Who owns a Bugatti? Bugatti is an automobile brand that manufactures high-performance luxury sports cars. As of now, Bugatti is owned by Volkswagen Group, a German multinational automotive corporation. Volkswagen Group acquired Bugatti in 1998, and since then, it has been a part of their automotive portfolio along with other luxury brands such as Lamborghini, Bentley, and Audi. When it comes to individuals who own Bugatti cars, numerous celebrities, athletes, and wealthy individuals around the world can count themselves among Bugatti owners. Some notable Bugatti owners include Cristiano Ronaldo, Floyd Mayweather, Tom Brady, and Jay-Z.
Company History
Bugatti, a renowned luxury car brand, was founded by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian-born engineer, in 1909 in Molsheim, France. The company initially gained fame for its beautifully designed and high-performance automobiles. However, Bugatti’s ownership has undergone several changes throughout its history.
1. Ettore Bugatti (1909-1947):
During the early years, Bugatti was owned and led by its founder, Ettore Bugatti. He established the company as a prominent player in the automotive industry, achieving numerous racing victories and expanding the automobile range. Unfortunately, the brand experienced a decline during World War II, and Ettore passed away in 1947, marking the end of the founder’s era.
2. Roland Bugatti (1947-1963):
Ettore’s son, Roland Bugatti, stepped in to lead the company after his father’s death. He attempted to revive the brand with the Type 251 race car, but it wasn’t successful. Eventually, the company discontinued automobile production in the early 1960s, mainly focusing on airplane parts manufacturing before closing down entirely.
3. Romano Artioli (1987-1995):
The Bugatti name was resurrected when Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli acquired the rights to the brand and established Bugatti Automobili S.p.A., headquartered in Modena, Italy. Artioli introduced the Bugatti EB110, an advanced high-performance supercar in 1991. However, due to financial troubles, Artioli’s Bugatti eventually went bankrupt in 1995.
4. Volkswagen AG (1998-Present):
In 1998, German automotive group Volkswagen AG purchased the Bugatti brand rights along with an assembly plant. Under VW Group’s ownership, Bugatti premiered the Veyron in 2005, a globally acclaimed car that set new standards in performance, engineering, and luxury. Later on, in 2016, Bugatti launched the Chiron, another milestone in hypercar performance and the current flagship model of the brand. Today, Bugatti continues to be a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group and operates under the guidance of the German automotive giant. The VW Group’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies and design has helped Bugatti maintain its legacy as a world-class luxury car manufacturer.
Who was the Original founder?
Bugatti was originally founded by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian-born designer and engineer, in 1909. Ettore Bugatti was born on September 15, 1881, in Milan, Italy, into an artistic family, as his father was a renowned furniture and jewelry designer, and his brother was a well-known sculptor. Ettore Bugatti became interested in engineering at an early age and attended the Brera Academy in Milan before eventually moving to Germany to further his education at the Technische Hochschule München.
During this time, he started working with a number of local automotive manufacturers and quickly gained a reputation for his innovative engineering ideas and attention to detail. In 1909, Ettore Bugatti decided to start his own company, Automobiles E. Bugatti, in Molsheim, which was then part of the German Empire, but it is now a part of France.
His first car, the Bugatti Type 13, was introduced in 1910 and garnered attention for its high quality and superior performance. Throughout the years, Bugatti became synonymous with luxury, style, and performance, producing iconic vehicles such as the Type 35 and the Type 57. Ettore Bugatti ran the company until his death in August 1947.
The Bugatti brand would later be revived by Volkswagen Group in the late 20th century, leading to the creation of modern-day models like the Veyron and Chiron.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who owns a Bugatti?
The owner of a Bugatti solely depends on who has purchased the luxury vehicle. The Bugatti brand is owned by Volkswagen Group, a German multinational automotive manufacturing corporation.
2. Who are some notable Bugatti owners?
Notable Bugatti owners include celebrities, athletes, and successful entrepreneurs such as Cristiano Ronaldo, rapper Lil Wayne, soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimović, celebrity Jay-Z, and entrepreneur Flo Rida.
3. How much does a Bugatti cost?
The cost of a Bugatti varies depending on the model and customization options. The latest Bugatti models, such as the Bugatti Chiron, start at around $3 million, while the Bugatti Veyron can range from $1.7 million to $3 million.
4. How rare are Bugatti vehicles?
Bugatti vehicles are rare due to their exclusivity and limited production. Many Bugatti models, like the Chiron, have production limits of just 500 units. This adds to their appeal and makes them highly sought after by collectors and automotive enthusiasts.
5. What are the key features of a Bugatti?
Bugatti vehicles are known for their exceptional performance, luxury, and attention to detail. Key features include powerful engines, capable of achieving high top speeds and acceleration, luxurious interiors, and exceptional design, making them an ultimate status symbol for many owners.
Sources for More Information
- Bugatti Official Website
- Top Gear – Who owns a Bugatti
- Wikipedia – Bugatti
- HighStuff – Old Bugatti
- Luxatic – Top 20 Most Famous Bugatti Owners
Featured image provided by Boris Hamer; Pexels; Thanks!
