picture courtesy of visordown.com
As previewed in my last entry, the takeover of Ducati by the German Audi/VW conglomerate has been confirmed, the Italian company being valued at 1.2 billion dollars. Just how much of that is Ducati’s debt burden has not been disclosed (nor will be) but you can bet the meticulous managers at Audi will be looking long and hard at the financial records and checking to see if there are savings to be made. I have already uncharitably suggested that a major saving could be the scrapping of their MotoGp project which continues to hemorrhage money at an unconscionable rate. Don’t expect this to happen, but it should. And, as a result of the takeover, AMG Mercedes has announced the end of their partnership with Ducati.
Speculation is now centred on who will be the new CEO of the company with suggestions that one of the German execs from Audi will be brought in to replace the Italian CEO.
And, apropos Ducati (what news item these days ISN’T about Ducati?) this excellent summation from David Emmett of motomatters.com. It’s a long read, but, like everything that David publishes, it’s worth persevering to the end of it.
Between the devil and the deep, blue sea. David Emmett.
The proposed MotoGp test at Mugello yesterday and today, which, incidentally, was going to be undertaken by Nicky Hayden alone, was washed out and didn’t happen.
Now, let me ask you a question. In order to bear a manufacturer’s name, a motorcycle needs to be at least partly built or assembled by said manufacturer, yes?
Apparently not, as this article will confirm. Norton is entering the TT races with a bike where the frame is built by Spondon and the engine by Aprilia. If it wasn’t the 20th of April, I’d be suspecting that it was the FIRST of April.
“Norton” to enter the Isle of Man TT races.
Being as of this is my 1000th post since I started this blog in 2008, I’d like to thank all the people who have supported me, registered as members, offered comments and suggestions and contributed in any way. I never suspected that we’d still be going nearly 4 years after beginning.
In the very near future I hope to be able to announce some news that I find exciting but I can’t say anything about it just yet. As always, watch this space.
dunc says
well as long as you keep the posts as informative as they are i suppose i will stay around and keep reading phil
oh and congrats on the 1000 posts
Phil Hall says
Thanks, mate, really appreciate that.
teza51 says
Are you about to buy another bike mate. Watch this space you heard it here first HaHa
Phil Hall says
Oh, the Mazda man speaks….I can’t say what the news is yet, Terry, but I won’t keep you in suspense for too long.
teza51 says
Ah yes at last i got this Password thingy worked out
Phil Hall says
Better late than never, mate! 🙂