Stephan Winkelmann’s goodbye speech to Lamborghini employees – Video

 

Sant’Agata Bolognes, highlights from the speech by Stephan Winkelmman to Lamborghini employees.

It’s official: Stephan Winkelmann (above) has left Lamborghini and has been appointed CEO of Quattro GmbH, an Audi subsidiary responsible for the brand’s high-performance R and RS models. Stefano Domenicali, who came to Audi from Ferrari in 2014, becomes the new president and CEO of Lamborghini. Heinz Hollerweger, the 62-year-old current head of Quattro, will retire.

Though the news only became official today, AUTOMOBILE European bureau chief Georg Kacher reported on the shuffle in December 2015, after reports about the shake-up began circulating in Europe. The move likely points to Audi’s intention to enter Formula 1 racing by 2018; Domenicali was Ferrari Formula 1 team manager, having joined Scuderia Ferrari in 1993. In 2014, he joined Audi as vice president of new business initiatives. Reports suggest Audi will enter F1 in 2018 in partnership with Red Bull Racing; the heavy investment needed may mean Audi will shut down some of its other racing operations, including Le Mans and the DTM Germany touring-car series.

Winkelmann leaves Lamborghini after more than ten years with the brand. The 51-year-old executive became Lamborghini president and CEO in January 2005, and is credited with helping significantly elevate the brand’s reputation and sales. Last year, Lamborghini set an all-time sales record, of 3,245 cars sold globally. In his new role at Quattro GmbH, Winkelmann will in addition to R and RS models also oversee the Quattro Sport racing program, the Audi Exclusive customization arm, and the Audi Sport accessories collection.