Bugatti’s Historic Origins in Molsheim

Bugatti, long celebrated for its breathtaking hypercars, traces its roots back to 1909 when Ettore Bugatti founded the brand in Molsheim—a city then in Germany but now part of France’s Alsace region. Over the decades, its reputation has grown through icons like the Type 35 Grand Prix series and the Art Deco‑inspired Type 57 Atlantic, cementing its place in automotive legend.

The Formation of Bugatti Rimac

In late 2021, a pivotal change occurred in the company’s modern era when Bugatti merged with Croatia’s electrifying startup Rimac Automobili to form the joint venture Bugatti Rimac. In this new structure, Rimac Group holds a 55 percent stake while Porsche owns the remaining 45 percent. Mate Rimac now serves as the chief executive, while Bugatti continues to function under its historic marque within the combined organization.

Manufacturing Still Based in France

Despite being part of this joint venture, every Bugatti vehicle is still hand‑assembled in its iconic French atelier in Molsheim. However, the group’s global headquarters and future powertrain development operations are housed at the Rimac Campus near Zagreb, Croatia. In Zagreb, Bugatti Rimac engineers focus on the electric and hybrid systems that will power the next-generation hypercars.

The Future Begins with the Tourbillon

The first new model born under this partnership, the hybrid Tourbillon, is slated to begin production in 2026. With a naturally aspirated V16 engine augmented by electric motors, it delivers around 1,775 horsepower and promises to redefine the hypercar template. Fully assembled in France, its design and powertrain developments are shared between Molsheim and Zagreb—with Molsheim preserving the brand’s tradition and craftsmanship and Zagreb pushing the technological edge.

Dual Legacy: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation

Today, Bugatti Rimac’s operation rouses attention not only for its exceptional vehicles but also for its unique trans‑European structure. Molsheim remains the spiritual and manufacturing home of Bugatti, preserving the artisanal spirit that has defined the marque for over a century. Meanwhile, the global headquarters in Croatia symbolizes a bold new direction centered around electrification, hybrid powertrains, and innovation—guided by CEO Mate Rimac and backed by a powerful alliance with Porsche.