August has been a good month for motorcycle sales – even as the ‘recovery’ from the never-ending recession appears to be running out of steam. Most manufacturers experienced sales increases from previous months as new models started showing up in dealer showrooms – and previous year’s models went on sale. For Ducati, it was a great August; the Italian marque’s North American division witnessed a 24% gain over July! That’s something very notable at a time when many prospective motorcycle owners cannot even get financing.
Industry insiders credit the increase to the success of the all-new Ducati Monster 796 and the Multistrada 1200 line of multi-purpose motorcycles, which is already one of the motorcycle industry’s best sellers. Of course, the 848 EVO has not yet arrived on US shores, but the riders putting cash down to hold one have been streaming into Ducati dealers nationwide.
Of course, the numerous discount programs which Ducati has offered customers over the summer certainly helped. Ducati Sales and Marketing North America gives credit to its vast dealer network, and they most certainly deserve it as they are the ones on the front lines. But, if you have put a leg over any version of the new Multistrada, you might just congratulate the engineers behind the beautiful and well-designed Italian machine.
It’s quite nice to hear some good news in the industry given the economic climate. Now all Ducati has to worry about is whether leaving the FIM World Superbike Championship will have any impact on sales when the 2011 season begins without the factory…stay tuned.
