DucatiFeaturesFrom The Print EditionIn this issueTop Stories

Ducati chalks up more growth; U.S. unit sales up 1.3 percent

Multistradas, Monsters boost 2017 performance

Ducati Motor Holding continues to grow. In 2017 the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer delivered 55,871 bikes to customers worldwide, strengthening the success of the previous year (55,451) and continuing the upward trend that has been a stable company characteristic for eight years.

“2017 was another great year for Ducati, both commercially and racing-wise,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “We battled it out for the MotoGP title all the way to the last race, won six GPs and brought home the best results since 2009. Continuous renewal of the product range and a strong focus on creating motorcycles of the utmost quality has allowed us to keep on growing despite the problems affecting the world market. I extend heartfelt thanks to all the men and women whose passion makes it possible, every day, to build these extraordinary bikes. Their work has made Ducati an emblem of Italian excellence.”

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, guided the Italian OEM to another year of growth in 2017. Photo courtesy of Ducati Motor Holding

Each model in the range has played its part in achieving the results, confirming their continuous capacity to excite Ducati enthusiasts all over the globe. In 2017 the Multistrada family, now extended to include the new Multistrada 950, proved particularly popular. The Monster family also enjoyed healthy sales, as did the SuperSport and the exclusive 1299 Superleggera, 500 of which were purchased (at a price of 80,000 euro each) even before they went into production.

Ducati Scrambler solidified the success of the previous two years, reinforcing the range of Scrambler bikes offered by the addition of the new Desert Sled and Café Racer. A total of 14,061 Scrambler bikes were delivered in 2017, making a significant contribution to overall sales.

The Italian market was particularly buoyant, ending 2017 with 12 percent growth (8,806 motorcycles delivered).

In the U.S. — which remains Ducati’s biggest market — deliveries were up by 1.3 percent, with bike sales totaling 8,898. In Argentina, the growth rate reached a stunning 66 percent.

In Asian markets Ducati delivered a total of 5,805 bikes, also strengthening its position in China (31 percent sales growth), where the dealership network doubled in size from 9 to 18.

“Despite a shrinking global market, we’ve succeeded in increasing our market share. We’ve expanded significantly in both consolidated markets such as Italy and Spain and in strategic emerging markets like China and Argentina. This is thanks to a range capable of generating loyalty among Ducatisti all over the world yet also winning over new customers with models such as the SuperSport, Multistrada 950 and the Scrambler family. Moreover, the sales success of the 1299 Superleggera and 1299 Panigale R Final Edition confirm our technological and brand leadership in the high-end sport bike segment,” said Andrea Buzzoni, Global Sales and Marketing director.

This positive end to 2017 allows Ducati to look to the future with confidence. The eagerly awaited Panigale V4 will be the first Ducati factory motorcycle to be equipped with a four-cylinder engine, a direct offshoot of the Desmosedici used in MotoGP.

The new Ducati Scrambler 1100 adds another dimension to the Scrambler world, merging performance and high quality fishes to the boundless freedom of expression and the fun to ride, with the dimensions and comfort associated with bigger bikes. 

In addition, the Multistrada 1260 takes the technological evolution of the Multistrada to the next level: a high resolution instrument panel, electronic gear shift and a big increase in mid-range torque make it the perfect sport tourer. A renewed 821 and the 959 Panigale Corse complete the new bikes for 2018. 

Advertisement

 

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button