Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles. news, RideApart. com, Motor1. com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter. com news ROOM
NEWS
BRIEFS
The rumors are only getting stronger- Volkswagen is evaluating a potential sale of Ducati to fund a massive shift to electric vehicles and shore up finances amidst industry-wide struggles. VW has refused to issue a firm denial, but Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has downplayed immediate sales talks- noting that the Italian marque is having a record centennial year. The situation is part of a sweeping restructuring and cost-cutting program across the wider Volkswagen Group. In a statement issued to RideApart, a VW spokesperson declined to rule out the sale of specific brands, confirming that the Executive Board is realigning the company to cope with new tariffs and tens of billions in market pressures. However, speaking at the World Ducati Week in Misano, Italy recently, Domenicali stated that while the ultimate decision rests with the shareholder, Ducati is in " fantastic shape " and has received no indication of an imminent sale. Analysts and commentators- including Visordown- have highlighted that VW previously tried to offload the Italian marque in 2017. If a sale proceeds, it is expected to draw immense investor interest, with brands like Harley- Davidson occasionally cited as a potential suiter in industry Facebook Post speculation. Historically Harley has tried to buy Ducati on at least two occasions and CEO Artie Starrs recently acknowledged that he has not ruled out M & A activity – though swallowing a property the size, complexity and culture of Ducati would likely be beyond Harley ' s balance sheet for the foreseeable future.
In the United States PSB reports that action-camera brand GoPro has warned of its ability to continue as a going concern, a month or so after announcing that it was exploring a possible sale or merger. " Mounting financial pressures have raised ' substantial doubt ' about the company ' s ability to continue operating." The warning came soon after one of GoPro ' s most ambitious product launches in years. The new Mission 1 camera platform was intended to move GoPro beyond its traditional action-camera roots and into more professional imaging markets.
Royal Enfield ' s 125th year commemorated with Redditch, England World Origin Plaque
Enfield, the global leader in the midsize motorcycle segment( 25 0cc – 750 cc), has celebrated the brand ' s historic British roots in Redditch, England, with the installation of a ' World Origin Site ' plaque, marking the legacy of Royal Enfield ' s first factory location in their 125th anniversary year. The unveiling took place at the site of Royal Enfield ' s Hunt End Works, on what is now known as Enfield Road, with motoring journalist and TV personality Richard Hammond joining the Mayor of Redditch Mayor Royal Enfield staff, Riders Club members and surviving workers from the original Redditch manufacturing plant. Founder of World Origin Site, Martin Wilkie said: " It ' s just a wall in Redditch today, but 125-years-ago, somebody did something that changed the world and we ' re here to mark the exact spot." Royal Enfield motorcycles from five generations lined Enfield Road, highlighting the brand ' s title as the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, with a legacy spanning 125 years. From the modern ' Project Origin ' replica of Royal Enfield ' s first motorcycle, launched in 1901, to a fully restored first edition 1932 Bullet, the iconic model that began Royal Enfield ' s journey to manufacturing in India and is still in production today. The 2026 Royal Enfield Classic 650 125th Anniversary Edition, was also displayed to represent a lineage that began with the first Royal Enfield motorcycle in 1901, spanning multiple generations and continents. The limited-edition model, due on sale
20 INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS- SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026
in Europe from August, is a meticulously crafted physical tribute to the brand ' s enduring legacy, and embossed with a 125 Year crest in gold on classic red.
www. idnmag. com