Next Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole importer and distributor of the Ducati brand in Malaysia, has set a target of 15 per cent sales from the northern region in relation to total sales of the motorcycle in Malaysia.
Naza Motor Group Vice President, Two Wheels Division, Nik Danial Nik Mahmood, said Ducati was among the top premium models in Malaysia and the number of owners had reached 1,500 nationwide.
Speaking to reporters after the launch of the first Ducati 3S (Sales, Sevice and Spare Parts) Centre in the northern region here today, he said the group planned to open two more centres in Johor Baharu and Kuching early next year.
"We already have two in Kuala Lumpur and one in Sungai Buloh (Selangor).
This (Penang) is the fourth. We will open the centre in Johor Bahru and Kuching early next year and also plan to expand to the east coast in 2015.
"There is a need to be close to our customers. We want to bring the Ducati experience to them, instead of having to travel to Kuala Lumpur to buy the motorcycle," he added.
Also present was Ducati Asia General Manager Pierfrancesco Scalzo and Director of the Ducati Penang Showroom, Kheoh Hock Seng.
Nik Danial said the group has invested about RM1.5 million in the four-storey, 929.03 sq m (10,000 sq ft)building which houses a showroom with the complete range of Ducati models, including the Monster, Diavel, Hypermotard, Hyperstrada, Multistrada, 899 Panigale and 1199 Panigale.
The centre is also fully equipped with an after-sales service unit with up to six service bays.
All the technicians have been specially trained by Ducati, to provide owners with professional support, when it comes to proper maintenance.
The centre, located at Jalan Datuk Keramat here, is open from 10am to 8pm (Monday to Saturday) and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday.
Bernama
Wed Nov 27 2013
Zayn Malik postpones US tour dates after One Direction bandmate Liam Payne's death
Payne, 31, died on Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, shocking fans of the boy band.
Why voters in a handful of swing states will decide the US presidential election
The contest will almost certainly be decided by just tens of thousands of voters a tiny fraction of the populace in a handful of states.
INSIGHT - Sudan's war risks 'lost generation' of children
A devastating crisis is unfolding in Sudan, where the most vulnerable members of society children are bearing the brunt of the violence.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.