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VW to buy Ferrari?
Technology crossover makes takeover possible
By Tom Mack
Thursday, October 9, 2003
If Italian automaker Fiat's continuing financial crisis carries on or worsens, its prestige Ferrari brand could be taken over by Volkswagen. That prediction appeared in the latest edition of the German news magazine Der Spiegel, which goes on to say that recent co-operation between Volkswagen and Maserati might open the way for VW to take over the legendary Italian sports car builder.
If that were to happen, VW would add the famous Prancing Horse emblem to its luxury stable, which already includes, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini.
Der Spiegel says that "Volkswagen would be prepared to take (Ferrari) over at a reasonable price."
The publication notes that recent technical agreements between VW and Ferrari/Maserati chief Luca de Montezemolo suggest a close co-operation between the two companies. Volkswagen will supply the platform for its Touareg SUV, on which Maserati will build its own off-road vehicle. VW-owned Audi also has undertaken to provide Maserati with the know-how to make aluminum bodywork.
In exchange, Volkswagen would be given the platform for Maserati's brand-new Quattroporte luxury sedan, which would serve as a base for the second generation version of the luxury Volkswagen Phaeton.
Der Spiegel also underlined that both companies gain advantages from such collaboration and concluded by stating that "if one day Ferrari is put up for sale, it would almost certainly go to Volkswagen."
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