Italy's Government Just Granted Ducati Millions For R&D And Keeping The Country's Manufacturing Going

Ducati has made headlines in recent weeks as the company's parent company, Volkswagen AG—yes, it's technically under Audi, we know—is a bit in a financial pickle of its own making. Hard times have come for the German automotive giant, with mass layoffs, killed lineups, and sell-offs of its subsidiaries have been happening in quick succession.

One report about the situation also details that VW, in all its wisdom, is thinking about selling the brand off. 

Audi, Volkswagen, and Ducati have all told RideApart that they don't comment on speculation, for what it's worth. However, Ducati's CEO Claudio Domenicali has said that Ducati can stand without VW's backing. That the brand was healthy and could work toward the future even without its parent company's backing in rather defiant statements. Those statements, though, seem to be backed up by reality. 

In the brand's most recent press release, it announced a new partnership with Italy's Ministry of Enterprises, as well as Made in Italy, worth more than €121 million (roughly $140 million), with €30 million of it coming directly from Italy itself. What's the grant for?  The brand's "Ducati Raise the Bar" program, which "focuses on research, development and technological innovation" all within Italy's Motor Valley. 

Bellissimo. 

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According to Ducati's press release, "The Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, has authorised Invitalia to sign a Development Agreement proposed by Ducati for an industrial investment programme with a total value of €121 million. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the Company's global competitiveness over the long term, confirming Ducati's role as a leading player in the international motorcycle industry while contributing to value creation for the local area, Italy's Motor Valley and the entire Italian industrial supply chain."

Basically, the "Ducati Raise the Bar" program is aimed at helping the brand stay healthy, contribute to Italy's economy, both locally and internationally, and keep Ducati as one of the spearheads of Italy's motor vehicle manufacturing. The hundred-plus million euros will go toward research and development of new motorcycles, manufacturing, and more, while also contributing to keep Ducati's production in Italy. 

"The measure recognises the strategic value of the project for the Emilia-Romagna region, the heart of Italy's Motor Valley," says the release, speaking about Ducati's relationship with the country's manufacturing sector, adding, "and its contribution to the development of advanced technological expertise, innovation in the motorcycle sector and the growth of specialised skills in Italy." Essentially, it keeps Italian manufacturing safe, and keeps Ducati Italian, despite it being currently owned by Germany's Volkswagen.

As for the possible sale, it's still unclear whether or not Volkswagen is mulling it over, as no one will say one way or another. But you'd have to imagine that an investment of this sort would make it harder on those deciding, as why sell something when you're getting outside investment that you don't have to pay back?

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