End of an Era at Molsheim: Porsche Retires, and Bugatti Becomes "Independent" Under Mate Rimac's Control
ZAGREB / STUTTGART – In a strategic move that marks the end of one of the most fascinating periods in modern automotive history, Porsche has officially announced the sale of its entire stake in the Bugatti Rimac joint venture. The decision marks the luxury brand’s definitive exit from the Volkswagen Group’s sphere of influence after nearly three decades of technological dominance and speed records.
A Billion Dollar Transaction: Who Takes the Reins?
Until now, the Bugatti Rimac shareholding structure was divided between Rimac Group (55%) and Porsche (45%). Through the new agreement signed at the end of April 2026, the German manufacturer not only gives up its share in Bugatti, but also sells the 20.6% stake it held directly within the Rimac Group.
Full control now passes to a consortium of investors led by HOF Capital, a New York-based investment firm known for its investments in tech giants such as SpaceX and Anthropic AI. Along with them, Abu Dhabi-based BlueFive Capital becomes the largest individual investor in the new structure.
“Porsche has been a crucial partner, but now we have a structure that allows us to execute our long-term vision at a much higher speed,” said Mate Rimac, the CEO who turned a Croatian start-up into the de facto owner of the world’s most prestigious car brand.
Why did Porsche leave?
The reasons behind this "escape" are more financial than technical. 2025 was a difficult year for Porsche, with reported profits falling sharply amid massive investments in electrification and fierce competition in the Chinese market.
The sale of the Bugatti and Rimac assets allows the Stuttgart-based manufacturer to "sharpen its focus" on its core businesses - the 911 models and the new electric range, including the upcoming electric Cayenne Coupe - freeing up valuable capital.
Volkswagen's Legacy and the Future under Rimac
Under the Volkswagen umbrella (from 1998 to 2021) and later under the joint Porsche-Rimac tutelage, Bugatti was reborn through the legendary Veyron and Chiron models. The recently launched Bugatti Tourbillon, with its 1,775 hp hybrid V16 engine, was already a clear signal of the direction imposed by Mate Rimac: a fusion of extreme mechanical engineering and cutting-edge electric propulsion.
What's next for Bugatti?
- Decision-making independence: Without the bureaucracy of a giant group like VW, Bugatti can react more quickly to the demands of the ultra-luxury market.
- Rimac Technology: Future models, such as the successor to the W16 Mistral, will benefit from unlimited access to Rimac patents in battery and software.
- Global Investments: The partnership with HOF Capital and investors from the Emirates opens new financial doors for research and development.
Conclusion: A bet on the future
The deal, which will close by the end of 2026, is a huge personal victory for Mate Rimac. At just 38 years old, the Croatian entrepreneur is becoming the central figure of global hypercars. For fans of the brand, the news is bittersweet: Bugatti is leaving the German rigor of the VW Group, but entering an era of creative freedom that promises to redefine the boundaries of physics on four wheels.
The W16 era is over, but the "Bugatti-Rimac 2.0" era is just beginning.
Do you think Bugatti will maintain its exclusivity without the financial backing of the Volkswagen Group, or will independence allow it to reach new technological heights that the Germans considered too risky?