Italy moves to protect Ducati amid Volkswagen’s job-cutting plans

Italy is moving to shield Ducati from the effects of Volkswagen’s restructuring, with Industry Minister Adolfo Urso calling the motorcycle maker a symbol of “Made in Italy.”

Urso said he met Ducati chief executive Claudio Domenicali and agreed on a roadmap to protect the company. “This morning I met with Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, agreeing on a roadmap that will allow us to safeguard such an important company, a symbol of Made in Italy, of which we are all proud,” he wrote on X.

The minister said the government would use the tools available to it “in the best possible way” so Ducati could continue representing Italy through its sporting, technological and commercial successes. He also described the Bologna-born brand as an example of excellence and quality.

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This morning I met with Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, agreeing on a roadmap that will allow us to safeguard such an important company, a symbol of Made in Italy, of which we are all proud.

Ducati, founded in 1926, belongs to Volkswagen, which acquired it through Audi in 2012. The German group has launched a restructuring plan that includes reducing the number of models and cutting jobs. It already had a plan to eliminate 50,000 positions and has approved another 50,000 cuts through 2030, potentially affecting 100,000 jobs.

Volkswagen is also reviewing the future of some factories and brands, including Spain’s Seat. The group faces strong competition from Chinese manufacturers in Europe, falling sales in China and U.S. tariffs. Ducati currently holds the MotoGP world title and has won four consecutive championships, as well as the 2007 title with Australia’s Casey Stoner.

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in the best possible way