The Bugatti Galibier, Lamborghini Urus and the Bentley EXP 9 F could be suspended by Volkswagen

The European crisis respects neither borders nor names, however powerful the Volkswagen Group may be today. Although Volkswagen controls seven brands under its umbrella, each of which enjoys a degree of autonomy, the final decisions are made at the shareholders’ discussion table.

Certain models in the group run the risk of being suspended for a time, if the shareholders’ meeting of the brand next November so decides. In fact, the most threatened are the Bugatti Galibier, Lamborghini Urus and Bentley EXP 9 F, luxury models that would have no place in the new policy of Volkswagen.

The new executive directives of the German conglomerate indicate that in the coming months it must sell more and earn more money from it, rather than incurring development costs for models that are unlikely to generate profits. For this reason, some German analysts have announced that they have precise data showing that the three aforementioned models would not be approved by the board at its meeting on 23 November.

Regarding the Bugatti Galibier, a source at the brand has taken it for granted that the four-door will be delayed until 2015 or 2016, depending on what the top management of the Volkswagen Group says.

Both the Lamborghini and the Bentley SUV were the response to the Porsche Cayenne, with which Porsche dominates this segment. It was believed that China would be a good customer for these vehicles, but it seems that sales forecasts have outrun reality.

Other brands have also embarked on this segment with models competing for a shrinking market, at prices that are exaggerated. Maserati has started with the Kubang (renamed as Levante), Range Rover, with another similar model said to be ready in 2014, or the Ferrari FF. The truth is that if they don’t buy this type of vehicle in Asia, it will be unlikely that they circulate in good numbers across the battered Europe.

Source | Automotive News