Vertu Motors

• Ducati continues to expand its network with a new opening in Sunderland
• The new dealership offers the entire Ducati and Scrambler range, associated apparel and accessory collections and Ducati Service
• The opening ceremony will take place early Summer 2024, with further details to be announced

Ducati is to enhance its dealer network through a strategic partnership with Vertu Motorcycles, part of the wider Vertu Motors group, marking the motor retailer's inaugural dealership for the renowned Italian motorcycle brand.

Vertu Motorcycles Ducati Sunderland, which will be situated next to the Vertu Motors retail brand’s other retail centres at Boldon Business Park, will offer the full range of Ducati and Scrambler Ducati motorcycles, alongside associated aftermarket accessories and related apparel. The site will also offer the Ducati Approved programme and provide specialist expert servicing from dedicated motorcycle technicians.

An existing building is set to receive two single-story extensions, with building work scheduled to create additional parts storage and a motorcycle workshop, including a purpose-built service reception. An additional nine members of full-time colleagues will be recruited by Vertu in order to support the new business.

The new site represents Vertu Motors plc’s first dedicated Ducati dealership. The new dealership joins Ducati’s global sales network, which today counts more than 800 points of sale in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Chris Taylor, Operations Director at Vertu Motors plc, said: “We’re very excited to be partnering with Ducati to bring the globally revered premium motorcycle brand to

Sunderland for the first time. Ducati has a loyal following amongst motorcycle fans, and its community continues to grow and grow.

“Ducati enthusiasts in the Northeast will have the opportunity to attend our opening event in Summer 2024, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.

“We will soon be beginning the recruitment process for colleagues to join the new centre. It will be a truly exciting addition for the motorcycle community in the area, and with Ducati and BMW Motorrad on the same site, it will provide a first-class ride to destination.

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Ducati, bringing the passion and precision of this iconic motorcycle brand to Sunderland. This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to motorists, whether they are on four or two wheels.

“Vertu continues to grow, adding new manufacturers, new dealerships and new colleagues to the Group, built on a foundation of delivering an outstanding customer motoring experience through honesty and trust.”

Fabrizio Cazzoli, Managing Director of Ducati UK, said: “I’m pleased to confirm the expansion of Ducati dealer network together with a well-established partner such as Vertu Motors plc. Ducati’s pillars “Style, Sophistication and Performance” will be perfectly represented in the new location which, in the next few months, will be preparing to welcome Ducatisti and fans. 2024 is a year where Ducati will keep growing in the adventure and off-road while confirming its leadership in the sport segments, always putting customers’ experience first.”

Visit ducati.com and vertumotorcycles.com for full details.

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

PRESS CONTACTS:

• -Ducati UK: Sarah Pack 07968128327
• -Ducati Sunderland: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to Editors

Vertu Motors is the fourth largest automotive retailer in the UK with a network of 193 sales outlets across the UK. Its dealerships operate predominantly under the Bristol Street Motors, Vertu and Macklin Motors brand names.

Vertu Motors was established in November 2006 with the strategy to consolidate the UK motor retail sector. It is intended that the Group will continue to acquire motor retail operations to grow a scaled dealership group. The Group’s acquisition strategy is supplemented by a focused organic growth strategy to drive operational efficiencies through its national dealership network. The Group currently operates 187 franchised sales outlets and 6 non-franchised sales operations from 144 locations across the UK.

Vertu's Mission Statement is to "deliver an outstanding customer motoring experience through honesty and trust".

Vertu Motors Group websites – https://investors.vertumotors.com / www.vertucareers.com

Vertu brand websites – www.vertumotors.com / www.bristolstreet.co.uk / www.vertuhonda.com / www.vertutoyota.com / www.macklinmotors.co.uk / www.vertumotorcyles.com