Ducati to launch superbikes next week

The Ferrari of bikes, Bologna (Italy) -based Ducati is expected to launch five superbikes — motorcycles with engines of more than 800 cc — in India on May 7.

The bikes will be imported as completely built units on which there is a 60 per cent import duty. Each bike will cost more than Rs 10 lakh.

Ducati's Global Chief Executive Gabriel Deltorchio will be flying to India on the day of the formal launch in Delhi.

Ducati already has a 50:50 joint venture with Kinetic Motors to manufacture auto components. It currently has a sole distributor in India based in Mumbai.

India's 7.2-million-strong bike market, which is also the world's second-largest two-wheeler market, has prompted leading bike-makers around the world to renew their focus on the Indian market.

These include the legendary Harley Davidson of the US, Triumph of the UK and Japanese majors like Honda and Kawasaki. Kawasaki sells its superbikes through Bajaj Auto, its motorcycle partner in India.

Though size and growth figures are not available for this nascent market, companies like Suzuki, which is launching the Hayabusa 1300 cc bike, and Honda, which is launching the CBR 1000 RR, are anticipating huge demand.

This despite the fact that German bike-maker BMW called off an arrangement, signed several years ago, with the Munjals to sell power bikes owing to negligible sales.

The Harley, meanwhile, is facing a roadblock in introducing its range of bikes here as the Indian government has refused to cut duties on the bike. The same government has, however, relaxed its emission norms on the bike and also allowed the company to set up a dealer network in the country.

Last year, media reports suggested that current leader in the performance bike segment, Bajaj Auto, was looking to buy out Ducati Motor Holding in an effort to build its own brand in the lucrative European market.

The Pune-based company, however, later bought a near-controlling stake in Austrian bike company KTM.

Ducati North America Offering Special Financing On 1098s And Hypermotard 1100s

Cupertino, CA - Just in time for the summer riding season, Ducati North America and GE Money are launching a special financing program for some of Ducati’s best selling motorcycles.

For those who are dreaming of a new Ducati, this program offers low interest rates and extended terms to make some of the most desirable Ducati’s more accessible. This promotion will run from May 1st, 2008 – July 31, 2008 at participating Ducati dealers.

The three models eligible for the program are:

· 2008 Hypermotard 1100

· 2008 Hypermotard 1100 S

· 2008 1098 Superbike

Ducati customers can take advantage of rates as low as 1.99%; and terms up to 72 months. Some payment examples include:

· The Hypermotard for as low as $199 a month for 72 months

· The 1098 Superbike for as low as $269 a month for 72 months

Customers can also take advantage of this offer by rolling Accessories, Apparel and the Ducati Everred Protection Program into the special financing. This allows customers to ride their new bikes with personalized style from the Ducati Performance range.

Rather than limiting the program only to those with flawless credit, Ducati is offering the financing to those in several tiers of eligibility. This opens up the program to Ducatisti who in the past could not easily finance a Ducati.

Ducati India enters into Ahmedabad

We see a lot of potential in the western market and the opening of this showroom is a part of our aim to create a strong network that will provide our customers a world-class Ducati ownership experience.

Ducati India a division of Precision Motor India Private Limited, today announced the opening of its third dealership outlet in India at Ahmedabad with Cama Motors Private Limited.

On this occasion, Mirko Bordiga, CEO, Ducati, Asia Pacific, said, “Ducati India dealerships are presently leading in offering high quality services that are at par with international standards. We see a lot of potential in the western market and the opening of this showroom is a part of our aim to create a strong network that will provide our customers a world-class Ducati ownership experience. We have received a positive response from all bike enthusiasts and it’s good to know that they are excited about the Ducati brand. We feel honored to be part of the evolving motorcycle industry in the country.”

Ashish Chordia, CEO of Ducati India operation trading under Precision Motor India Private Limited said: “This is yet another milestone since our successful India launch in 2009. TheDucati brand symbolizes racing success and passion, which we at Precision Motor India also represent. With India’s appreciation of luxury bikes and the opening of this showroom we are now able to offer customers the opportunity to experience what riders across the world have experienced for over a century. We also look forward to a long and fruitful association with Ducati and Cama Motors and we are very proud to be promoting theDucati brand in India.”

On the occasion, Rustom Cama, Executive Director, Ducati Ahmedabad, (Cama Motors) said, “In order to serve our clientele with enthusiasm and passion we are proud to launch our first Ducati showroom and workshop facility in Ahmedabad. As Ducati dealers in Ahmedabad we commit ourselves to delivering the Ducati experience to all Ducatista. Promoted by the Cama Motors, our investment in this new facility, customer service and after sales has already been rewarded by orders and deliveries, even prior to the opening. The level of interest in the Ducati brand in Ahmedabad has been very positive.”