Ducati laid out its 3rd quarter report Friday and the news wasn't good. Sales were up 31 percent but losses grew to $15.3 million dollars for the quarter. Chief Executive Federico Minoli blamed the poor performance on "unfavorable mix -- more goods being sold at lower prices -- and a delay in production of its Sport Classic bike. He said Ducati hoped to ship 3,500 pre-sold Sport Classics in the fourth quarter."
Ducati, famed for its Monster bike, said U.S. registrations rose 21 percent in the first nine months of 2005. But registrations fell 9 percent in Japan, 15 percent in Italy, 16 percent in Britain and 18 percent in Germany.
As a result of the losses, Ducati is studying various recovery options.
source: Reuters
