Ducati has reached an important milestone, producing the 1 millionth motorcycle in the company’s history. The millionth bike, a 2015 Ducati Monster 1200S, was specially delivered to its new owner, 47-year-old Ernesto Passoni by Ducati Chief Executive Officer Claudio Domenicalli.
It’s still a far cry from the 300-million motorcycles that Honda produced and delivered, but still an important accomplishment for the much smaller Italian manufacturer. Founded in 1926 as a producer of radio components, Ducati didn’t begin making motorcycles until after the end of World War II.
“Between 1946 and today we have designed, built and delivered one million dreams that have become reality to Ducatisti,” says Domenicali. “Our strength is in the exceptional work that all of the Ducati employees carry out so efficiently on a daily basis, contributing to making our bikes beautiful, unique and desirable. To deliver the millionth bike produced directly into the hands of a passionate Ducatista is an incredible feeling and an incentive to continue along our growth path.”
Audi Group CEO Rupert Stadler and Luca de Meo, a member of the board for marketing and sales for Audi, were also present for the delivery which took place at the Audi City Lab in Milan, Italy. The landmark Monster was marked with a laser serigraph on the top handlebar bracket to indicate its historical importance.