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INTERVIEW MV AGUSTA'S GIOVANNI CASTIGLIONI P78 in pursuit of bigger and bigger profits. That's not the way I want to run the company. And that's why I believe AMG is a natural partner for us, as being on the same kind of wavelength as MV. Before teaming up with Mercedes-AMG, had you already taken steps to im- prove MV's sales and market- ing operation in the several key markets where you were struggling–the UK, U.S., France etc.? If you're selling the numbers you mention, you must have addressed this successfully? Yes, this was a crucial prob- lem that I'm glad to say we seem to be getting on top of—in each case by appointing our own local manager who handles the impor- tation directly, and works closely with local dealers. In the UK we are increasing our sales network dramatically and will add another 25 new dealers in the coming year. Britain was very disappoint- ing for us before, because we couldn't find a good importer. But earlier this year we opened our own direct subsidiary with Mark Franklin as Country Man- ager. This year we sold around 500 bikes in the UK, 100 more than in 2013. But we're certain we can sell 700-800 a year very soon there, because the UK economy is the success story of Europe. In fact, we hired new Country Managers this year for all the key markets we sell in, including the U.S., Southeast Asia, and now France, where we hired Steve Webster who was one of the key people in putting Triumph on the map after John Bloor restarted the company. I'm investing a lot of resources in our sales operation, controlled directly from Varese, and I'm confident it will all add up to a better service for our customers, and increased numbers for us. Win-win both sides. So, looking at the recent past and the near future, was 2014 a good year for MV Agusta? Yes, it was. Although I think it would have been even better if we could have won the World Supersport Championship. Cluzel tried his best, but it wasn't quite enough. But next season, just watch. So you've now become in- terested in racing. I remember two years ago when you told me, "Oh no, I'm not like my father, I'm not so passionate about road racing"! Hah! It's a bad habit, and once you get hooked, it's hard to shake off. Commercially, though, was it a good year for the com- pany? Yes. We will be ending with a 20 percent increase in volume, having sold a little over 9,000 bikes compared to 7,000-some- MV is expanding into the sport- touring segment as well, with bikes like the new Turismo Veloce 800.