From a press release:

DUCATI MOVES NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Pompton Plains, June 6, 2002 – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, today announced that it is re-locating its North American subsidiary to California, in a move to get closer to the center of the US motorcycle industry.

The North American market is a priority for Ducati and represented 23% of total revenues in 2001. The re-location signals the Company’s determination to capitalize on the immense potential in California, already the largest market the US – representing about 20% of Ducati US retail sales – and is home to many of the America’s most important motorcycle manufacturers and media. A presence in California gives the Company access to a large, specialized talent pool, closer contact with opinion leaders, vicinity to major race tracks, and excellent weather conditions for dealer training, product tests and brand-building motorcycle events.

The re-location is part of a program aimed at re-organizing operations in North America. Ducati is currently stream-lining its US-based business by out-sourcing the management of spare parts and the distribution of motorcycles, based on the proven success of the Company’s business model.

“Our move to California is a key strategic move towards creating a structure which will be able to unleash the huge potential for Ducati of the US market –” said Joseph Piazza, CEO of Ducati North America. “We currently have a number of products which are proving to be a great success in California and beyond. In particular, we are excited about the popularity of the innovative, new fuel-injected Monster 620, which is bringing Italian design and style to city centers and twisty roads all over the country.”

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.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in the Company’s 2000 annual report, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 20-F, dated July 2, 2001.


Editorial Note: When reached by phone, Ducati press officer Myrianne Gaeta said that while Ducati North America had not decided on an exact location in Northern California, it will “probably” relocate in the San Francisco Bay area. Gaeta added that the move won’t take place until January 2003.