AMG partners with Ducati

By Paul Gover - Herald Sun

 "A lot of people who own AMG Mercedes-Benz cars also have a high- performance motorcycle. We know they like Ducati," says AMG marketing boss Mario Spitzner.

A thumping V8 engine roar and a motorcycle burnout announce the latest automotive collaboration at the LA Auto Show.

The new partners are AMG and Ducati, who have forged an alliance intended to tap the shared attractions of their go-faster two and four- wheelers.

"A lot of people who own AMG Mercedes-Benz cars also have a high- performance motorcycle. We know they like Ducati," the marketing boss at AMG, Mario Spitzner, tells Carsguide.

"It's the same with our Ducati owners. Many of them have a Mercedes-Benz car in the garage," says Gabriele Del Torchio, head of Ducati.  The announcement comes as AMG Mercedes rolls its latest CLS 63 into action in the USA and Ducati reveals its all new Diavel, which is ridden into the show by former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden.

Apart from a tie-up that will see Diavels at AMG customer drive days and vice-versa, the new link is also likely to see MotoGP superstar Valentino Rossi - who will race for Ducati from 2011 - wearing a three- pointed star on his helmet.

It's a move that means he will join Australia's five-time world motorcycle champion, Mick Doohan, as an AMG ambassador.

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