Ducati North America Reports 43 Percent Growth in 2011

CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ducati North America today announced 2011 motorcycle sales growth of 43 percent compared to 2010 and a record market share in all of it's territories: US, Canada and Mexico. This result established North America as Ducati's number one market for the first time ever.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120119/LA38453)

Ducati Performance line of apparel and accessories also recorded significant growth with a 50 percent annual increase.

Ducati's growth was fueled by an expanding product line-up, including the award-winning Diavel and Multistrada. Voted "Best Cruiser of 2011" by several motorcycle magazines, the Diavel accomplishes its goal of capturing and attracting new customers to the brand. The Multistrada, voted "Best Open Street Bike" by Cycle World for the second year in a row, continues to prove its adventure touring capabilities with the successful completion of the historical La Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico along with its second win of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

"Growth in the North American market is a top priority for Ducati. North America's outstanding performance significantly contributed to Ducati's global success in 2011, which has been a record year for us in terms of global sales, market share and profitability," said Cristiano Silei, Chief Executive Officer of Ducati North America. "This year the company made substantial investments in new product, key personnel and in the strength of our distribution network. These elements, combined with an array of extraordinary products, including our new Superbike, the 1199 Panigale, will continue to fuel our growth in 2012 and beyond."

In 2012, Ducati will refocus its efforts in the sportbike category with the first customer deliveries of the brand's newest flagship Superbike, the Ducati 1199 Panigale and the 848 EVO Corse Special Edition. New additions to the Ducati line-up also include the Diavel AMG, the recently announced Diavel Cromo, as well as the highly anticipated Streetfighter 848.

Ducati North America also announced the launch of a new retail identity initiative aimed at enhancing the Ducati customer experience.

"The introduction of the retail identity program demonstrates Ducati's commitment to its core brand values, while building a complete and seamless shopping experience for customers," said Dominique Cheraki, General Manager of Ducati North America. "We are dedicated to a continual investment in the functional and emotional quality of our products, as well as the premium retail experience."

For more information about Ducati North America and Ducati's line of performance motorcycles, please visit www.ducatiusa.com or your local Ducati dealer.

About Ducati:
Founded in 1926, Ducati has been producing sport-inspired motorcycles since 1946. "Desmodromic" performance engines, innovative design and avant-garde technology characterize its motorcycles. Covering several market segments, Ducati's range of motorcycles are divided into model families which include: Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Streetfighter and Superbike. These authentic icons of "made in Italy" are sold in over 80 countries around the world, with concentration on the European, North American and Asia Pacific markets. Ducati competes in both the World Superbike Championship and, with an official team, the World MotoGP Championship. In Superbike Ducati has won 17 Manufacturers' titles and 14 Riders' titles and in 2011 passed the historic milestone of 300 race victories. Ducati have participated in MotoGP since 2003, and took both the Manufacturers' and Riders' titles in 2007.

SOURCE Ducati North America