Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has officially taken the reins of Ducati’s local retail operations in South Africa, effective 1 January 2025. This move cements Ducati as the fourth brand under the VWGA umbrella, joining Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Announced at VWGA’s annual media event in Kariega, the addition of Ducati marks a bold diversification of the company’s brand portfolio. With this transition, VWGA will oversee the importation, retail operations, and distribution of Ducati motorcycles, as well as parts and accessories, ensuring South African Ducatisti continue to receive world-class service and support. “Ducati is a premium international motorcycle brand with a strong and proud heritage,” said Simphiwe Nghona, Head of Sales and Marketing at VWGA. “Over the years, it has built a loyal and passionate client base in South Africa, and we are excited to take the brand forward. We’re confident that Ducati riders - both current and future - will benefit from our established sales and after-sales processes, as well as our extensive dealer network.” VWGA has ambitious plans to expand Ducati’s footprint, integrating the brand into three key dealer sites across South Africa. The existing approved retailer in Gauteng remains, while a new Ducati retailer has been appointed in Cape Town within an established Audi dealership. Plans are also underway to secure a retailer in Durban, ensuring Ducati’s presence in KwaZulu-Natal.
“We have set an ambitious growth target for Ducati’s first two years under VWGA’s stewardship,” Nghona continued. “Our goal is to achieve a double-digit market share by the end of 2026, leveraging an exciting lineup of new models arriving in South Africa over the next two years.” To lead Ducati’s new era in South Africa, VWGA has appointed Tertius Cronje, a veteran with 24 years of experience in the automotive retail industry, including a decade specializing in motorcycles. Ducati’s Global Sales & After Sales Director, Francesco Milicia, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “South Africa offers an ideal environment for Ducati’s diverse range - whether for track use, twisty roads, or gravel. With the passion and professionalism of Volkswagen Group Africa, we are committed to delivering great experiences to our Ducatisti, expanding our presence, and strengthening our connection with one of the world’s most enthusiastic communities of collectors and riders.” Ducati is one of the most recognisable motorcycle brands in the world, founded in 1926 in Bologna, Italy, Ducati began its journey as a producer of radio components until the post-war era when Ducati turned its focus to motorcycles, introducing small-displacement bikes that gained a reputation for reliability and performance. Over the decades, Ducati’s distribution network evolved significantly - in the 1980s and 1990s, Cagiva briefly owned Ducati before it transitioned under Texas Pacific Group (TPG) in 1996. The brand’s global presence continued to grow until Audi acquired Ducati in 2012. And the test, as they say, is history.
Take a look at the YouTube video that has nothing to do with Volkswagen taking over Ducati's working in SA, but it does show how cool the latest Panigale is, that's technically a VAG product: New Panigale V4 Tricolore | Ducati
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