Bugatti, known for making some of the fastest and most luxurious cars in the world, has changed hands several times throughout its history. The iconic French brand was bought by the Volkswagen Group in 1998, bringing new life to the company after years of dormancy.
Now, Bugatti is owned by Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture between Croatian electric hypercar maker Rimac Group and Porsche AG (part of the Volkswagen Group), created in late 2021.
This ownership change marks an important shift in Bugatti’s future direction. While based in Molsheim, France, where Bugatti has historical roots, the company now benefits from Rimac’s cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
The two brands were united through a business arrangement that gave control of Bugatti to Mate Rimac while Porsche received a larger share in the Rimac Group.
This partnership represents a blend of tradition and innovation in the automotive world. Bugatti, with its century-old heritage of creating exceptional hypercars, combines with Rimac’s expertise in electric vehicle technology. The Volkswagen Group’s strategy of acquiring luxury brands has now evolved into this new chapter for one of the most prestigious names in the automotive industry.
Key Takeaways
- Bugatti is currently owned by Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture between Rimac Group and Porsche AG established in 2021.
- The historic French hypercar manufacturer operated under Volkswagen Group ownership from 1998 until the recent partnership with Rimac.
- The new ownership structure combines Bugatti’s luxury heritage with Rimac’s electric vehicle technology expertise.
History of Bugatti Ownership
Bugatti has changed hands several times since its founding over a century ago, moving from family ownership to corporate control. The prestigious automotive brand has maintained its connection to Molsheim, France despite numerous ownership transitions.
The Founding of Bugatti
Ettore Bugatti founded the company in 1909 in Molsheim, France. Born into an artistic Italian family, Ettore was passionate about both engineering and aesthetics. This combination helped him create cars that were both technically advanced and beautiful.
The brand quickly gained fame for producing elegant and powerful racing cars. Ettore maintained family control of the company during its early decades, with his son Jean later joining the business.
Sadly, Jean’s death in 1939 while testing a race car was a devastating blow to the company. This tragedy, combined with World War II’s impact, severely affected Bugatti’s operations.
After Ettore’s death in 1947, the company struggled to maintain its previous success. The original Bugatti company produced its last car in the 1950s, ending the family’s direct control of the brand.
Ownership Changes
Following the original company’s decline, Bugatti was purchased in 1963 by Hispano-Suiza, a Spanish engineering company. This marked the beginning of a period of multiple ownership transitions.
Later, a French company acquired and rebranded the business. During the 1980s, Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli purchased the rights to the Bugatti name and established Bugatti Automobili S.p.A.
Under Artioli’s leadership, Bugatti released the EB110 supercar in 1991. Despite technological innovations, financial difficulties forced this iteration of Bugatti into bankruptcy by 1995.
The brand remained dormant for several years until the Volkswagen Group showed interest. This would mark the beginning of Bugatti’s modern era and its most stable ownership period in decades.
Recent Ownership Developments
The Volkswagen Group acquired Bugatti in 1998 and established Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. as their subsidiary. This acquisition brought significant resources and stability to the brand.
Under Volkswagen’s ownership, Bugatti returned to its roots in Molsheim, France. The company built a new production facility and headquarters there, honoring the brand’s heritage.
This period saw the creation of legendary hypercars like the Veyron and Chiron. These vehicles set numerous world records for speed and performance, restoring Bugatti’s reputation for automotive excellence.
In 2021, a significant change occurred when Bugatti became part of a joint venture called Bugatti Rimac. Porsche (part of the Volkswagen Group) maintains involvement, while Croatian electric hypercar maker Rimac now plays a key role in Bugatti’s future direction.
Bugatti Rimac Joint Venture
In 2021, a groundbreaking partnership formed between iconic brands, creating a new chapter in automotive history. This joint venture brings together two different yet complementary companies under shared leadership.
Formation of Bugatti Rimac
The Bugatti Rimac joint venture officially began operating as a new company based in Sveta Nedelja, Croatia. Electric hypercar pioneer Mate Rimac became the CEO of this new venture, bringing his innovative vision to both brands.
The ownership structure gives Rimac Group the majority stake at 55%, while Mate Rimac maintained his 35% shareholding in Rimac Group. This arrangement allowed Bugatti to come under Mate Rimac’s control while preserving the unique identity of both automotive brands.
The joint venture aims to combine Bugatti’s legendary heritage in crafting luxury hypercars with Rimac’s cutting-edge electric vehicle technology and performance expertise.
Strategic Partnership with Porsche
Porsche played a crucial role in bringing these two automotive powerhouses together. The German sports car manufacturer gave control of Bugatti to Mate Rimac and in return received more shares in the Rimac Group.
