Vrooom!! Ducati bikes set to scorch Indian roads

"We will be launching different models in multiple variants. These bikes will be available starting at Rs.15 lakh ($37,500) and would go upto Rs.50 lakh ($1,25,000) in the Indian market," said Ashish Chordia, chairman and CEO, Precision Motor India Pvt Ltd, the sole importer and distributor of Ducati bikes in India.

The company aims to import around sixty completely built units (CBUs) this year from the Italian manufacturer, he said. Initially, the bikes will be sold through two exclusive showrooms in Mumbai and Delhi and subsequently, early next year, three more showrooms will be added in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai.

"The passion that I have for this glorious marquee is both a source of pride and a stimulation to promote and develop Ducati's entry into the Indian market. I am honoured by this partnership and I am sure that Ducati will also have a great future in this country," Chordia said, on the sidelines of the launch of five Ducati models - Monster S4R S Testastreeta, the Superbike 1098, 1098R, Hypermotard 1100S, and the Superbike 848.

Precision Motor India Private Limited is a Mumbai-based distributor of luxury brands that includes Porsche, Audi, NetJets, Fendi and Dolce&Gabbana.

Coinciding with the launch of the premium bikes, Gabriele Del Torchio , CEO, Ducati Motor Holding SpA, announced the 2007 Moto GP World Champion manufacturer's entry into the young and exponentially growing Indian market.

"We strongly believe that the fast growing Indian market is of a strategic importance to Ducati and we will do our best to consolidate our presence and to capitalize on the huge opportunities this country has to offer," Torchio said, adding, "India is no longer an emerging market. It is a reality worldwide. We feel it is the right time to enter the Indian market. The economy is booming and there is a huge number of rich Indians who aspire to buy premium bikes. With the technology to produce the world's fastest bikes, we see a great potential for superbikes in India." Ducati is a name synonymous with racing success, delivering cutting-edge motorbike technology and highest safety and emission standards.

Torchio also noted that a long-term strategy was needed for it to succeed in India. "A lot will depend on our ability to create a strong platform for our future revolution. The choice that we made to work with distributors that we have identified in India is very important because it will create this platform. They have a lot of experience in dealing with luxury products," he said.

Ducati is expected to compete with Yamaha and KTM which are also offering a premium range of bikes. In future, Suzuki and Honda are also expected to foray into India's motorbike market and heat up the competition.

According to Torchio, India has a great future with "vast improvements in infrastructure and the F1 circuit plans firming up."