowd at the recent Bologna Motor Show.

Mercedes - and especially AMG - and Ducati have quite a lot of common ground between them: both of them are regarded as ‘premium brands’ in their respective markets, both of them boasts an extremely strong image, and both of them made of performance and exclusivity two essential features of their offerings. This affinity and the existing partnership with Ducati might give Mercedes a strong advantage over its competitors in this run among automotive heavyweights.

Even though rumors about a possible wedding between the two companies have been circulating since the partnership went public, none of the two parties has ever provided any sort of confirmation on the subject. It goes without saying though that those rumors have gained a lot more strength in light of the recent announcement.

The current situation

In conclusion, Ducati being up for sale is a tempting opportunity for many companies. The Italian manufacturer - often referred to as “the Ferrari on two wheels” - has it all: history, tradition, reputation, strong brand and image, and its current financial situation is rock-solid. Its market shares in the segments it is directly involved with have been growing constantly, and the yearly turnover for 2011 was 480 million Euros, meaning a good 20% better than the previous year. Besides, the potential to expand its business even further in the future is clearly there. All hints seem to point at a German carmaker, but you never know in life.