2006 Ducati Superbike 999s on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Audi-Ducati Discussions No Longer Exclusive

Audi‘s window for exclusive negotiation rights with Ducati has closed, but the German automaker is still expected to announce the acquisition of the Italian motorcycle brand this week. Volkswagen-owned Audi had exclusive rights to discuss acquiring Ducati until April 15, and though other suitors may now begin negotiations, Audi remains the front-runner. Last week, Reuters reported a deal could be announced as soon as April 18, the day before the Volkswagen Group’s annual shareholder meeting.

Ducati North America Sets New Monthly Sales Record

Ducati North America set a new monthly sales record selling 1,782 motorcycles in May, easily surpassing its previous record of 1,394 units sold set in June 2008. Helping drive sales was the introduction of the new 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale and the Streetfighter 848 last month. The two new models helped Ducati North America see a 49% year-on-year sales increase for the month.

2014 Ducati Monster 1198 Spied

The Ducati Monster celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, but it looks like year 21 will be just as important, with the introduction of a new model powered by Ducati‘s liquid-cooled Testastretta 1198cc engine. No less than three different publications have released spy photos of the new 2014 Ducati Monster today, though the simultaneous timing of article from MCN, Moto.it and Motociclismo.it would indicate some coordination from Ducati’s PR machine. Official details are, of course, unavailable, but the photos do provide quite a bit of information.