In the first half of 2021, Ducati bounced back impressively from the equivalent Covid-assailed period last year and also beat its pre-pandemic performance level in 2019. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.
Six-monthly revenue climbed by 55.3% to £437.6m. Operating profit went crazy, 742.9% up to £50.2m. Global retail sales volume reached 34,557 motorcycles, a muscular 43.4% increase. European sales accounted for 55% of this total, plus 14% in the US and 6% in China. Other export markets combined took 25%.
The dual-sport sector, encompassing Multistrada and Hypermotard models, was star of the show, 57.3% up to 10,224 bikes. But naked-sector Diavel, Monster and Streetfighter products had a slightly higher tally of 10,621 with a smaller 43.2% improvement. The Scrambler sub-brand added 47.3% to 6967. Panigale and Supersport models in the sporting category put on 23.9% to 6745.
Half-year production, and therefore wholesale inventory shipped to dealers worldwide, was 53.1% up to 36,984. Again, dual-sport machines shone, 113.2% higher at 11,344. Naked tackle was 31.6% up to 11,486. Sports bikes and Scramblers respectively grew by 35.6% to 7319, and 45.2% to 6835.
Ducati’s direct Audi parent within the Volkswagen Group proclaimed cautious optimism going forward. However, it qualified this with industry-wide supply shortfalls of semiconductors and the rising cost of raw materials, which are likely to have an impact on operating profit in the second half of 2021.
€-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 30 July  Â
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