Ducati Hasa Gooda Salesa...Datsa Nicea

BOLOGNA, Italy, Oct. 16 -- Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. , a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, today announced consolidated revenues for the third quarter, ended September 30, 2001. For the third quarter, revenues were Euro 61.9 million (US$56.5 million), up 7.1% from Euro 57.8 million (US$52.8 million) during the same period in the previous year. Revenues from Ducati motorcycles for the period increased 7.3% to Euro 47.1 million and represented 76.1% of total revenues. Motorcycle-related products, including spare parts, technical accessories and apparel, rose 6.3% to Euro 14.6 million over the comparable period in the previous year. For the first nine months of 2001, revenues were Euro 283.4 million (US$258.8 million) representing like-for-like growth of 5.6% over the same period in 2000. Total sales were up 3.1% from Euro 274.9 million (US$251 million) during the same period in the previous year. This discrepancy is due to a decrease of "miscellaneous other sales" of Euro 6.5 million, reflecting the one-off buy-back of inventory by the newly established UK subsidiary from the previous importer in 2000. Revenues from Ducati motorcycles for the period increased 4.7% to Euro 236.4 million and represented 83.4% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products rose 10.1% to Euro 46.4 million over the same period last year. "Our results for the nine months are satisfactory, given the challenges of the selling environment in general this year. In particular, our growth in the third quarter of this year was driven by a strong performance in July and August, during which we grew 13% in terms of registrations," said Carlo Di Biagio, Ducati Chief Executive Officer. "The month of September posted a down-turn of 2% versus last year in the wake of the terror attacks in the US. Year-to-date registrations are up 2%." "We are working with our dealers to build a consensus on how recent events may effect forthcoming sales, and we will give a further update, as promised, in conjunction with our third quarter bottom line release on November 15, 2001," added Di Biagio. For the third quarter 2001, motorcycle sales totaled 5,122 units, a decrease of 5% over the same period of 2000. During the first nine months of 2001, total motorcycle sales were about half a percentage point below previous year, with 28,439 units sold. While official world registrations data for the period are not yet available, the Company's best estimates suggest that 2001 third quarter registrations showed an improvement, growing around 10% versus the third quarter of last year. Registrations for the nine-month period are estimated to have grown approximately 2%, with weakness in Italy (-8%) and in the US (-5%) but with strength in Japan (+49%), in Australia (+21%) and in the UK (+9%). "We have also been organizing some important events," said Mr. Di Biagio. "On the occasion of the Company's 75th anniversary -- and to celebrate our tenth World Superbike victory in twelve years -- we invited all our key partners and suppliers to Imola on September 30, 2001 for the final leg of the Championship. This event underlines Ducati's commitment to building a strong team, both inside and outside the Company, with a focus on a single goal: sustained growth for the future." "On the 26-28th October, 2001, we are organizing Ducati Revs America, our rally in Las Vegas for fans," Mr. Di Biagio concluded. "In the current circumstances, we have followed President Bush's advice to continue 'business as usual' as much as possible and are delighted that there have been very few cancellations to date. We expect over 2,000 Ducatisti to attend."

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won ten of the last twelve World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in four market segments, which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster and SportTouring. The Company's motorcycles are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.Ducati.com .