In the ailing American motorcycle market, there appears to be an Italian spark with Ducati having another sales-setting month.

Ducati North America announced a record retail month in June, surpassing the previous all-time high set in May of 2007. The record-setting month, 22% higher than June of 2007, keeps the company's sales ahead for the year despite a weak marketplace.

"I am pleased to report that sales were strong across the model range have been exceptional for the newly introduced Monster 696 (pictured right - click to enlarge)," commented Jason Chinnock, National Sales Manager for Ducati North America. "The 696 demand outpaced our supply for the month otherwise the new record of 1410 units would have been higher! We will be working hard to meet that demand in the coming months and with the motorcycle market reporting slower sales, we are excited to be bucking the trend."

Ducati North America has been enjoying outstanding growth in the United States over the last five years and has nearly tripled sales since 2003. A string of commercially successful motorcycles, from the Hypermotard to the new 1098 and 848 superbikes, and now the new Monster have taken the brand to sales of over 10,000 in the last 12 months.

"The transformation of our product lineup and the exceptional dedication of our dealer network to improve has delivered these outstanding results," commented Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America. "At a time when fuel costs are dominating the public's attention, Ducati offers a perfect storm of style, performance and bikes like the Monster 696 that can return over 50 mpg!"