Date:08/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/08/stories/2008050855861800.htm

Business

Ducati Motor launches five racing bikes

Special Correspondent

Engine power will be 90 hp to 180 hp
CBU units will be imported

— PHOTO: S. SUBRAMANIUM

SUPERBIKE: Gabriele Del Torchio (left), CEO, Ducati, and Ashish Chordia, CEO, Precision Motor India Pvt. Ltd, with newly launched motorcycles in New Delhi on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: Italy-based Ducati Motor Holding on Wednesday entered the Indian market, launching five racing-bikes equipped with over 800cc engine and priced between Rs. 21 lakh and Rs. 48 lakh.

Ducati has signed a long-term partnership agreement with Precision Motors India Pvt. Ltd. for supplying the bikes in the world’s second-largest two-wheeler market. The newly launched superbikes are 848cc Ducati Superbike (Rs. 21.77 lakh), 998cc Ducati Monster S4RS Testastretta (Rs. 22.63 lakh), 1098cc Ducati Superbike (Rs. 25.61 lakh), 1078cc Ducati Hypermotard 1100S (Rs. 20.72 lakh) and 1198cc Ducati Superbike 1098R (Rs. 48.03 lakh). The engine power of the Ducati superbikes would be in the range of 90 hp to 180 hp and would comply with Euro III emission norms.

Launching the bikes, Ducati’s CEO Gabriele Del Torchio said: “We believe the fast growing Indian market is of a strategic importance to Ducati and we will do our best to consolidate our presence and capitalise on the huge opportunity this country has to offer. The company plans to invest $3-4 million to expand its dealers network over three years.” Speaking on the occasion, Precision Motor’s Chairman and CEO Ashish Chordia said in the first year, they targeted to sell 50 bikes and would push sales as per the demands.