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The deal – which has been rumoured for some time – could be finalised in the first half of this year.
A Bugatti acquisition by Croatian-based electric vehicle manufacturer Rimac could be imminent, according to Volkswagen board-member and Porsche CEO Oliver Blume.
Speaking to German outlet Automobilwoche earlier this week, Mr Blume said: “At the moment there are intense deliberations on how Bugatti can be developed in the best possible way. Rimac could play a role here because the brands are a good technological fit.”
“There are various scenarios with different structures,” he added. “I believe that the issue will be decided by the group in the first half of this year.”
Porsche – which, like Bugatti, is a Volkswagen Group subsidiary – currently owns 15.5 per cent of Rimac. Hyundai, Kia, Jaguar Land Rover, and Koenigsegg and are also significant investors in the Croatian marque.
In September 2020 CarAdvice reported Volkswagen was looking to offload its high-performance marques, in order to direct more resources towards its high-volume ID electric vehicle program. Rimac, meanwhile, is looking for production facilities to produce its 1408kW/2300Nm C_Two hypercar.
The alleged deal would see Porsche increase its stake in Rimac to as much as 49 per cent, and, in return, Rimac would acquire the Bugatti name.
A spokesperson for Rimac was unable to comment on the speculation when approached by CarAdvice.
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