Ducati China to become part of Audi network in 2016

Ducati has taken the distribution and sales of bikes in house for 2016 with parent company Audi aiming to expand dealers and sales in a potentially massive market.

Ducati China has now been set-up and will become the official importer from January 1, 2016; taking over from third-party company Jet Sky Development Ltd which has been the importer to date with Audi China now in complete control.

The plan is to expand the current dealership network up from the current 10 through 2016 and beyond. The new set-up will allow Ducati China to use the sales and distribution network established by Audi China to sell an increased number of Ducati’s in China.

Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali said: “We consider China to be fundamentally important to our expansion in Asia and so we are proud to announce that we are now able to benefit from Audi’s vast experience there to enable us to take another step forward. I would personally like to thank Jet Sky Development Ltd. for the invaluable contribution they made to the Ducati brand in China, confident in knowing that they will remain with us, now as part of Ducati China’s dealership network, and continue the momentum they initiated with premium services and part of a network that will set a benchmark in the industry”.

Mr. Evan Mak, General Manager of the current importer for China, added: “The motorcycle market in China has presented many challenges over the past six years, but always represented a great potential for the Ducati brand. The success of sales growth and brand positioning was the result of our great team here in China and the continuous support from the Ducati Motor Holding headquarters in Italy.  From 2016 onwards, Jet Sky Development Ltd. will continue to dedicate efforts in promoting the Ducati passion in China under Audi.”

Marco Elli, Head of the new Ducati China division said: “China has become a key growth market for Ducati worldwide. The new structure under Audi will enable us to further consolidate our premium position in terms of brand, products and services in China.

“We will increase our sales network in China in 2016 and further enlarge our customer experience program in China.”