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REPORT: Mercedes-AMG terminates cooperation with Ducati

By Adji | Published Saturday, 21 April 2012

Following this week's official announcement regarding the purchase of Ducati by German automotive constructor Audi, Mercedes-AMG executives have agreed to end the ongoing partnership with the Italian motorbike manufacturer. The Affalterbach-based firm and Ducati have established the marketing collaboration at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November 2010.

The Affalterbach-based firm and Ducati have established their marketing collaboration at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November 2010. Since then, both company have jointly participated at various racing and advertising events as partners and have co-branded several special edition motorcycle models such as the Diavel and the Streetfighter 848.

Lately, it became public the Italians were seeking a new owner and that Audi had suprisingly managed to secure the first-refusal option in case of the sale. Then, we published a report that was stating clearly Daimler had no interest in acquiring the largest stake in Ducati's shares.

Now, after the Italian brand got eventually sold to Merc's Ingolstadt rival, the step to officially end the agreement with Ducati is a logical move. In a brief statement, officials from Mercedes-AMG GmbH explain the situation:

“Since the end of 2010 a successful marketing cooperation has existed between AMG and Ducati. The company takeover by a rival car manufacturer has understandably resulted in the end of any further collaboration. The takeover of Ducati was never our aim – our focus lies clearly in developing and producing premium performance cars and we will be concentrating all our energy on this.”

Posted in ducati, mbnews, mercedes-amg | Leave a comment

REPORT: Daimler is not interested in buying Ducati

By Adji | Published Monday, 2 April 2012

As soon as the information on the sale of Ducati came out, speculations of a possible takeover by Daimler emerged. Soon after, we learnt that Audi has reached an agreement with the Italian motorcycle manufacturer to secure the 'first refusal' option. In other words, the Ingolstadt-based carmaker has priority in the acquisition process in case Ducati gets eventually sold.

We discussed this theme and the chances Mercedes-AMG and parent company Daimler have in this business. The consistent marketing partnership between the Affalterbach company and the Italian constructor began back in November 2010, when the partnership was officially announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Up to the moment, a series of joint products have already been released, together with the involvement in advertising and motorsporting activities, through which both entities benefit.

In a recent interview, a Daimler official denied the Germans are interested in acquiring the biggest stake in Ducati. This news inherently leads us to a logical question: why did Daimler spend an important amount of money on this partnership? The financial situation of Ducati was already known since 2010 and raising visibility for the two brands is a poor argument, we say. There were also intense rumors that Mercedes-AMG plans to unveil its own motorbikes using technical expertise from Ducati as part of a coherent growth plan.

Anyway, this could be a unique chance that might not come in the future and Daimler seems to afford the position of losing it without the blink of an eye.

Related Articles:

- Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and Ducati Streetfighter 848: Mercedes-AMG and Ducati highlight cooperation

- Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition celebrates world premiere at the IAA Frankfurt 2011: AMG and Ducati create first joint products

- Gabriele del Torchio takes delivery of new company car: Ducati president to drive new CLS 63 AMG

- Mercedes AMG, Cigarette and Ducati Share 'A Penchant for Performance'

- Ducati MotoGP works driver visits Affalterbach: Nicky Hayden takes delivery of a new CLS 63 AMG

- Mercedes-AMG: future plans at a glance

- Cooperation agreement signed with Italian motorcycle manufacturer: AMG to cooperate with Ducati

- ANALYSIS: Ducati is up for sale - Could Mercedes-AMG slip the chance?

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in amg, daimler, ducati, mbnews, mbreport, mercedes-amg, not interested, sale | Leave a comment

ANALYSIS: Ducati is up for sale - Could Mercedes-AMG slip the chance?

By Adji | Published Tuesday, 13 March 2012

At the LA Auto Show 2010, Mercedes-AMG and Ducati have signed an official cooperation agreement becoming effective from 2011 onwards. The main foundations of the strategic partnership were developing joint marketing activities and exploring routes for stronger, future collaborations.

A while ago, the news Ducati is looking for new "parents" appeared and since then, the gamble has begun. Just yesterday, a strange rumor emerged, stating Audi has reached a deal with the management board of the Italian motorbike manufacturer and thus has secured the 'first refusal' option in the event Ducati gets to be sold. Merc's Ingolstadt-based competitor execes have time until mid-April to make up their mind and decide whether to buy or not the motorcycle company. Anyway, a definitive conclusion to Ducati's sale is expected to be taken at the beginning of May.

If the rumor holds true, it's a pity to see Mercedes-AMG was caught rather empty-handed in this business. Already having a partnership doesn't necessarily mean one is in a preferential position. The Affalterbach-based firm should better be reconsidering its weapons quickly. Lately, we know there is a unanimous opinion Daimler AG must include a motorbike constructor in the portfolio and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they cannot afford to lose. If Ducati eventually went to Audi, it would then be a shame for all those beautiful products the Italians and Mercedes-AMG have marketed together. So, fingers crossed and good luck to Merc, because they will be facing a tough competition!

