Two-wheelers are once again taking center stage, thanks to new industrial investments in Italy and rapidly growing accounts in Japan. Ducati has obtained the green light from the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy for a 121 million euro plan, while Honda closed the first quarter of the 2026-2027 financial year with net profit more than doubling, thanks mainly to motorcycle sales and the favorable effect of the weakening yen.
Ducati greenlights €121 million plan
The Mimit has authorized Invites Italy to sign the Development Agreement presented by Ducati Motor HoldingThe program foresees overall investments of 121 million euro and will be able to count on non-repayable public funding of 33,5 million, earmarked for research and development activities. The project, called "Ducati Raise the Bar", aims to strengthen the international competitiveness of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer in the long term. The plan focuses most of its resources on technological and industrial innovation, with over €99 million dedicated to industrial research and experimental development.
The activities will serve to expand the product range, integrate more innovative and sustainable technologies, and improve production processes. A key role will also be played by developing specialized skills, which are considered crucial to supporting the evolution of the motorcycle industry.
A boost for the Motor Valley
The agreement doesn't just concern Ducati's future. The investment is considered strategic also for Emilia-Romagna and for the entire Italian two-wheeler supply chain, starting from the Motor Valley, where a significant portion of the sector's industrial and technological expertise is concentrated.
Il program should contribute The development of advanced professional skills and the deployment of new production capabilities, strengthening the company's position on international markets. The goal is to consolidate Ducati's role among the leading global players in the sector and, at the same time, generate new economic and industrial benefits for the region.
Honda doubles operating profit
From Italy to Japan, motorcycles are still driving the industry forward. Honda closed the quarter between April and June with a net profit of 450,9 billion yen, equal to approximately 2,48 billion euros. The result is increased 130% compared to the same period of the previous year and significantly exceeded market expectations.
I quarterly revenues Revenue rose 13,5% to 6.061 billion yen, approximately €33,32 billion, while operating profit doubled to 530,8 billion yen. The performance was primarily driven by robust motorcycle sales, coupled with the favorable effect of the yen's depreciation.
The results allowed the second-largest Japanese automobile manufacturer, behind Toyota, to significantly revise upwards its forecasts for the full 2026-2027 financial year.
The quarterly results mark a significant turning point for Honda. In the fiscal year ending March 2026, the group had recorded its first operating loss in its seventy-year history, further impacted by the cancellation of the launch of several electric models in the United States. The resumption of its two-wheeler business now provides a more solid foundation for the new fiscal year. While Ducati prepares a new round of investments to innovate its products and factories, Honda is seeing motorcycles as one of the key drivers of its financial recovery.
