Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has announced that it has added Ducati, the Italian manufacturer of some of the world’s most impressive motorcycles, to its brand portfolio.
At its annual media Indaba on 5 February, hosted at its Kariega, Eastern Cape factory, VWGA announced that it took over all local retail operations of the Ducati brand in South Africa from 1 January 2025.
VWGA’s responsibilities now include the management of retail operations and import of Ducati motorcycles, as well as parts and accessories, for the South African market.
Ducati is welcomed as the fourth brand under the VWGA umbrella, alongside Audi, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Shooting for the stars
VWGA has big ambitions to grow Ducati and broaden the client base in South Africa by integrating the brand into three dealer sites, which will be located in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu Natal (KZN).
The current approved retailer in Gauteng has been retained for the region; a new retailer in Cape Town, Western Cape, which is an existing Audi dealer, has already been appointed; and plans are in motion to appoint a retailer in Durban for KZN.
The company furthermore has a host of exciting model launches in store for the country over the next two years.
VW will also offer finance plans for the range of existing Ducati models including the Desert X, Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Panigale, Scrambler, and Streetfighter.
The end goal is to achieve double-digit market share in the South African motorcycle sector by the end of 2026.
VWGA has appointed Tertius Cronje to head the Ducati Brand in South Africa.
Cronje has 24 years of experience in the automotive retail business gained in the local and international markets. His experience includes 10 years in the motorcycle retail business.
“South Africa is the ideal environment for our motorcycles range, either for track use, twisty roads, or gravel,” said Francesco Milicia, Director of Global Sales and After Sales at Ducati Motor Holding.
“I am sure that this, together with the passion and professionalism of our new partner, Volkswagen Group Africa, will allow us to provide great experiences to our Ducatisti, allowing us to expand our presence in the country and getting closer to their needs, also considering that in the country there are some of the greatest collectors in the world of special cars and bikes.”
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