Next Bike, the sole importer and distributor for Ducati motorbikes in Malaysia, has launched the 1198 in the local market.

Next Bike, which is a subsidiary of the diversified Naza conglomerate, expects to sell 120 Ducati bikes this year, from 85 units sold last year. Its group executive chairman and chief executive officer, SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin said the company was confident of achieving the target despite the soft market as "demand was always there for good products and services".

There are now about 500 Ducati bikes on the road since Naza got its distributorship rights in November 2000.

Speaking to reporters after the launch of the second Ducati showroom and the Naza Autoworld Centre in Kuala Lumpur on May 18th, SM Faisal said the second Ducati centre was expected to contribute 30 percent to total sales of Ducati bikes. The event was officiated by the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail and chief executive officer of Ducati Asia Pacific, Mirko Bordiga.

SM Faisal said Naza aimed to increase its market share in the 250cc and above motorcycle segment to 30 to 40 percent from 24 percent currently. He said the target will be driven by the introduction of more Ducati motorbikes series.