Despite the complex global situation and the seven-week production stoppage right at the peak of the season, which heavily impacted the first six months, Ducati Motor Holding closes 2020 with a record second half of the year.
Thanks to the results obtained from July to December, Ducati manages to deliver a total of 48,042 motorcycles in 2020, containing the sales differential compared to 2019 to -9.7%. A remarkable result if we consider the impact of the pandemic and the resulting forced closure of the Ducati factory between March and April.
Moreover, the growth trend that has characterized the brand in recent years continues in China which, with 4,041 motorcycles sold (+26%) becomes the 4th market for the Borgo Panigale-based company. Increase in sales compared to 2019 is also recorded in Germany, with 5,490 units (+6.7%), and in Switzerland (+11.1%). Italy is confirmed as the world's leading market with 7,100 motorcycles.
"2020 was a complex year in many ways and a whole new challenge for everyone in the world. Inevitably, it ended differently than we would have wished, but Ducati was able to make the most of the recovery trend in the two-wheeler market that began in June, achieving an excellent second half of the year with a final result that was better than forecast in March. By redefining our working methods and processes, we were able to maintain the safety of our employees, stay close to our fans and consolidate the Ducati brand worldwide, growing in certain markets such as China. We also won the MotoGP World Constructors' Title for the second time in our history," Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, said.
In spite of the global situation, 2020 was characterized by the victory of the MotoGP World Constructors' Title, the continuation of the process to strengthen the sales network, the opening of the new Australian branch and the start of production of unique limited edition models such as the Superleggera V4 and the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini.
The Streetfighter V4 was the best-selling model with 5,730 units sold, while in terms of families, the Scrambler® was the most distributed motorcycle with 9,265 motorcycles. Ducati's Scrambler is a world full of freedom, joy and self-expression, the "Land of Joy" that celebrates the true essence of motorcycling guaranteeing accessibility and fun in complete safety.
"The last part of 2020 was characterized by an excellent second half of the year from several points of view that allowed Ducati, with 48,042 motorcycles sold, to recover part of the gap in sales which arouse in the first months of the year. Despite everything, the Company confirmed the growth trend in the markets of China, Germany and Switzerland recording better numbers than in 2019", Francesco Milicia, vice president and global sales director of Ducati, added. "During 2020, Ducati also committed to supporting its sales network worldwide, developing the Ducati Cares program, which allowed Ducati enthusiasts to visit their trusted dealers in complete safety, to be able to interact digitally to book an appointment and evaluate the purchase of a motorcycle remotely. All that without interrupting the process of expansion, which has continued with the opening of new dealers and the new Australian branch".
The positive trend that characterized the end of 2020 allows a strong Ducati company to look to the future with optimism and confidence. For 2021, the product range is more complete than ever and the interest of enthusiasts has been reflected in an order portfolio that is the largest ever at the beginning of the year. The first deliveries of the Multistrada V4, the world's first motorcycle equipped with front and rear radar, have already begun and, in the coming months, Ducati dealers will also receive the other new products for the 2021 model year including the Panigale V4 SP, the SuperSport 950, the Monster and the Scrambler® Night Shift.
"We begin 2021 with the certainty of an increasingly complete range that is focused on meeting the needs of different types of motorcyclists. The new products have marked a very positive order portfolio at the beginning of the year and is a clear sign of the appreciation of our enthusiasts. Motorcycles such as the new Multistrada V4 that, with its technology, mark a new milestone for the wheeler world, or the Monster, which represents the Ducati essence in the most compact, essential and lightweight form possible for everyday fun. Even the upcoming racing season sees us participating in MotoGP and Superbike with young and talented riders who make us look to the future with optimism and a constant desire to improve", Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, concluded.
