Ducati NA CEO Michael Lock is leaving?

[cyrus buelton]

why would you need to ship to Ducati NA in Jersey (I'm told there's a warehouse there) or Cupertino?
It's all computer tracking so no need for the added expense - I think.

I believe you were told wrong.

Ducati got rid of their US Based warehouse a few years ago. Ducatiz knows more about it.

bulk international shipping, probably cheaper, less paperwork, and less issues with customs on both ends.

It seems like Ducati in Italy just bulk ships to each dealer, at least from what it sounds like.

[muskrat]

 
this was told to me about two weeks ago.  I guess I need "newer" contacts.  In any event, shipping is way too slow IMO.

[mattc7]

Everyone's kind of right

There IS a warehouse in Carteret NJ, however its primary purpose is to facilitate returns from DNA to Ducati Italy.

All parts ordered in the US, are shipped from Italy direct. Shipments are by DHL airfreight 2-3 times a week.

[Dave R]

Everyone's kind of right

There IS a warehouse in Carteret NJ, however its primary purpose is to facilitate returns from DNA to Ducati Italy.

All parts ordered in the US, are shipped from Italy direct. Shipments are by DHL airfreight 2-3 times a week.

   

[Raux]

 

Dave, can you give us a definitive answer for the original question of the thread?

[Dave R]

Dave, can you give us a definitive answer for the original question of the thread?

I have heard absolutely no mention of it..  I certainly hope it's not true!   

[m1moto]

I certainly hope it's not true!

Here's the press release from DNA as posted on A&R

MANAGEMENT CHANGE AT DUCATI NORTH AMERICA
Cupertino, Calif. (16 July 2010) – Ducati Motor Holding announces today that Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America, is leaving the company at the end of July.
Michael joined Ducati in 2002 in the UK, and in early 2003 moved to the USA to head up the management team at Ducati North America’s headquarters in Cupertino, CA. Over the next seven years Lock’s team made many changes to Ducati’s organization, distribution, marketing and service operations.

Lock’s hard work culminated in Ducati achieving its highest ever US market share in 2009, increasing Canadian sales four-fold between 2003-2009, and taking over responsibility for the brand in Mexico earlier this year. As well as setting sales records, Lock transformed DNA’s communication strategies and delivered numerous highlights including the Monster Challenges, high profile retail promotions with brands such as Oakley and Puma, and the successful conquering of Pikes Peak with the Multistrada 1200 just this past June.
“I have experienced and participated in an amazing journey at Ducati. In a few short years we have been able to transform our brand into the most feared and admired European motorcycle by competitors and enthusiasts alike. It has been a privilege to be involved and I look forward to watching the brand soar to new heights over the coming years.” Said Lock from his office Cupertino, CA.

“Michael has been the driving force behind the great success Ducati has enjoyed in North America this past seven years.  His ambition, passion and his unwavering determination has established our beloved brand as the object of desire for any motorcyclist.  He has nurtured the brand, developed the dealer network and put together an outstanding team in the US, Canada and Mexico alike.” Said Cristiano Silei; Vice President Sales at Ducati Motor Holding in Bologna, Italy.
While Lock moves on to pursue other opportunities, Ducati North America is looking to finish a challenging year strongly. The much-admired Multistrada 1200 has been winning awards, while the recent arrival of the Monster 796 to dealer showrooms has spurred sales even further.

Cristiano Silei will assume the position of CEO of DNA for the interim while retaining his current position as Vice President of Sales at Ducati Motor Holding.
“North America is the most important international market for Ducati and the one I personally know the best.  I am excited to be supporting DNA’s Senior Managers to set and implement policy for the new season.  Our goals are to support our dealer network and keep improving our market share thanks to an ever expanding product line-up, innovative branding and sound commercial policies”.

Source: Ducati North America

[muskrat]

oh well, another one bites the dust.

now if they'd just fix their inventory system we'd be all set.

[ducpainter]

oh well, another one bites the dust.

now if they'd just fix their inventory system we'd be all set.

What system would you suggest?

A NA warehouse with one of everything and two of what you and your buddy want?

Do you realize what that would do to the cost of parts that are already outrageously priced?

There are circumstances when parts are difficult to get in a timely manner such as when Italy shuts down in the summer, or when a supplier goes belly up and they have to decide what will happen.

In my experience the length of time it takes to get a Ducati part is more related to the dealer than Ducati. If you need a part in a hurry, tell the dealer. There is a system in place to get bikes that are down back on the road.

[muskrat]

expensive, yes - thankfully there are competitors out there willing to design and build parts we can buy.

I'm not in inventory management so I can't comment on costs of storage but being that this is the fastest growing brand, or at least was last year, you'd think they would manage their "shut down for summer" a little better than they have no matter what the country of origin is.

And I do agree that many times dealers have gotten results, at least they have for me.  I've called several and there's usually one or two who say guaranteed in X days instead of we have to wait for Italy to ship.  Still scratching my head on that one but I have to think there's some preferential treatment to exclusive brand dealers as there is with Yamaha and the like. 

[ducpainter]

<snip>
you'd think they would manage their "shut down for summer" a little better than they have no matter what the country of origin is.

Still scratching my head on that one but I have to think there's some preferential treatment to exclusive brand dealers as there is with Yamaha and the like.  

The European continent is not likely to change their lifestyle to accommodate us.

I don't believe it.

Any Duc dealer can get a part in 3-5 business days as long as they're willing to give up the extra discount they get by ordering it through more conventional channels, and Ducati Italy has it and is open.

Dealers like Duc Sea, and many others, know the deal and stock what sells and take care of their customers on the items they don't stock.

FTR, I'm not inexperienced in inventory management or customer service.

Nothing is rocket science...except well...

rocket science.

It's just good dealers that know how to do business.

It's the same thing as with the fuel tank fiasco.

The good dealers take care of their customers and the suck dealers lie to the people for some reason I don't understand.

[ducatiz]

I just pray the new folks did not go to the Castiglione biz school in Varese

[muskrat]

I did wait on the first fuel tank for weeks but the second tank just happened to be laying around 
Hoping they get better at this since the bikes have gotten better and better and better. 

[Howie]

Back in the days when Ducati had a warehouse here parts service was worse.  The dealer would order from the warehouse only to find they were out of stock.  The warehouse then had to order from Italy.  When the warehouse got the part from Italy they would send the part to the dealer.  This added not only added expense, but also increased wait time for parts.  Good dealers (like our sponsors) carry a decent inventory. 

[ducatiz]

Back to the OT, I don't know anything about Cristiano Silei... anyone?

he is on Facebook though..


http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1353052465