Italy's Ducati to invest €121 million on R&D and innovation

ROME, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Italian motorbike maker Ducati, part of the Volkswagen group, will invest €121 million ($140 million) on research, development and innovation, with about 25% of the funds coming from the Italian government, the company said on Wednesday.

• The "Ducati Raise the Bar" project focuses on research, development and technological innovation, with more than €99 million allocated to industrial research and experimental development activities.

• The Italian industry ministry will contribute €33.5 million through a non-repayable grant, Ducati and the ministry said.

• The investment is aimed at expanding the product range through the introduction of innovative and sustainable technologies, as well as fostering the evolution of production processes, the company said.

($1 = 0.8660 euros)

(Reporting by Alvise ArmelliniEditing by David Goodman)