Ducati Expands to Argentina, Assembly Plant in Brazil Now Fully Operational

Ducati has extended its South American operations, signing a new import and distribution agreement for Argentina. The deal follows the opening of Ducati‘s new show room in São Paulo, Brazil, and the new assembly plant in Manaus, Brazil, reaching full operation of Complete Knock Down kits of the Diavel and Monster 796.

The South American expansion really kicked off last October, when Ducati established its own Brazilian subsidiary following the collapse of its previous importing partner, the Izzo Group. Much has been said about the motorcycle industry’s efforts to breach the Indian market, with Brazil often getting overshadowed. Claudio Domenicali, chief executive officer of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A, isn’t making that mistake, noting the value of the Brazilian market.

“The Brazilian motorcycle market is one of the most interesting in the world, the third in size for medium-to high-capacity motorcycles,” says Domenicali. “Nine months ago we made some promises and today we are here in São Paulo to confirm our commitment and share with all the Ducatisti present in Brazil our plans for development and growth in this important market. The inauguration of the show room and presentation of the first motorcycles assembled at the Manaus factory confirm our commitment to our Brazilian clients. Our aim is to guarantee the very best service possible in terms of sales and after-sales as well as consolidating on the strategic importance of this market for Ducati.”

The Ducati Hyperstrada at the Salón Internacional del Automóvil de Buenos Aires.

By establishing a strong foothold in Brazil, both for sales and production, Ducati is positioned well for expansion into other South American markets such as Argentina.

For Argentina, Ducati has formed a partnership with its new corporate parent Audi, signing a trade agreement with the Volkswagen Group‘s Argentinian subsidiary. Volkswagen Argentina S.A. will begin importing Ducati motorcycles in September.

“As further confirmation of our interest in the South American market and our desire to make the most of its great potential, we have an agreement with Volkswagen Argentina who, from September 2013, will import Ducati motorcycles and distribute them via our network of Ducati dealers, which is set to expand in the medium term,” says Domenicali. “It is an important step which also highlights the synergies and opportunities for development that has become available to our brand by becoming a part of the Audi group.”

[Source: Ducati]

By Dennis Chung