Ducati South London (In Liquidation)

[northworthy]

Originally Posted by Dan

the situation remains that in 2005 'offiicial' Ducati were in a terrible state, with too many models on offer, no clear direction, poor delivery times, and a 16.6 million euro loss in the first nine months of 2005.

Dan - agreed:

a) I was late coming to the thread and I know you were talking about LSD or were they LDS - which ever, they were definately on the wrong "stuff".

b) Most of the independents are a credit to the marque and they do deserve better products and support from the factory - but - 2005 was bound to be difficult for the new owners of Ducati as they had to do their business audit and find out what the core problems really were and how to fix'em properly, not just patch'em up. An overhang of stock does not help. I believe rationalisation is on the way, and the recent "leakage" out of the US Dealership Meeting re the model "1098" sounds very exciting.

The proof of the new owners real intentions will be in model years 2006 / 2007. If the directional notes coming out over the next 24mths are not strategically sound then the future does not look rosy at all. As you said Dan "the old lot had no clear direction" - the new lot need solid product and marketing strategies. It would not hurt them to pop across to Hinckley and have a chat with Johnny Bloor to understand "strategy". Triumphs may or may not be your cup of tea (they're not mine) but, they have gone forward every year since JB bought the brand for £1.

[Dan]

northworthy, I'm with you on all points. When 2007 arrives it's going to be a defining year and an exciting one for Ducati fans the world over!

[northworthy]

Dan you've hit the nail on the head - but that can also be a bit scary if you get my drift when you're a Ducati fan.