Ducati Motor Holding, a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, today announced that it is re-locating its North American subsidiary from New Jersey to California, in a move to get closer to the center of the US motorcycle industry.
The North American market is a priority for Ducati and represented 23% of total revenues in 2001. The re-location signals the Companys determination to capitalize on the immense potential in California, already the largest market for Ducati in the US -- representing about 20% of US retail sales -- and is home to many of America's most important motorcycle manufacturers and media. A presence in California gives the Company access to a large, specialized talent pool, closer contact with opinion leaders, vicinity to major race tracks, and excellent weather conditions for dealer training, product tests and brand-building motorcycle events.
"The re-location is part of a program aimed at re-organizing operations in North America. Ducati is currently stream-lining its US-based business by out-sourcing the management of spare parts and the distribution of motorcycles, based on the proven success of the Companys business model," said Carlo Di Biagio, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding.
"Our move to California is a key strategic move towards creating a structure which will be able to unleash the huge potential for Ducati of the US market," said Joseph Piazza, CEO of Ducati North America. "We currently have a number of products which are proving to be a great success in California and beyond. In particular, we are excited about the popularity of the innovative, new fuel-injected Monster 620, which is bringing Italian design and style to city centers and twisty roads all over the country."