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Who Owns Lamborghini? Discover the Current Ownership of the Iconic Brand

The Lamborghini brand has been synonymous with luxury, speed, and performance since it was founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini. 

Over the decades, Lamborghini has gone through several ownership changes. Today, Lamborghini is owned by the Volkswagen Group, a German multinational automotive manufacturing company. 

In this article, we will explore the history of Lamborghini’s ownership, take a closer look at its current owner, and discuss the impact of the ownership change on the brand.

Who Owns Lamborghini?  The Ownership History

Lamborghini, founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini, emerged as a fierce competitor to Italian luxury sports car manufacturers like Ferrari. 

The company enjoyed success in the 1960s and 1970s, embodying opulence and exuding wealth. 

However, financial troubles plagued the company by the late 1970s, prompting its first ownership change in 1978.

Who Owns Lamborghini? all you need to know

Ownership Change 1: Georges-Henri Rossetti and Bank Ownership

In 1978, Swiss industrialist Georges-Henri Rossetti acquired Lamborghini from Ferruccio Lamborghini. 

Rossetti aimed to revitalize the company, but unfortunately, his efforts were unsuccessful, leading to bankruptcy. 

Following Rossetti’s bankruptcy, several banks took ownership of Lamborghini. The bank ownership period continued until 1987.

Ownership Change 2: Chrysler Corporation

In 1987, Chrysler Corporation purchased Lamborghini from the banks. Under Chrysler’s ownership, Lamborghini experienced a period of expansion. 

Notably, new models like the Diablo were introduced during this time. However, the management style of the larger corporation did not align well with Lamborghini’s small company culture.

Ownership Change 3: Tommy Suharto and Mycom Setdco

In 1994, Indonesian investor Tommy Suharto briefly acquired Lamborghini before selling it to a holding company called Mycom Setdco. 

Mycom Setdco, led by Swiss businessman Ruffino Covolo and a group of entrepreneurs, took over Lamborghini. This period witnessed the introduction of the iconic Murcielago model in 2001.

Current Ownership: Audi AG and Volkswagen Group

In 1998, Audi AG, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, acquired Lamborghini. This acquisition was part of Volkswagen’s strategy to expand its luxury brand portfolio and gain access to advanced technologies. 

With its headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, Lamborghini remains a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. So, that is all you needed to know about who owns Lamborghini?

Benefits of Audi Ownership

Technology and Innovation Sharing

Under the ownership of Audi AG and the Volkswagen Group, Lamborghini has access to the advanced technologies and innovations developed by the parent company and its brand portfolio. 

This technology sharing and collaboration have paved the way for the introduction of new Lamborghini models that push the boundaries of performance. 

Collaboration with brands like Audi, Bentley, and Porsche has allowed Lamborghini to benefit from shared research and development efforts, resulting in improved power output, enhanced performance, and refined engineering.

Lamborghini

Improved Operational Efficiency

The acquisition by Audi AG has brought significant improvements to Lamborghini’s operational efficiency. 

The Volkswagen Group’s vast resources and expertise have enabled Lamborghini to streamline its production processes, supply chain management, and overall operational structure. 

By leveraging the parent company’s best practices and expertise, Lamborghini can optimize its manufacturing processes and achieve higher levels of efficiency, ultimately leading to cost savings and increased productivity.

Access to Advanced Technologies

Being part of the Volkswagen Group has given Lamborghini access to cutting-edge technologies and platforms for development. 

This has allowed Lamborghini to stay at the forefront of automotive technology, incorporating the latest advancements in areas such as performance, connectivity, and safety into their vehicles. 

The integration of advanced technologies not only enhances the driving experience for Lamborghini owners, but also ensures that Lamborghini remains competitive in the ever-evolving automotive industry.

Increased Exposure and Market Presence

The Volkswagen Group’s extensive global distribution network has provided Lamborghini with increased exposure and market presence, particularly in key markets such as China. 

Leveraging the established market channels of the parent company has allowed Lamborghini to reach a broader customer base and expand its footprint in emerging markets. 

This increased market presence not only boosts sales but also strengthens the Lamborghini brand and reinforces its position as a leader in the luxury sports car segment.

Driving Collaboration and Synergies

The ownership structure has fostered collaboration and synergies between Lamborghini and other Volkswagen Group brands.

This collaboration extends beyond technology sharing and extends to areas such as design, engineering, and marketing. Working with brands like Audi, Bentley, and Porsche allows for cross-pollination of ideas, expertise, and resources, resulting in enhanced design aesthetics, engineering innovation, and marketing strategies. 

This integration of capabilities strengthens each brand within the group and reinforces its collective position in the luxury automotive market.

Influence on Lamborghini’s Design and Performance

Design Collaboration

Audi’s ownership has allowed the companies to collaborate on design aspects at a deeper level. 

This collaboration has led to a fresh approach to design that combines Lamborghini’s unique style with Audi’s knowledge in creating elegant, contemporary designs. 

The result is a sleek, modern look that stands out in the luxury sports car segment. Collaborating with Audi has also allowed Lamborghini to benefit from access to new materials and manufacturing techniques, resulting in a better overall product.

Lamborghini

Performance Optimization

Audi’s expertise in design and engineering has helped Lamborghini in optimizing the performance of its vehicles. 

Audi has been successful in improving the vehicle’s power output, engine efficiency, and overall driving experience. 

Audi’s input in the research and development process has allowed Lamborghini to integrate advanced technologies into its vehicles, resulting in an enhanced driving experience.

Underpinned by Volkswagen Group’s Technology

Audi’s ownership of Lamborghini is underpinned by the advanced technology and expertise of the Volkswagen Group. 

With access to a vast network of resources, Lamborghini has been able to tap into cutting-edge technology and advanced systems from the parent company. 

This relationship with Volkswagen Group’s engineering and technology teams has been instrumental in helping Lamborghini integrate advanced safety and connectivity features into its vehicles.

Future Outlook

Although Lamborghini’s performance and design have always been top-notch, the acquisition by Audi AG has allowed for new developments and collaborations. 

Lamborghini’s commitment to reducing emissions means that it is fully embracing electrification, which could transform the brand’s future. 

Several of Lamborghini’s future models are expected to include hybrid engines, combining electricity for increased efficiency and gasoline engines to deliver unmatched speed, and power output. 

Additionally, Audi plans to share its advanced digital features and central operating systems throughout the Volkswagen Group, which include Lamborghini.

Conclusion

Lamborghini has a rich history of innovation, power, and exclusivity. While it has gone through several ownership changes, Audi’s acquisition of the brand has allowed for a continued commitment to the company’s traditions and identity. 

The partnership has enabled technology and innovation sharing with other Volkswagen Group brands, with significant benefits to the design and performance of Lamborghini. 

Fans of the iconic brand will continue to benefit from further developments under the oversight of Audi AG and the Volkswagen Group.