Volkswagen Sells Bugatti to Rimac, Forming Bugatti-Rimac EV Company

Rimac Automobili Acquires Controlling Stake in Bugatti

Rimac Automobili, a Croatian electric supercar manufacturer, is set to take control of Bugatti. The newly formed entity, Bugatti-Rimac, will see Rimac holding a 55% ownership share, while Porsche, a division of VW, will retain the remaining 45%, as reported by the Financial Times.

Synergy Between Two Automotive Powerhouses

Mate Rimac, founder and CEO of Rimac, articulated the strategic alignment of the two companies. He stated that Rimac’s agility and expertise in electric technologies complement Bugatti’s century-long legacy of engineering excellence.

Rimac highlighted the success of the Nevera hypercar as proof of their capabilities in developing and producing exceptional, high-performance vehicles.

The Nevera: A New Benchmark in Hypercar Performance

Recently launched, the Nevera boasts a 120kWh battery pack and four electric motors. This configuration delivers an impressive 1.4MW of power, equivalent to approximately 1,914 horsepower.

The Nevera’s performance figures are remarkable, achieving a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of just 1.85 seconds and a maximum speed of 258 mph. It is poised to potentially surpass the Bugatti Chiron as the fastest sports car.

A Shift in the Luxury and Sports Car Landscape

Rimac’s journey, from its humble beginnings in a garage in 2009 to collaborating with a prestigious brand like Bugatti, signifies the growing influence of electric vehicles in the high-end automotive sector.

This transition isn’t solely driven by environmental concerns; it also represents a pursuit of enhanced speed and innovation in the future of automobiles.

Rimac Technology: A New Focus on EV Components

Alongside the Bugatti-Rimac announcement, Rimac revealed plans to establish Rimac Technology. This new entity, owned by Rimac Group, will concentrate on the development, production, and supply of battery systems, drivetrains, and other electric vehicle components.

Rimac Technology will operate independently, serving a diverse range of global car manufacturers.

Ownership Structure and Leadership

The formation of Bugatti-Rimac does not alter the existing shareholder structure of Rimac Group. Mate Rimac will maintain his 37% stake, while Hyundai Motor Group will continue to hold 12%, and other investors will comprise the remaining 27%.

Porsche has increased its shareholding in Rimac from 15% to 24%, but this does not grant it a controlling interest in the new venture.

Future Operations

Mate Rimac will assume leadership of Bugatti-Rimac, with the company’s headquarters located in Zagreb, Croatia.

Bugatti’s manufacturing operations will remain based in Molsheim, France.