German automaker Volkswagen AG (VLKAY) has told potential investors to hold their bids for the company's motorcycle unit Ducati, Reuters reported citing sources. 

The unit, which could fetch as much as 1.5 billion euros ($1.8 billion), is wholly owned by VW's luxury brand Audi. Audi and VW have been at odds over what to do with the 91-year old motorcycle unit, according to Reuters. 

VW has opposed the sale, at any price, since the unit went up in April. Potential suitors have included Italy's Benetton family, U.S. auto firm Polaris Industries and Ducati's former owner Investindustrial.

"At this stage it is highly unlikely that negotiations will be resumed this year. There are still differences between VW and Audi that need to be resolved and the unions are far from backing the sale," a source told Reuters.  

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