Claudio Domenicali greets the Ducatisti at WDW2016
· Thousands of fans and motorcycles at the 9th edition of the great Desmo get-together, now in full swing at the “Marco Simoncelli” Misano World Circuit
· Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali reports on Company development
· In the first six months of 2016, Ducati grew by 7% over the same period in 2015 – which already was a year of record sales
· Preview of the new Ducati Supersport to all fans at WDW2016
Misano Adriatico (Rimini - Italy), 2 July 2016 - They are already here in their thousands and many more are on their way: motorcyclists are flocking to the World Ducati Week 2016, now happening at the “Marco Simoncelli” Misano World Circuit until Sunday, 3 July. The great international gathering, organised for the world’s Ducatisti every two years, was the perfect opportunity for Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Motor Holding CEO, to report data relating to international markets and the positive business results obtained in the course of the first six months of 2016. These figures confirm the positive trend of the Company - constantly growing and improving in these past six years.
“Despite having experienced first-hand all eight previous editions of our WDW, attending this fantastic event once again is, as always, a very powerful emotion”, said Claudio Domenicali to the world press gathered at the event. "In 2014, I attended my first WDW as the company’s CEO. Sharing an experience like this with thousands of fans made me feel even more the great responsibility that I have towards so many Ducatisti all over the world. The emotion that I felt this morning, riding into the circuit - added the Ducati CEO - was equally as strong; I truly felt part of a Community of women and men who work for the same Company, and share with the thousands of Ducatisti who have reached the Romagna Riviera to take part in this fantastic event from everywhere in the world the pride of belonging to a legendary, prestigious brand like Ducati. We do not yet know how many participants will attend this 9th edition of WDW, but one thing is certain - concluded the company’s Chief Executive - Just looking at the paddock of the Misano World Circuit gives me goosebumps! It is teeming with our motorcycles: a sure sign of the value of the Brand and also of the deep affection and respect that our fans feel for our bikes. Finally, I would like to thank all those that, back at the Borgo Panigale factory and in each one of the 90 countries where we are present, are working every day to ensure that this dream that we call Ducati is, today, brighter than ever.”
In these last two years Ducati has grown, has changed, and has evolved according to a precise, strategic pattern. The evolution of the Brand produced our most recent models: the XDiavel, which marks the brand’s access to the cruiser world; the Multistrada 1200 Enduro, a thoroughbred Ducati in the maxi-adventure motorcycle segment; and the fun world of the Scrambler, which after only one year of life and over 25,000 bikes sold, is already celebrating its First International Meeting right here at the WDW2016.
The event in Misano has been the framework to a preview 2017: the new Ducati Supersport. Participants had the chance to see it in a dedicated “closed room”; a new bike enters a new market segment which is currently missing in the Ducati range. It is a sporty road bike, accessible also to new comers to the Ducati world thanks to its easy riding, weight, performance and price. Four valve engine, 937 cc. On Saturday night, the 2nd of July, the unveiling of another new bike dedicated to the Ducati 90th Anniversary (1926-2016) will take place on the stage of the Santamonica Stadium. On the same occasion, the Ducati Corse riders will be presented to the audience, followed by the rock concert by Piero Pelù.
These creations all show the direction in which Ducati is moving: not only passion and performance, but also focus on safety, usability, and fun riding also at lower speed. Thanks to all this, in the first six months of 2016 Ducati sold over 34,900 motorcycles - plus 7% over 2015, which already was a record year in the history of Ducati with 54,800 motorcycles sold. Our constant growth trend during these past six years confirms that we have the solidity and resources to face any challenge with a positive, proactive attitude.
The WDW 2016 attendance figures have already exceeded the 2014 results by 53% in terms of DOC - Desmo Owners Club participation, with a 51% increase in the pre-sale tickets figure, confirming the extraordinary ‘power of attraction’ of our Company. Many riders also attend the WDW to meet their fans and challenge each other in competitions; Audi, Lamborghini and Volkswagen Utility Vehicles will present a number of initiatives confirming the existing synergies within the VW Group. Finally, major sponsors are supporting the 9th edition of our Ducati event; prestigious partners including TIM, Shell and Termignoni, and many others, have believed in and supported this year’s WDW.
The focus is not just on entertainment, but also on sustainable management: a primary commitment for Ducati and its event, which was granted the ISO 20121 certification within the scope of the Sustainable Event Management System - making of ours the first certified sustainable event ever in the world of motorcycling!
MAIN SPONSOR: Tim – Shell Advance - Termignoni
OFFICIAL PARTNER: Bosch – Canon – GData – Gruppo Hera – Prep – MilleMiglia – Volkswagen Veicoli Commerciali
OFFICIAL TYRE SUPPLIER: Pirelli
OFFICIAL SUPPLIER & TECHNICAL PARTNER: AG Motor Store - Andreani Group – Arai – Brembo – Bianchi – Cantine Ceci – Dainese – Evotech – Gates – Givi – LV8 Elevate – ME Group – Milestone – Officine Superbike – Spidi- Touratech AG - Unibat
INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER & CATERING: Misano World Circuit – Comune di Misano Adriatico – aMisano – Summertrade – Repubblica di San Marino
Ongoing information and updates about WDW2016 are available on the site wdw.ducati.com, the app WDW2016, the dedicated Facebook page: www.facebook.com/worldducatiweek, or using the hashtag #worldducatiweek2016 @ducatimotor on Twitter or Instagram.