Key Stats
Bugatti Rimac represents the current ownership structure of the legendary French hypercar manufacturer. The joint venture launched in 2021 places Rimac Group as the majority stakeholder with 55% ownership, while Porsche AG holds the remaining 45% stake. This partnership merged Bugatti’s century-old automotive heritage with Rimac’s electric vehicle expertise, creating a powerhouse focused on ultra-luxury performance vehicles.
The brand recently unveiled the Tourbillon, a hybrid hypercar that signals Bugatti’s evolution into electrified performance. Revenue growth has been consistent, with 2024 figures reaching $365 million and company valuation estimated at $1.5 billion. Mate Rimac, the Croatian entrepreneur behind Rimac Automobili, leads the organization as CEO while steering innovation across both brands.
Who owns Bugatti?
Bugatti operates under Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture established in 2021 between Rimac Group and Porsche AG. This ownership arrangement transferred control from Volkswagen Group, which originally purchased the dormant brand in 1998.
Rimac Group commands the majority position with 55% ownership. Founded by Croatian innovator Mate Rimac, this technology-focused automotive company specializes in electric hypercar development and battery systems for global manufacturers. The controlling stake enables Rimac to direct strategic decisions, particularly regarding Bugatti’s electrification journey and technological advancement.
Porsche AG maintains 45% ownership as the secondary stakeholder. As a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, Porsche brings decades of automotive expertise and operational knowledge to the partnership. This arrangement ensures Bugatti benefits from traditional craftsmanship while embracing cutting-edge electric propulsion technology.
Bugatti Rimac Ownership Structure
History of Bugatti Co-founders
Ettore Bugatti and the Original Vision
Ettore Bugatti established the company in 1909 in Molsheim, France. Born in Italy in 1881, this visionary designer created vehicles that combined artistic beauty with engineering excellence. His philosophy centered on lightweight construction and aerodynamic efficiency.
The Type 35 Grand Prix car dominated racing circuits throughout the 1920s. Meanwhile, the Type 41 Royale represented the pinnacle of luxury automotive design. These early models established Bugatti’s reputation for uncompromising quality and performance.
Revival and Modern Foundations
Volkswagen Group resurrected the brand in 1998 after decades of dormancy. The company constructed a state-of-the-art facility in Molsheim, returning to Bugatti’s birthplace. This investment resulted in the Veyron, which redefined hypercar performance standards.
The 2021 joint venture with Rimac marked another transformative moment. Mate Rimac and Porsche leadership created a new ownership model that preserves heritage while embracing electrification. This partnership positions Bugatti for the next century of automotive innovation, similar to how other manufacturers like Hyundai Motor have evolved their strategies.
Who is on the board of directors for Bugatti?
Executive Leadership
Mate Rimac holds the Chief Executive Officer position at Bugatti Rimac. The Croatian entrepreneur founded Rimac Automobili in 2009, transforming it from a garage startup into an electric hypercar manufacturer. His vision drives product development and technological innovation across both Bugatti and Rimac brands.
Christophe Piochon serves as Chief Operating Officer, ensuring operational excellence at the Molsheim facility. His responsibilities include maintaining Bugatti’s traditional craftsmanship standards while integrating new manufacturing processes for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Supervisory Board Structure
Oliver Blume chairs the Supervisory Board, bringing extensive automotive experience from his role as Porsche AG CEO. His leadership ensures strategic alignment between Bugatti Rimac and the broader Porsche organization.
Lutz Meschke functions as Deputy Chairman and Chief Financial Officer. He provides financial oversight and governance expertise, leveraging his position within Porsche’s executive structure. The board composition reflects the partnership between Rimac innovation and Porsche stability.
Recent Leadership Changes
Antony Sheriff joined as CEO of Rimac Group in November 2024. This appointment allows Mate Rimac to concentrate specifically on Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Technology operations. Sheriff’s background includes executive roles at McLaren Automotive and Princess Yachts, plus board positions at Rivian and Aston Martin Lagonda.
The leadership structure creates clear responsibilities across the organization. Strategic decisions flow through the Supervisory Board while operational management remains focused on daily execution and product development, a governance model that shares similarities with other premium manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz Group.
Largest shareholders of Bugatti
Rimac Group’s Controlling Position
Rimac Group commands 55% ownership of Bugatti Rimac, establishing it as the majority shareholder. This Croatian automotive technology company develops electric drivetrains and battery systems for manufacturers worldwide. The controlling stake provides Rimac with decision-making authority over strategic direction, product planning, and technological investments.
Mate Rimac personally holds a substantial portion of Rimac Group through his founding position. His individual stake, combined with institutional investors in Rimac Group, creates a network of indirect Bugatti stakeholders. This ownership structure enables rapid innovation while maintaining entrepreneurial flexibility.
Porsche AG’s Strategic Investment
Porsche AG maintains 45% ownership as the secondary major shareholder. This German manufacturer gradually increased its Rimac investment before the Bugatti joint venture, demonstrating long-term commitment to electric vehicle technology. The partnership provides Porsche with access to advanced EV systems while offering Bugatti operational expertise.
As a Volkswagen Group subsidiary, Porsche connects Bugatti to one of the world’s largest automotive conglomerates. However, the joint venture structure maintains operational independence from direct Volkswagen control.
Indirect Stakeholders Through Rimac
Several prominent entities hold stakes in Rimac Group, creating indirect Bugatti exposure. Hyundai Motor Group participates through its Rimac investment, supporting electric vehicle technology collaboration. This partnership enables knowledge sharing across the automotive industry.
SoftBank Vision Fund and Goldman Sachs provide financial backing through their Rimac Group positions. These institutional investors support expansion initiatives and research development funding. While they don’t directly control Bugatti Rimac operations, their capital enables technological advancement and market growth.
Revenue Growth Trajectory (Million USD)
*2025 figures are projected estimates
The ownership structure mirrors broader industry trends where traditional automakers partner with electric vehicle specialists. Companies like Ferrari and Toyota Group have also pursued strategic collaborations to advance electrification capabilities while maintaining brand identity.
FAQs
Does Volkswagen still own Bugatti?
Volkswagen Group no longer owns Bugatti. The brand transferred to Bugatti Rimac joint venture in 2021, with Rimac Group holding 55% and Porsche AG owning 45%.
Who is the CEO of Bugatti?
Mate Rimac serves as CEO of Bugatti Rimac. The Croatian entrepreneur founded Rimac Automobili and leads strategic direction for both Bugatti and Rimac automotive operations.
What percentage does Porsche own in Bugatti?
Porsche AG owns 45% of Bugatti Rimac. As a Volkswagen subsidiary, Porsche provides governance expertise and automotive knowledge to the joint venture partnership.
Where are Bugatti cars manufactured?
Bugatti vehicles are handcrafted at the Molsheim facility in France. Each hypercar receives meticulous attention during assembly, maintaining the brand’s tradition of excellence.
Is Bugatti developing electric vehicles?
Bugatti is developing hybrid and electric hypercars. The 2024 Tourbillon combines a V-16 engine with electric motors, representing the brand’s electrification strategy.