Lamborghini Urus SUV Production Planned for Slovakia from 2017
Volkswagen Group insiders say Lamborghini's Urus SUV will be built in Bratislava, sharing its production line with other group SUVs and benefiting from new aluminium pressing facilities.
Lamborghini is preparing to enter the luxury SUV market with the Urus, a model that represents a significant shift for the Italian brand. Traditionally known for its supercars built in Italy, Lamborghini will assemble the Urus at Volkswagen Group’s plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. This decision, revealed by sources within Volkswagen to German publication Automobilwoche, is expected to see production begin in 2017.
The move to Slovakia marks a new chapter for Lamborghini, aligning the brand with Volkswagen Group’s broader strategy of consolidating large SUV production at a single, highly capable facility. The Bratislava plant is already known for building several of the group’s premium SUVs, including the Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, and Audi Q7. It also produces bodies for Bentley’s forthcoming ultra-luxury SUV. This centralisation allows Volkswagen Group to optimise manufacturing processes and share expertise across its luxury brands.
Why Build the Urus in Slovakia?
Volkswagen Group’s decision to base Urus production in Slovakia is rooted in efficiency and resource sharing. The Bratislava facility’s flexible production lines are designed to accommodate multiple models from different brands, making it possible to streamline logistics and reduce costs. By producing the Urus alongside other high-end SUVs, Lamborghini can take advantage of economies of scale and access advanced manufacturing technologies already in place at the plant.
Shared Platform and Plant Upgrades
The Urus will be built on a modified version of Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform, which is also used for the next-generation Porsche Cayenne and other group SUVs. To prepare for the arrival of new models, Volkswagen has installed its largest metal press at the Bratislava site. This press is capable of producing both steel and aluminium body panels, supporting the group’s strategy to increase the use of reinforced aluminium in future SUVs. The aim is to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency, factors that are increasingly important in the luxury SUV segment.
Models Produced at Bratislava Plant
- Porsche Cayenne
- Volkswagen Touareg
- Audi Q7
- Bentley (body production)
- Lamborghini Urus (from 2017)
Growing Competition in the Luxury SUV Market
Lamborghini’s entry into the luxury SUV segment comes amid increased competition from other high-end brands. Maserati is preparing to launch its Levante SUV, while Rolls-Royce is reportedly close to deciding on its own luxury SUV project. The Urus, which was first shown as a concept, is aimed at markets such as China, Russia, and the Middle East, where demand for exclusive and high-performance SUVs is strong. These regions have seen a rise in affluent buyers, encouraging manufacturers to expand their SUV offerings.
Implications for Lamborghini and Volkswagen Group
The decision to produce the Urus in Slovakia demonstrates Volkswagen Group’s commitment to consolidating SUV production and leveraging shared technology. For Lamborghini, this move provides access to advanced manufacturing processes and the benefits of a high-capacity facility. It may also allow for more competitive pricing and improved production efficiency. However, shifting production away from Italy could raise concerns among brand enthusiasts about the impact on Lamborghini’s heritage and identity.
The Bratislava plant’s ability to handle multiple models for different brands highlights a broader industry trend of platform and component sharing. This approach enables manufacturers to respond more quickly to market demands and manage costs effectively, especially as competition in the luxury SUV segment intensifies.
Looking Ahead
With production scheduled to start in 2017, the Lamborghini Urus will join a growing list of luxury SUVs manufactured in Slovakia. This move reflects wider changes in the automotive industry, where efficiency, shared technology, and global market demand increasingly influence decisions about where vehicles are built. As Lamborghini prepares to launch the Urus, the model’s success will likely shape future strategies for both the brand and the Volkswagen Group as a whole.
