Who Owns Lamborghini?

Who owns Lamborghini? This famous brand, known for its fast cars and striking designs, has a fascinating story. Started in 1963 by a man named Ferruccio Lamborghini, it’s now part of a much bigger company. In this post, we’ll see how Lamborghini went from a single man’s dream to being owned by a major car group. What’s the story behind this change? Let’s find out.

Who Owns Lamborghini?

Lamborghini, formally known as Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., is owned by Audi AG, which is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. This ownership structure has been in place since 1998 when Audi AG acquired Lamborghini from its previous owners, an investment group led by Mycom Setdco and V’Power.

The Volkswagen Group, based in Germany, is one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers. Within the group, Audi is responsible for managing Lamborghini. This ownership allows Lamborghini to leverage advanced technology and resources from its parent company, contributing to its reputation for high-performance and technically advanced supercars.

Lamborghini was founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini with the goal of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established marques like Ferrari. The company has since evolved to become a significant player in the luxury supercar segment, known for its stylish, high-performance vehicles. Under Audi’s and Volkswagen’s ownership, Lamborghini has continued to innovate and expand its product line, maintaining its status as a symbol of luxury and performance in the automotive world.

Lamborghini Ownership Changes and Challenges

Lamborghini has experienced a series of ownership changes and challenges throughout its history, each shaping the company in significant ways. Here’s an overview of the key phases in Lamborghini’s ownership and the challenges faced during these times:

1. Foundation and Early Years (1963-1972)

• Founder: Ferruccio Lamborghini
• Context: Created as a direct competitor to Ferrari, Lamborghini aimed to produce a more refined and powerful grand touring car. Early successes included the Miura, which became famous for its rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
• Challenge: Building a new brand in a market dominated by established players like Ferrari.

2. Economic Troubles and Bankruptcy (1972-1984)

• Ownership Changes: After Ferruccio Lamborghini sold his shares, the company went through several hands, including Georges-Henri Rossetti and René Leimer.
• Challenges: The 1973 oil crisis and economic downturn severely affected high-end car sales. The company also faced difficulties in maintaining the quality and performance standards set by its early successes.

3. The Mimran Era (1984-1987)

• Owners: Patrick and Jean Claude Mimran
• Context: The Mimrans, two Swiss entrepreneurs, bought the bankrupt company and invested heavily in its expansion and modernization.
• Challenge: Rebuilding the brand and expanding the product line, which included the development of the Lamborghini LM002, an SUV that broadened Lamborghini’s market reach.

4. Chrysler Ownership (1987-1994)

• Owner: Chrysler Corporation
• Context: Chrysler took over and attempted to revive Lamborghini by investing in new product development.
• Challenge: Integrating Lamborghini’s operations with Chrysler’s and managing cultural differences between an American corporate giant and an Italian boutique supercar maker. During this period, the Diablo was launched.

5. Transition Period and Indonesian Ownership (1994-1998)

• Owners: MegaTech, an Indonesian investment group, then V’Power and Mycom Setdco
• Challenge: The Asian financial crisis of 1997 hit the company’s new owners hard, leading to another period of financial instability and short-term ownership.

6. Audi and Volkswagen Group Ownership (1998-present)

• Owner: Audi AG, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group
• Context: Audi acquired Lamborghini, integrating it into its performance division.
• Challenge: Maintaining brand uniqueness while leveraging the advantages of belonging to one of the world’s largest automotive groups. Innovating in design and technology to stay competitive in the supercar market, such as developing the Lamborghini Huracán and the Aventador.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who currently owns Lamborghini?

The Lamborghini brand is currently under the ownership of the Volkswagen Group. This German car-making giant acquired Lamborghini through its subsidiary, Audi, in 1998. The Volkswagen Group is based in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Who are the heirs of Lamborghini?

The Lamborghini fortune has been inherited by Elettra Lamborghini, Ferruccio Lamborghini’s granddaughter. Her brother, also named Ferruccio Lamborghini, is a renowned motorcycle racer.

What did Ferruccio Lamborghini say to Ferrari?

Ferruccio Lamborghini reportedly challenged Enzo Ferrari, suggesting that his tractor had a superior clutch compared to Ferrari’s offerings. This initial spat eventually led to the establishment of the Lamborghini brand as a direct competitor to Ferrari.

Does the Lamborghini family still own part of Lamborghini?

No, the Lamborghini family does not retain ownership of the company. The entire brand was acquired by the Volkswagen Group through its subsidiary, Audi.

What happened to the original owner of Lamborghini?

Ferruccio Lamborghini, the original owner and founder of the company, passed away due to a heart attack on February 20, 1993. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Renazzo, Italy.