Automotive News reports that incoming VW chairman Martin Winterkorn, Audi's current CEO, may want to sell the SEAT brand. In his current position, Winterkorn is responsible for SEAT, as it's part of the Audi group. He is apparently frustrated with the Spanish automaker's disappointing profitability and according to Automotive News, it's not part of his plans when he assumes his new position.
Bernd Pischetsrieder, who will be replaced by Winterkorn, is said to oppose any such sale because it would include a transfer of valuable VW technical and operational information to the new owner. The anti-sale sentiment is apparently shared by Wolfgang Bernhard, but it's reported that he may also be leaving VW and is looking for a way out of his contract.
Amidst all the sale talk, SEAT sales through October are up 4.4%.The automaker has officially issued a blanket denial of any reports regarding a sale, calling the speculation "absurd."
[Sources: Automotive News (sub req), SEAT]
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