Ducati Has Record Year Thanks To 1199 Panigale

Italian manufacturer Ducati is closing 2012 with a bang, as its 1199 Panigale ends the year as one of the best-selling bikes on the market. Despite the tough economy, Ducati has managed to continue its growth, and much of that success is due to the company's new superbike.

The year began with the model coming off a best bike win at the 2011 EICMA Show in Milan, which has sold more than 7,500 units so far this year. Ducati also boasts that the motorcycle has received more than 30 international awards from motorcycle publications and reviewers, in addition to helping the company achieve retail sales growth throughout the year.

"The sales performance further acknowledges the energy and resources that Ducati has poured into the constant research and development of new product, an approach that has subsequently enabled the company to achieve record commercial and financial results in 2012," a representative for Ducati told Ultimate Motorcycling.

As a complete redesign of its predecessor, the 1198, the 1199 Panigale lacks some of the traditional Ducati flair but makes up for it with its variations and sport bike accessories, the news source reports. The manufacturer is expected to further improve on the bike with 2013's 1199 R.