Porsche holds a 45% stake in Bugatti Rimac, making it a significant strategic partner in this collaboration. This three-way relationship benefits all parties involved.
For Porsche, the partnership provides greater access to Rimac’s advanced electric vehicle technology. Bugatti gains expertise in electrification to help future-proof its ultra-luxury hypercars. Rimac receives support from established automotive giants, helping scale its innovative technologies.
Together, these companies aim to push the boundaries of automotive performance while navigating the industry’s shift toward electrification.
Organizational Structure
Bugatti operates under a sophisticated corporate structure that combines luxury heritage with modern management principles. The company’s leadership team works together to maintain the brand’s legendary status while driving innovation.
Management Team
Bugatti’s management structure changed when the company became part of a joint venture between Rimac Group and Porsche AG. This partnership brought new leadership while preserving the brand’s identity.
At the executive level, Oliver Blume plays a significant role as the CEO of Porsche, which has ownership interests in the Bugatti Rimac joint venture. Lutz Meschke, another key figure from Porsche, helps oversee financial strategy for the partnership.
Larissa Fleischer serves as the Chief Financial Officer, managing Bugatti’s complex financial operations. Her expertise helps balance the luxury brand’s exclusive production methods with profitable business strategies.
Emilio Scervo holds the position of Chief Technology Officer, guiding Bugatti’s engineering innovations. His team works to maintain Bugatti’s reputation for creating some of the world’s fastest and most technically advanced hypercars.
Roles and Responsibilities
The management team divides responsibilities to ensure Bugatti maintains its prestigious position in the automotive world. Each executive brings specialized expertise to the company.
The CEO oversees the overall direction and strategy, ensuring Bugatti continues to produce exclusive vehicles while meeting business objectives. This role involves coordination with both Rimac Group and Porsche leadership.
Financial management falls to the CFO, Larissa Fleischer, who handles budgeting, investment planning, and financial reporting. Her team ensures the company can support the extensive research and development needed for ultra-luxury vehicles.
The Chief Technology Officer, Emilio Scervo, leads engineering and innovation. His department focuses on developing Bugatti’s signature performance capabilities while adapting to changing automotive technologies.
Operations executives manage the production facility in Molsheim, France, where most of Bugatti’s 160+ employees work crafting these exclusive automobiles by hand.
Design and Production
The creation of a Bugatti involves meticulous attention to detail, cutting-edge technology, and skilled craftsmanship. Every aspect from initial concept to final assembly reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence.
Design Philosophy
Bugatti’s design philosophy masterfully blends art with engineering excellence. Each vehicle embodies the vision of Ettore Bugatti, who founded the company in 1909 with an unwavering commitment to beauty and performance.
The iconic horseshoe grille and flowing lines have become hallmarks of the brand. These elements aren’t just aesthetic choices – they serve functional purposes while maintaining the marque’s distinctive identity.
Modern Bugatti models like the Chiron continue this tradition. They feature aerodynamic designs that manage airflow at extreme speeds while presenting an unmistakable silhouette that’s recognizable worldwide.
Design teams balance innovation with heritage, ensuring each new model respects Bugatti’s storied past while pushing automotive boundaries forward.
Manufacturing Facilities
Bugatti’s primary production facility is located in Molsheim, Alsace, France, the brand’s historic birthplace. This location combines heritage with modern manufacturing capabilities.
The “Atelier” (workshop) in Molsheim is where skilled technicians hand-assemble each vehicle. Unlike conventional assembly lines, Bugatti employs a station-based system where cars remain stationary while specialists work on them.
Since the 2021 formation of Bugatti Rimac, the company has expanded its production capabilities. This partnership brings together Bugatti’s traditional craftsmanship with Rimac’s electric vehicle expertise.
Only a handful of vehicles leave the facility each month, reflecting the intensive labor and quality control that goes into each car.
Craftsmanship and Innovation
Bugatti balances time-honored craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation in every vehicle. Each Chiron requires approximately 1,800 individual parts assembled by hand over several months.
The brand employs artisans who specialize in everything from leather work to engine assembly. These skilled workers often train for years to master their craft, ensuring perfect execution in every detail.
Innovation drives Bugatti forward, with technologies like the quad-turbocharged W16 engine that powers the Chiron. This engineering marvel produces over 1,500 horsepower while maintaining reliability.
Carbon fiber components are meticulously created to save weight while maintaining structural integrity. Even seemingly simple parts like air conditioning vents require hundreds of hours to perfect.
