Last year was detrimental to the auto industry. Detroit’s Big 3 posted sales losses. Add in the rising gasoline prices and the need to respond to global warming issues. Actually, it was a year that most companies detest. But it was extra generous to Ducati.

Yes, the Italian bike manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding SpA posted a profit in 2007 after 3 consecutive annual losses. The much-desired profit is largely attributed to its new higher margin bikes.

The Italian winner of last year’s MotoGP motorcycle world title reported a 2007 net profit on rising sales and cost cuts, and said it is targeting a 15% gain in revenues this year. In a statement, Ducati said Thursday it posted a net profit of 13.3 million euros ($19.43 million) in 2007, swing from a loss of 8.5 million euros in 2006. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) stood at 13.8 percent of revenues, and more than doubled from the previous year to 55 million euros, according to Reuters.

"Our targets for 2008 are ambitious but within reach: a 15% rise in sales, an EBITDA margin of 15% and a positive net financial position," Ducati Chief Financial Officer Enrico D’Onofrio said in the statement.

The maker of high-performance motorbikes owned by renowned actors like Tom Cruise and whose racing bikes are driven by Australian world champion Casey Stoner, said its sales increased 30.5% last year to 397.7 million from 304.8 million euros, with the strongest raise on the United Kingdom market.

According to reports, the Italian motorcycle maker had net debt of 10.8 million euros at the year end, a dive from 54.2 million euros.

Continue growing, Ducati! You don’t need the MSD Pro-billet distributor to keep going. Sure, you know that.