Related Articles:

- Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and Ducati Streetfighter 848: Mercedes-AMG and Ducati highlight cooperation

- Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition celebrates world premiere at the IAA Frankfurt 2011: AMG and Ducati create first joint products

- Gabriele del Torchio takes delivery of new company car: Ducati president to drive new CLS 63 AMG

- Mercedes AMG, Cigarette and Ducati Share 'A Penchant for Performance'

- Ducati MotoGP works driver visits Affalterbach: Nicky Hayden takes delivery of a new CLS 63 AMG

- Mercedes-AMG: future plans at a glance

- Cooperation agreement signed with Italian motorcycle manufacturer: AMG to cooperate with Ducati

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in 2012, analysis, ducati, mercedes-amg, sale | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and Ducati Streetfighter 848: Mercedes-AMG and Ducati highlight cooperation

By Adji | Published Thursday, 1 December 2011

Mercedes-AMG and Ducati stage joint appearance at the Bologna Motor Show (3 - 11 December 2011): the new SLK 55 AMG and the new Ducati Streetfighter 848 – both finished in "Streetfighter yellow" – are to go on show to the public at the north Italian motor show in a move set to underscore the importance of the cooperation entered into by Mercedes-AMG and Ducati one year ago.

Inspired by the Ducati Streetfighter 848, the "streetfighter yellow" colour of the SLK 55 AMG ensures an exciting appearance from all angles: the exceptional paint finish is guaranteed to provide a high level of appeal. If there is sufficient demand, the special colour variant could also be made available as an individual optional extra from the AMG Performance Studio. The overall look is also perfectly complemented by the interior of the SLK 55 AMG: the contrasting yellow stitching creates a striking effect against the black nappa leather appointments, and is to be found on the door centre panels, beltlines, armrests, leather-covered roll-over bars, dashboard, the shift lever gaiter and also the AMG Performance steering wheel. Yellow illuminated AMG door sill panels featuring LED technology round off the striking effect of the interior.

The portfolio of the AMG Performance Studio ranges from special paintwork and leather appointments, through to technical solutions and extensive body modifications. The stylish vehicle upgrades are undertaken to a high level of hand-crafted perfection in accordance with individual customer requirements, while at the same time also meeting the highest safety and quality standards typical of Mercedes-Benz.

SLK 55 AMG: the most powerful SLK of all time

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and the Ducati Streetfighter 848 complement each other not only visually but also technically. Both models are the perfect embodiment of distinctive driving dynamics, expressive design and intense driving pleasure.
The SLK 55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. Its newly developed AMG 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine with cylinder shut-off system combines ultimate performance with the lowest possible consumption levels. With a maximum output of 310 kW (422 hp) and maximum toque of 540 Nm, the SLK 55 AMG outperforms all of its direct competitors. Its fuel consumption of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) and CO2 emissions of 195 grams per kilometre are some 30 percent lower than those of its predecessor. The SLK 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). High levels of driving dynamics are ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system.

Forming part of the third-generation of the SLK, the new top-of-the range AMG model already demonstrates its individuality even at first glance: distinctive AMG light-alloy wheels, specific AMG bodystyling with AMG spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear complement the classic roadster proportions, while adding a markedly athletic touch. The expressive design of the SLK 55 AMG is both eye-catching and unmistakable.

Ducati Streetfighter 848: superior competitor – ultimate fighter

The new Ducati Streetfighter 848 provides unbridled biking pleasure in its purest form, while combining innovative technology with an outstanding appearance: a revised 848 Testastretta 11° engine with 97 kW (132 hp) and an exciting 93.5 Nm of torque as well as a modified frame geometry help to guarantee safe, agile handling. This is supported by the smooth, easy-to-manage power delivery of the engine, revised ergonomics and a specially tuned traction control (DTC) system. The features of the new Streetfighter are rounded off in visual terms by the unique Ducati styling. The Streetfighter 848 is guaranteed to cause a sensation, whether on the road or on the race track.

It was no surprise therefore when, true to its name, the Ducati Streetfighter scored an immediate knock-out on entering the ring for the first time at the EICMA show in 2008 in Milan. The impression which it left among the international press and public on its first appearance meant it was not only able to win the show's "Most Beautiful Bike" award, but it also raised the bar for powerful naked bikes even higher by becoming the new benchmark on the market.

In addition to the colour variant in traditional red with red frame, the new Streetfighter 848 is also available in yellow with frame in Racing Black. The Dark Stealth colour variant, meanwhile, with frame in Racing Black underscores the fierce attitude of the Streetfighter. With the exciting new Streetfighter 848, Ducati has succeeded in combining state-of-the-art technology and skeletal styling in a contemporary design.

