Ducati Davidson?

[Eddieb]

Ducati Motor Holding, the listed Italian motorcycle manufacturer, would consider a merger with US-based Harley-Davidson “anytime”, said Enrico D’Onofrio, CFO.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/209fe0b8-18a...b5df10621.html

[SPman]

Hmmm Hardley Ducati............

[98tls]

Confusing........would they go slower faster or...........................

[jrandom]

Makes sense. Their target market is almost identical (BABs, etc) but still complimentary in terms of geographical distribution. Neither company has the R&D budget of the big Japanese brands, and both are heavily focused on playing to their V-twin heritage.

Bringing HD and Duc together in the HD 'exclusive dealership' model around the world would probably boost sales for both brands.

[98tls]

Makes sense. Their target market is almost identical (BABs, etc) but still complimentary in terms of geographical distribution. Neither company has the R&D budget of the big Japanese brands, and both are heavily focused on playing to their V-twin heritage.

Bringing HD and Duc together in the HD 'exclusive dealership' model around the world would probably boost sales for both brands.

yea for sure........they could even have cafes within the dealership meaning that owners wouldnt have to go through all the hassle of starting there bikes...just think..they wouldnt have to clock up any kms....just sit and stare and there perspective pride and joy.........

[Grumpy Gnomb]

but what would the bike look like????????????

[Bob]

but what would the bike look like????????????

I thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiink you are missing the point!

The idea isn't that they make a "Harley-Ducatison", but utilise the fact that they're both brand-choice manufacturers. You buy a Harley or a Ducati BECAUSE you want a Harley or a Ducati, not because "I'm looking for a motorcycle" per se.

There is precious little overlap between their two businesses - and a merger would also create manufacturing bases for both over a wider area. So purely business-wise it would be a logical move.

From a purists angle however...

[Drew]

What is the point of this thread? The whole article is heresay. If Harley merged with Ducati, both companies would become something they dont want to be. Harley couldn't do a decent sports bike, and Ducati couldn't do a cruiser. They both sell a lot of bikes on image, so it makes no sense economicaly.

[Bob]

What is the point of this thread? The whole article is heresay. If Harley merged with Ducati, both companies would become something they dont want to be. Harley couldn't do a decent sports bike, and Ducati couldn't do a cruiser. They both sell a lot of bikes on image, so it makes no sense economicaly.

Actually, it makes perfect sense economically. The idea isn't that Harley make a sportsbike, or Ducati makes a cruiser. The two businesses present a great model due to the fact that they do not have overlaps. So between them they would cover a wider sector of the market, but without the associated expenses of R&D to work out how to make a different range, changes to their plants to handle making the new range etc.

And - as you so rightly say - they both sell a lot of bikes on image. So would effectively corner the "brand" end of the marketplace.

With the motorcycle sector contracting once again, then it makes sense to look at ways of defending your corner. And a merger like this would strengthen both companies position.

Yes - it is heresay right now. But there is market speculation, which led to the comments from Ducati's CEO. And if we can't have a "What-If" conversation now and again, there is something very wrong with the world...

[Sidewinder]

Confusing........would they go slower faster or...........................

duno be insresting mixing the to most unreliable bikes together

[Black Bandit]

What is the point of this thread? The whole article is heresay. If Harley merged with Ducati, both companies would become something they dont want to be. Harley couldn't do a decent sports bike, and Ducati couldn't do a cruiser. They both sell a lot of bikes on image, so it makes no sense economicaly.

Is that hearsay or heresy?

Don't think the merger makes sense though, look what happened when the last European and American automotive industries struck a deal i.e., DaimlerChrysler.

The following article published on 11 June 2007:

Death of a merger
How dream marriage hit the rocks
The chief executive of DaimlerChrysler, had flown overnight from Germany for an emergency meeting at Chrysler headquarters with Tom LaSorda, the division's CEO, and a half-dozen of his top deputies.

When the door was shut on LaSorda's 15th-floor conference room, Zetsche unloaded.

"This is unacceptable!" Zetsche said, his voice rising. "This cannot continue. There are no more chances."

[limbimtimwim]

Don't think the merger makes sense though, look what happened when the last European and American automotive industries struck a deal i.e., DaimlerChrysler.

They had serious product overlap.

Anyway, 250cc gp on now..

[Big Dave]

No offense poster but this has to be the biggest beat up ever - it's in every forum I'm on.

CONSIDER. it says 'CONSIDER'.

I might consider scratching my left nut, NZ might 'CONSIDER' invading Aus. But all in all I consider it a load of bull.