The Volkswagen‑Rimac Deal: Who Actually Owns Bugatti?

When you hear the name Bugatti, images of roaring Veyrons and sleek Chiron hypercars instantly spring to mind. Yet behind those legendary machines lies a corporate story that’s far less flamboyant—and more strategic. Who owns Bugatti? The Volkswagen‑Rimac connection is the key to understanding the brand’s present and its electric future.

Who Owns Bugatti? The Volkswagen‑Rimac Connection

Since 1998, Bugatti has been part of the Volkswagen Group’s extensive portfolio. The German automaker purchased the rights to the Bugatti name and the historic Molsheim factory from Italian businessman Romano Artioli, effectively rescuing the marque from financial turmoil. For more than two decades Bugatti operated as a sub‑brand under Volkswagen’s luxury division, sharing resources but retaining its own design language.

Everything shifted in 2021 when Volkswagen announced a joint venture with Rimac Automobili, the Croatian electric‑hypercar pioneer. The new entity, named Bugatti Rimac, gave Rimac a sizable stake and operational control over the Bugatti brand, while Volkswagen retained majority ownership.

• Volkswagen AG: 55 % ownership of Bugatti Rimac.
• Rimac Group: 45 % ownership, with Mate Rimac serving as CEO of the joint venture.
• Result: Bugatti remains under the Volkswagen umbrella, but its technological direction now leans heavily on Rimac’s electric expertise.

A Brief History of Bugatti’s Ownership

Founded in 1909 by Italian‑born automotive legend Ettore Bugatti, the original company produced some of the most celebrated racing cars of the early 20th century. After Ettore’s death, the brand changed hands several times, eventually ending up with the French conglomerate Automobiles Ettore Bugatti in the 1970s. Financial struggles led to the sale of the rights to Volkswagen in the late 1990s.

Volkswagen’s acquisition was motivated by a desire to expand its high‑performance lineup beyond Audi’s RS models. The first Volkswagen‑era Bugatti, the Veyron, debuted in 2005 and set new benchmarks for speed and luxury. Its successor, the Chiron, continued the tradition, reinforcing Bugatti’s image as the pinnacle of internal‑combustion engineering.

Rimac Enters the Picture

Rimac made its name by developing all‑electric hypercars like the Concept One and the C_Two, both boasting over 1,500 hp. Recognizing the industry’s pivot toward electrification, Volkswagen sought a partner that could accelerate its own electric ambitions without starting from scratch. Rimac’s expertise in battery technology, power electronics, and lightweight construction made it an ideal ally.

In November 2021, the two companies signed a strategic partnership that culminated in the formation of Bugatti Rimac. The joint venture not only merged the two engineering teams but also promised a new generation of Bugatti models powered—at least in part—by electric drivetrains.

What the Joint Venture Means for Bugatti

From a branding perspective, Bugatti retains its iconic design language: the C‑shaped grille, the long, tapering silhouette, and the unmistakable sound of a roaring W‑16 engine (for now). From a technical standpoint, the partnership opens several doors:

• Electrification roadmap: Rimac’s battery packs and motor technology will likely underpin future Bugatti hybrids or fully electric models.
• Shared R&D facilities: Engineers from both companies now collaborate at the Molsheim plant and Rimac’s “Rimac Campus,” streamlining innovation.
• Cost efficiency: Joint sourcing of components reduces overhead, allowing Bugatti to focus on bespoke craftsmanship.

Mate Rimac’s appointment as CEO signals a hands‑on approach to integrating electric performance while preserving Bugatti’s heritage. Early concept sketches released in 2023 hinted at a “Hybrid Chiron” that could deliver over 2,000 hp, blending the traditional W‑16 with Rimac’s electric motors.

Future Outlook: A Hybrid or Fully Electric Bugatti?

The automotive world is moving fast. Regulations in Europe and China increasingly favor zero‑emission vehicles, and luxury buyers are showing a growing appetite for silent power. Bugatti’s next big step will likely be a limited‑run hybrid, serving as a bridge between the gasoline‑centric past and a fully electric future.

Analysts suggest that by the mid‑2020s, Bugatti could unveil a model that retains the brand’s signature performance envelope while delivering a range of at least 300 km on electric power alone. Such a vehicle would not only meet upcoming emission standards but also showcase what the Volkswagen‑Rimac partnership can achieve when legacy craftsmanship meets cutting‑edge electrification.

FAQs

What percentage of Bugatti does Volkswagen own?
Volkswagen holds a 55 % stake in the Bugatti Rimac joint venture, giving it majority control.

Who leads Bugatti Rimac?
Mate Rimac, founder of Rimac Automobili, serves as the CEO of Bugatti Rimac.

Will future Bugattis be fully electric?
While no official launch dates have been set, the partnership’s focus on electrification strongly suggests that at least a hybrid model will appear within the next few years, with a fully electric version likely following.

How does the Volkswagen‑Rimac deal affect Bugatti’s pricing?
Shared R&D costs and component sourcing could help manage production expenses, but Bugatti’s ultra‑exclusive market positioning means prices will remain in the multi‑million‑dollar range.