(June 15, 2012) Recent earthquakes north of Bologna, Italy, have slowed down production of Ducati motorcycles, according to Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio. He acknowledged the impact to production in a newsletter earlier this week.

Ducati is more of a final assembler at its Borgo Panigale plant than a true manufacturer and relies heavily on a number of suppliers around the region to supply complete sub subsystems for its motorcycles.

Consequently damage to many of these facilities means that production of complete Ducati motorcycles will experience a slow down.

Ducati factory near Bologna

“Our suppliers are going to great lengths to resume production in the shortest possible time, and Ducati is supporting them so that they can continue to enhance the authenticity and world-class quality of our motorcycles. However, despite all our efforts and commitment, we could still experience some slowing down of our production,” del Torchio wrote in the newsletter.

The CEO asks that customers awaiting delivery of new models remain patient and understanding given the circumstances that are out of the factory’s control.

 We know that, at this time of year, many of you are eagerly awaiting your brand-new Ducatis. For some, this wait could be a little longer. I am, therefore, writing directly to you in order that you fully understand the extraordinary nature of our present working conditions.”