PREMIUM motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding recorded global sales of 53,000 units last year.
Its global sales director, Raffaele Fusilli, said Italy and the United States recorded the highest sales with 9,000 and 8,000 units, while Thailand and Vietnam recorded the highest sales in Southeast Asia.
“Last year saw a breakthrough for the Panigale model, which sold 9,700 units, up 70 per cent from 2017, and became the leader in the superbike segment with a market share of 26 per cent,” he during a visit to Kuala Lumpur.
In 2017, Ducati sold 55,871 units.
Ducati experienced a five per cent decline in the above 500cc motorcycle market due to a three per cent drop in overall sales of the segment, but the Panigale and Multistrada models strengthened their position in the premium motorcycle market.
“For Malaysia, Next Bike Sdn Bhd, Ducati’s leading distributor in the country, recorded sales of 300 units, which are relevant to Ducati’s growing market potential.”
To strengthen the Ducati brand in Malaysia, an investment of RM3 million was made for the provision of new sales, service and spare parts (3S) centre at Naza Automall, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
In addition to providing a more premium ownership experience, activities will be organised with owners. It will focuses on the Scrambler to boost sales.
Fusilli said the Scrambler model is one of the important products in the Ducati lineup.
“It is aimed at new or experienced riders who wantastylish ride with performance or just for a relaxed weekend ride.”
This year, seven new Ducati models will be launched in the country, in addition to the opening of a 3S exhibition space in Johor Bharu.