The cooperation agreement between AMG and Ducati was signed in November 2010
Visible signs of the cooperation agreement between Mercedes-AMG and Ducati, which was signed at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November 2010, include various marketing activities as well as joint appearances at shows and customer events. In the AMG core markets of the US, China, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Great Britain and Switzerland, the announcement of the cooperation was very soon followed by the establishment of close links at market level.

The first result of the intensive exchange of ideas between the designers and engineers from Affalterbach and Bologna was the joint presentation of the CLS 63 AMG and the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main.

AMG has been the "Official Car Partner" of the Ducati MotoGP team since the start of the 2011 MotoGP season. The AMG logo appears not only on the motorcycles and racing overalls of Ducati works drivers Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi, but also on the official teamwear and in the Ducati Lounge. Furthermore, as an additional outcome of the cooperation agreement, the Ducati fleet of vehicles is being gradually switched over to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The base price (incl. 19% VAT):

- SLK 55 AMG: 72,590 euros

* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in 848, cooperation, ducati, mercedes-amg, mercedes-benz, new, slk 55 amg, streetfighter | Leave a comment

Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition celebrates world premiere at the IAA Frankfurt 2011: AMG and Ducati create first joint products

By Adji | Published Monday, 19 September 2011

Ducati is celebrating the world premiere of the new Diavel AMG Special Edition at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt (Main). Inspired by the unmistakable design of the AMG performance brand, the Diavel AMG Special Edition is characterised by an exciting mix of exclusivity and maximum performance. The special model embodies the high standards of both brands and reflects the passion for exceptional performance as well as distinctive styling and precision. In addition to the Diavel AMG Special Edition, a CLS 63 AMG with a host of attractive components from the AMG Performance Studio is on display to highlight the visual similarities with the very special Ducati motorbike.

The Diavel AMG Special Edition is the first Ducati motorbike incorporating another company's design elements, and as such forms part of the strategy being consistently pursued by AMG and Ducati since both brands entered into a cooperation agreement in November 2010 – namely an intensive exchange of ideas between the designers and engineers in Affalterbach and Bologna/Italy.

Based on the Ducati Diavel Carbon and its innovative design, the look of the Diavel AMG Special Edition has been further refined with attributes reminiscent of unique Mercedes-AMG high-performance cars: extraordinary forged wheels featuring a striking AMG look, aluminium air deflectors in the carbon-fibre panels on the side-mounted radiators, a newly developed sports exhaust system as well as bench seat finished in perforated Alcantara® with horizontal cross stitching are just some of the highlights of the Diavel AMG Special Edition. The frame, tank and rear bench seat cover are finished in diamond white metallic BRIGHT, the colour of the CLS 63 AMG, creating a stylish contrast to the matt, iridescent carbon fibre.

Like every Ducati, the Diavel AMG Special Edition is lavishly hand finished. A badge on the left engine block, bearing the signature of the technician who calibrated the desmodromic valve timing, pays tribute to the exclusivity afforded to each individual Diavel AMG Special Edition. Another feature of this special model is a numbered plaque on the fuel tank. The wheels, bench seat and rear silencers of the sports exhaust system also bear the AMG logo. Furthermore, each of the side air inlet ducts feature laser-engraved AMG lettering. The Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition will be available from the start of 2012.

CLS 63 AMG with components from the Performance Studio

The visual similarities between the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition and the CLS 63 AMG being presented on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the IAA International Motor Show are immediately apparent: the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package in matt finish comprises a cross strut in the front apron, exterior mirror housings, diffuser insert in the rear apron and AMG spoiler lip, forming the perfect contrast to the diamond white metallic BRIGHT paint finish. Further visual highlights include the bichromatic AMG light-alloy forged wheels featuring a 5-twin-spoke design, painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish. The front axle is fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres, while the rear comes with 285/30 R 19 tyres. Both the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package in matt and the AMG light-alloy wheels are exclusive components available from the AMG Performance Studio, which also provides a host of options for enhancing the look of any CLS 63 AMG.

The cooperation agreement between AMG and Ducati was signed in November 2010

Visible signs of the cooperation agreement between Mercedes-AMG and Ducati, which was signed at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November 2010, include various marketing activities as well as joint appearances at shows and customer events. In the AMG core markets of the US, China, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Great Britain and Switzerland, the announcement of the cooperation was very soon followed by the establishment of close links at market level.

AMG has been the Official Car Partner of the Ducati MotoGP team since the start of the 2011 MotoGP season. The AMG logo appears not only on the motorcycles and racing overalls of Ducati works drivers Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi, but also on the official teamwear and in the Ducati Lounge. Furthermore, as an additional outcome of the cooperation agreement, all team trucks and vehicles have come from Mercedes-Benz.

Since the spring of 2011, both Nicky Hayden and Gabriele del Torchio, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., have been driving a CLS 63 AMG.