This just in from Ducati North America:

DUCATI APPOINTS NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AND AREA SALES MANAGER

Successful 2005 spurs growth of North American team

Cupertino, CA - January 16th, 2006 - On the heels of the most successful year in the history of Ducati North America, Nick McCabe is promoted to Business Development Manager and Aaron Barry will replace him as Area Sales Manager for the Mid-Atlantic region. These two new appointments demonstrate Ducati's commitment to the North American market where they currently lead the industry in the traditional motorcycle segment market share.

McCabe is relocating to DNA's Cupertino Headquarters where he will be responsible for overseeing Business Development, new projects and serving as the main point of contact for external relationships and partners.

"I am very excited about this new position because it gives me the opportunity to really make some positive changes throughout our nationwide dealer network as well as get started on some new projects like a Ducati Riding School in the US," commented McCabe.

Barry, who will take over Nick's old territory, is currently touring the Mid-Atlantic region and meeting his new dealers. An avid motorcyclist and WERA racer, he is now responsible for managing the business relationships with approximately 25 Ducati dealers. This includes responsibility for all aspects of wholesale motorcycle sales and related products as well as assistance with dealership promotions, events and regional marketing. Barry previously worked as an independent sales representative for companies including AXO America, Fairchild Sports and Vega helmets.

Barry said upon acceptance of his offer, "This is great. I've always wanted to work for an OEM and certainly if you are going to work for a manufacturer you might as well shoot for the top. Everything just seemed to fall into place and I'm already feeling right at home here at Ducati."