DUCATI NORTH AMERICA MAKES HISTORY AS LEADER IN THE TRADITIONAL MOTORCYCLE SECTOR Renowned Italian Brand Announces 51 Percent Sales Increase for August Cupertino, CA September 19, 2005 – Ducati, the Italian superbike manufacturer famous for crafting world-class motorcycles, today announced that according to data published by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), they eclipsed larger rivals Kawasaki, BMW and Suzuki in the Traditional motorcycle sector, posting an impressive 89 percent sector increase for the month and a 23 percent total market share. The announcement cements the powerhouse motorcycle manufacturer, Ducati, as the year-to-date leader in this segment for the first time in its history. Ducati North America also posted an incredible 51 percent overall sales increase for the month of August. “We’ve been working hard to make Ducati a real force here in the North American market, but this kind of sales success truthfully doesn’t happen over night,” says Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America. “I think by communicating better with our customers we’ve really hit our stride on what types of bikes our enthusiasts want. Ducati is more than a bike brand; it expresses an attitude that riders assume the moment they get on the bike. Ducati is breaking into new territory with street-smart naked bikes like the Monster S2R and Monster 620 and delivering cutting-edge performance and a unique style.” In addition to its growing consumer base, Ducati is enjoying recognition from top motorcycle industry and consumer publications for its sexiness and desirability. Motorcyclist magazine recently named the Ducati 999R as their “Best Dream Bike”, while popular luxury purveyor Robb Report magazine named it the “Best of the Best” in the annual luxury profile roundup. The Multistrada 1000S has also received top awards from leading industry authority Cycle World magazine for its versatility and mold-breaking style. Ducati’s sleek style has also turned heads of top A-listers like Tom Cruise, who in true Hollywood fashion made a spectacular red carpet arrival on his Ducati to the Vanity Fair post Oscar party. As a true bike lover, Cruise also skipped typical Oscar attire and instead opted to arrive in his Ducati riding jacket to greet the paparazzi. Brad Pitt, also a Ducati aficionado, recently purchased a Ducati Monster S4R and frequently attends AMA Superbike races. Pitt was spotted lounging in the riders paddock with buddies Matt LeBlanc and Adrien Brody at the US MotoGP in Monterey, California. In other bike categories, Ducati’s sales are solid throughout with their sport touring bike sales increasing by an imposing 72 percent for August. The company projects sales to increase even further with the highly anticipated introductions of the new S2R1000 and Sport Classic models next year. “The essence of our brand has always been our emphasis on racing and performance,” says Lock. “Our passion to pursue on-track racing successes here in the AMA Superbike Championship will undeniably continue to build the Ducati legend here in the North American market. In addition, we are now seeing the ‘urban cool’ side of our brand gain ground in the USA that has been so recognizable at European college campuses and around coffee shops and trendy bars for years.” Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won eleven of the last thirteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. 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~