Cupertino, CA- (January 8th, 2008) Ducati North America is proud to announce that 2007 ended as the company’s best ever year, with retail sales passing the 10,000 mark for the first time. The arrival of ground breaking new models and a decisive victory in the 2007 Moto GP World Championship have brought an unprecedented amount of success to the Italian brand.

Total North American sales grew by 22% in 2007; up from the previous record of 8,200 bikes in 2006. This impressive growth occurred while the overall North American motorcycle market declined in 2007. In addition, Ducati North America’s unit sales have experienced significant growth over the last four years, more than doubling since 2003.

The top sellers in 2007 were the new 1098 Superbike, the Monster family, and the nostalgic Sport Classic line. Although it only arrived for the 2nd half of the year, the category-busting Hypermotard posted exceptional sales as well, totaling over 800.

“Ducatisti the world over had a lot to celebrate in 2007, with class leading new bikes and unprecedented success in Moto GP. Ducati North America is proud to be a part of the success story and we look forward to another outstanding year in 2008; starting with the arrival of the 848, 1098 R, and Desmosedici RR in the first quarter!” said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America.

Ducati’s record sales in 2007 were not limited to motorcycles - the Ducati Performance Department reported an astonishing growth of 109 percent in accessory sales, and 42 percent in apparel sales. Many Ducati dealers have also made significant store improvements through Ducati’s Retail Design Program and participation in the new DNA sponsored business development program.

This year, the SWA (Supertest World Association), the organization that groups together 10 of the world’s most important motorcycle publications, has awarded the "Best Bike of the Year" title to the Ducati 1098.

This important association is comprised of the editiorial staff from the magazines MO (Germany), MOTO 73 (Netherlands), Moto Revue (France), Solo Moto (Spain), 0-300 (Greece), Due Ruote (Italy), Moto! (Brazil), Moto Journal (Portugal), Moto Sport Schweiz (Switzerland) and TWO (UK) gave the top award in the “Bike of the Year” category to the 1098.

This prestigious title follows numerous awards that Ducati’s latest Superbike machine has already picked up in 2007 since it was first presented at the Milan Show one year ago. The 1098 has met enormous success, from the media and public alike, right from its very first appearance, immediately scooping the “Best of Show” award and registering positive sales both in Italy and abroad. Other important recognitions have included “Best Design” and “Best Sportbike”, awarded by the Motorcycle Design Association, and the “Bike of the Year 2007” award given by readers of the magazines In Moto and Motorrad.