Ductalk

NPR Ducati and Ducati Motorcycles of Atlanta will be representing Ducati at the Atlanta International Motorcycle Show. Come by and say hello!

CUPERTINO, CA – April 13, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Ducati North America announced today its seventh consecutive quarter of sales growth, beginning 2012 with a 10.2% Q1 retail sales increase. Significant growth in all of its territories (USA, Canada and Mexico) continues to position North America as Ducati’s largest global market.

The Ducati line of apparel and accessories also recorded significant growth with over a 98% Q1 increase.

“It’s exciting to report this level of sustained retail sales growth, continuing the momentum of our record year in 2011,” said Cristiano Silei, Chief Executive Officer of Ducati North America. ”We expect this growth to gain even more strength throughout the year, thanks to the imminent introduction of new products across several of Ducati’s motorcycle categories.”

Ducati’s growth is expected to continue thanks to an expanding product line-up, including two highly-anticipated models that are shortly becoming available for customer deliveries: the new Streetfighter 848, synonymous with control, precision and pure fun, and the category-defining Superbike, the 1199 Panigale. Both models will be arriving at dealerships during the month of April.

The latest addition to the Diavel lineup, the powerful Diavel Cromo, will also be arriving to Ducati dealerships in the coming weeks. The Diavel family of motorcycles continues to transcend traditional motorcycle categories, as well as attract new customers through Ducati’s engaging test ride programs. The opportunity to swing a leg over a unique Ducati design inspires riders to appreciate the state-of-the-art technology and innovative design which is masterfully blended with rider comfort and unforgettable horsepower.

With a worldwide unveiling held in New York City on March 15th, Ducati has introduced a new member to the iconic Monster family: the new Monster Diesel. As a result of a collaborative effort with Diesel clothing, the new military-inspired design transforms the flagship Monster 1100 EVO, inviting a new perspective to the Monster legacy, reminding Ducatisti of the beauty and power behind Ducati’s heritage.

“We are enthusiastic that 2012 has begun with growth across all categories,” said Dominique Cheraki, General Manager of Ducati North America. “However, Ducati and our dealers will not rest on this success. Our commitment is to fuel Ducati’s growth in North America with continuous introduction of new, significant products to market, and by improving consumer’s accessibility to our brand with further expansion and investment in our dealer network.”

For more information about Ducati North America and Ducati’s line of performance motorcycles, please visit www.ducatiusa.com or your local Ducati dealer.

When Ducati North America's General Manager Dominique Cheraki walks towards me, the first thing noticed is his clean styling, as if he walked out of an Esquire magazine ad.

His shoes are polished, his charcoal suit pressed. This is expected of a man who spent years as a broker and eventual COO in financial institutions before arriving on the footsteps of Ducati France as a Managing Director back in 1998.

After some devoted work, Cheraki then became Managing Director for Ducati Western Europe, a segment he developed after merging the Scandinavia and Benelux markets together.

But this is simply history to Dominique, a French name that means "belonging to God." Now he's in New York City, representing Ducati at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.

Before he sits down at a quaint round table near the coffee bar in Ducati's IMS display, he begins our short interview with a firm handshake, one that creates the character of a true man.

The handshake reveals not only the hard labor of a successful businessman, but also one of a man who takes necessary "passionate" risks on a motorcycle. And this is exactly why we were meeting at this location for a short chat.

The reason for the interview? Cheraki's here to explain Ducati's newest North American adventure - the restructuring of its corporate retail identity....more