Well it just goes to show someone is moving motorcycles. In May, Ducati had an all time record month for sales, selling 1782 bikes, an increase of 388 over their previous record. Maybe a lot of Audi owners thought they could park a sexy Italian next to their sporty German since they are now part of the family. Whatever the reason, it’s nice to see them doing so well.
Press release follows:
CUPERTINO, Calif., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Ducati North America reported a retail sales increase of 49 percent in May, reaching 1,782 new motorcycles sold and marking the company’s all-time monthly record. This result surpassed the prior record set in June 2008 by 388 motorcycles or 28 percent. YTD retail sales growth of 19 percent to 4,844 units also marked an all-time record for the January-May period, with consistent growth across all motorcycle segments.
“This fantastic result confirms the customer’s enthusiasm for our brand that has led us to double our sales in just 24 months. The increasing appeal of our expanding product line, our experience-based marketing strategy and the strengthening of our dealer network, represent the key building blocks that will continue to fuel our future growth,” said Cristiano Silei, Ducati Vice President of Global Sales and CEO of Ducati North America.
May 2012 sales results were buoyed by the introduction of two new models, the groundbreaking 1199 Panigale and the Streetfighter 848, combined with the continued success of the high-end Multistrada and Diavel families.
GuitarSlinger says
Lets hope these numbers aren’t simply another fine example of the propensity for Italian manufactures of late to …… how shall we say this …… Exaggerate their numbers just a tad ! Especially since Audi-VW of late has been taking the same page from the Italians playbook when it comes to putting out their numbers .
Counting Floor Planning to Dealers …. Finished products … and at times even future finished products as sales …. along with more than a bit of creative accounting
Believe me I truly hope these numbers are real … but I’ve got more than enough reasons/proof to believe otherwise . To quote Randy Newman ; ” I could be wrong now … But I don’t think so “
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
If you’re going call their numbers into question, present some evidence to show your concerns are valid, not rumors or hearsay.
The press release above states:
“a retail sales increase of 49 percent in May, reaching 1,782 new motorcycles sold”
That’s not floor planning to dealers or finished products, that’s retail sales. Unless you or someone else has solid evidence to prove otherwise, I would tend to believe those figures.
Dolf Peeters says
I am European. I know Italy and the Italians. A surrealistic nation filled with unbelievable people. They always prefere ‘Passion’ above ‘pasta’. But since European motorcyclist seem to get a bit bored by Japanese Perfection, their is a strong search for “passion” in our passion. And thats is what Italians are superior in: delivering passion. As a friend and Ducati lover said: They start selling machines if they think they are beautiful enough. Quality is such an over estimated thing! Qualitywise: I ride an old Guzzi with 300Th + km on the counter and a Russian sidevalve outfit.
Kind regards,
Dolf
And who does not want to have a Pani?
Gary says
Love my Hypermotard, but trading “up” to a Diavel!
Fretka says
This latest info is made all the more interesting by the “fact” that this renewed popularity is procured by using (what current engineering trends/thinking) would dismiss as ancient and hobbling engine architecture, ie’ 180 degree cylinders and a twin as opposed to multi-cylinder.
Many, including myself, wondered how many more “band-aids” Ducati could come up with to keep this engine competitive.
It would seem that there is life in the old girl yet!
Ducati is a very tangible lesson that the whole is more than the sum of it’s parts. But now we are into that confusing, messy area that is called emotion and if I can’t look at it and understand it, it tends to make me uncomfortable! A very potent motivation indeed.
Fretka
Papasan says
I had chance to review in person the 1199 this weekend while helping a friend move. It is everything Ducati says it is and more. Seeing it up close, the 1199 is a work of art and the engine sound is beyond sublime.
I will dream on and in the mean time enjoy my recent find of a Suzuki 1200 Bandit for $1500 US, not bad for an old fart…
PAPASAN OUT!
OMMAG says
My local Ducati dealer is a long time and successful retailer.
This year he has half the new stock on the floor as last. Half his stock at season start was old stock and so far I have seen ONE new Duc sold.
This was a pre-ordered and reserved Panigale S.
Zippy says
This is a good example of “dont tell me what i want, sell me what I want ” The Italians, Brits and even the A-merkins aew building bikes folks want and will buy. The Japanese are trying to tell us we need sport bikes with automatic transmissions and cruisers with more cheep ABS chrome to make them look like Harleys.
We would not be reading this if we were not passionate about our bikes.
john smith says
about 1800 bikes at about $15,000 each works out to about $30 million in total sales in the US for the year
assuming one Ducati dealer in each state (bad assumption), the average dealer sold about $600,000.00.
just some numbers that are a very rough approximate guess that’s not even close to reality. Just an indication of how tough the motorcycle business is.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Ducati sells more Monsters than any other model and those start under $9,000. I have no idea what the mix was of units sold, but it sounds like you’re guessing high. If it was a large proportion of Monsters, it could throw your numbers off by a lot.
Yes, that is a bad assumption, it’s low. Just glancing at the first few states, Alaska has 2, Arizona has 3, California has 8, Colorado has 3, that’s 16 in just four states. There’s 126 in the USA. You can find the info on Ducati’s website, no need to assume anything.
I’m not defending Ducati or privy to any inside information, but as I stated above in another comment, if you have some evidence to call these numbers into question, let everyone see it.
john says
Looks like there’s no way a dealership could survive selling ONLY Ducatis.
Chaz says
Our nearest dealer is 30 miles away. He also sells Triumphs and BMW’s, and is a really great guy. But I doubt that he is getting rich. How much profit is there in a $15,000 bike versus a $60,000 Ford pickup?
Adam says
Indy Ducati in Zionsville (suburb) sells ONLY Ducati bikes and it’s very hard to go in that place on a nice day without it buzzing with customers. Their hospitality is great, and I think they’re doing ok with regards to selling only Ducati’s too. They’re selling the Panigale faster than they can get them on delivery, a deposit gets you in line behind the next few guys.