Digital modeling and simulation work alongside traditional techniques, creating vehicles that push the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive design and performance.
Global Presence and Operations
Bugatti’s ownership structure has led to a unique global footprint that spans multiple countries across Europe. The luxury hypercar manufacturer maintains strong connections to its heritage while embracing new technological centers under its joint ownership.
Main Headquarters
Bugatti proudly maintains its historic headquarters in Molsheim, Alsace, France, honoring the brand’s traditional roots. This location serves as more than just an administrative center. It’s where the company showcases its heritage and continues the legacy of craftsmanship established by founder Ettore Bugatti.
Since the Rimac-Bugatti joint venture formed in 2021, the company has expanded its presence to include facilities in Croatia. The innovative Rimac Campus near Zagreb in Sveta Nedelja has become an important technology hub for the company.
This dual-headquarters approach allows Bugatti to balance its historic French identity with cutting-edge engineering capabilities from its Croatian partner.
International Reach
Bugatti’s corporate connections extend well beyond France and Croatia. With Porsche AG as a major stakeholder in the Bugatti Rimac joint venture, the company maintains strong ties to Stuttgart, Germany, where Porsche is headquartered.
The company’s previous owner, Volkswagen Group, based in Wolfsburg, still maintains connections through Porsche’s involvement. This creates a network spanning multiple European automotive centers.
Bugatti’s production remains exclusive, with limited vehicle numbers manufactured to maintain prestige and quality. Their international dealer network is equally selective, targeting regions with high concentrations of ultra-wealthy customers.
The company’s reach extends to major luxury markets in North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Dedicated showrooms in these regions offer personalized experiences for potential buyers.
Advancements in Electrification
Bugatti’s ownership change has sparked a new era of innovation in electric vehicle technology for the legendary supercar brand. The company is now positioned to blend its heritage of performance with cutting-edge electrification.
Hybrid and Electric Models
Bugatti has begun its transition toward electrification with the introduction of the Tourbillon, the successor to the Chiron. This isn’t simply a Rimac Nevera with a Bugatti badge, as some fans expected.
The Tourbillon represents Bugatti’s unique approach to electrification, maintaining the brand’s distinct identity while embracing new technology. The hybrid powertrain combines a V16 engine with electric components, showing Bugatti’s commitment to preserving its performance heritage.
This strategic blend of traditional combustion and modern electric technology allows the brand to maintain its performance standards while reducing emissions. The hybrid system doesn’t compromise the driving experience that Bugatti customers expect.
Future of Electrification
Under the new Rimac Group leadership, Bugatti’s future plans include developing fully electric hypercars. Mate Rimac, who maintains a 35% stake in the Rimac Group, brings extensive expertise in high-performance electric vehicles.
The Bugatti Rimac partnership creates a powerful collaboration for innovation in the hypercar segment. Their combined knowledge allows them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in electric performance vehicles.
Future models will likely incorporate Rimac’s advanced battery and motor technology while maintaining Bugatti’s luxury standards and design philosophy. The cooperation between these brands marks a significant chapter in automotive history, bringing together traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge electric innovation.
The Future of Bugatti
Under new ownership through Rimac, Bugatti’s future looks bright with ambitious plans for innovation while maintaining its luxury heritage. The company aims to blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to create the next generation of hypercars.
Strategic Objectives and Goals
Bugatti’s new chapter under the Bugatti Rimac umbrella focuses on preserving its exclusive brand identity while embracing new technologies. The company plans to continue producing limited-edition hypercars with price tags that maintain its ultra-luxury status.
A key goal is to expand Bugatti’s market presence while keeping production numbers low enough to ensure exclusivity. This balancing act helps protect the brand’s prestigious reputation.
The leadership team has emphasized that Bugatti’s legendary aura will remain intact despite the ownership change. They want to honor Bugatti’s French heritage and continue manufacturing in its historic Molsheim headquarters.
Continued Innovation and Growth
Bugatti’s engineering team is working on revolutionary powertrain solutions. These may include hybrid or all-electric options. These new systems aim to deliver the extraordinary performance Bugatti is famous for while adapting to changing environmental regulations.
The company is investing heavily in lightweight materials research. New carbon fiber composites and exotic alloys will help future models achieve remarkable power-to-weight ratios.
Digital innovation plays a big role too. Future Bugattis will feature advanced driver assistance systems and connectivity options. These options enhance the driving experience without compromising the pure joy of driving.
Production techniques are also evolving. While handcrafting remains central to Bugatti’s identity, new manufacturing methods will allow for more customization options. This will satisfy wealthy clients looking for truly one-of-a-kind vehicles.
