Ducati CEO: We will be ready for increased competition from Harley
INDIANAPOLIS — Ducati Motor Holding CEO Gabriele Del Torchio said the Italian manufacturer will be ready for increased competition in the premium sector of the sport bike market as a result of Harley-Davidson recently acquiring MV Agusta.
“You know, I have a lot of respect for Harley-Davidson,” he said in a Sept. 17 interview with Powersports Business at the Ducati North America dealer meeting in Indianapolis. “I consider Harley-Davidson as a benchmark in the industry.”
Del Torchio said he expects MV Agusta to be in a “different position” within two or three years.
“Am I afraid for that?” he said. “Not so much.
“If together we can expand the premium segment, why not. Obviously I’m ready to accept competition from (Harley-Davidson). We are working so hard in the new product allotment, we are working so hard to reinforce our distribution that we will be ready.”
For more on Del Torchio’s discussion with Powersports Business, see the Oct. 13 edition.