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Piaggio is looking to enter the mainstream market with Aprilia motorcycles… by 2020… But they sell about half a dozen big bike models in India in the 800cc-1200cc range, all of them imported as CBUs. And then some scooters as well. Then what’s with the mainstream motorcycles and that too with Aprilia? We can imagine an Aprilia RS 150 being ridden like a maniac around a track!
Diego Graffi, Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles India said, “When we entered the scooter space, we focused on the premium end and the same is the case with the range of motorcycles we plan to bring in. We plan to start manufacturing a 150cc bike in next 12-15 months. We plan to launch four motorbikes under Aprilia. This is the first time that we are going to introduce these products and definitely based on the results, we are going to expand … This is the first product line but based on results we will think on how to expand.”
Piaggio was testing the waters with their Vespa scooter and now, they plan to enter the fast growing ~150cc sports motorcycle segment with their premium brand, Aprilia. This move will pit them against Bajaj-KTM, TVS and Yamaha. And their plan is to bring out the first motorcycle in 2020 and follow it up with three more models in the 150cc space.
Why do we think that it is going to be the Aprilia RS 150? Piaggio showcased two concept motorcycles at the 2018 Auto Expo, the sporty Aprilia RS 150 and the street focused Aprilia Tuoono 150. And according to the company, the motorcycles received an encouraging feedback from people. Graffi also confirmed that the motorcycles planned for India would be based on those concepts. He also added that the production version of the sports bike would be in the 150cc range, the street bike might come with a bigger displacement.
This move will help the Piaggio group because right now the motorcycles being sold by them are high displacement and all of them are imported as completely built-up units and therefore, out of the rach of most. This new range of motorcycles will enable them to participate in the mainstream 125-250cc market, from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh and thus make the brand more accessible to the masses. When it comes to figures, close to 2 million units were sold in the 125-250cc motorcycle segment in India in April-January of fiscal 2019, with the segment growing about 14% as against the overall motorcycle market expansion of 11%.
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Diego Graffi, Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles India said, “When we entered the scooter space, we focused on the premium end and the same is the case with the range of motorcycles we plan to bring in. We plan to start manufacturing a 150cc bike in next 12-15 months. We plan to launch four motorbikes under Aprilia. This is the first time that we are going to introduce these products and definitely based on the results, we are going to expand … This is the first product line but based on results we will think on how to expand.”
Piaggio was testing the waters with their Vespa scooter and now, they plan to enter the fast growing ~150cc sports motorcycle segment with their premium brand, Aprilia. This move will pit them against Bajaj-KTM, TVS and Yamaha. And their plan is to bring out the first motorcycle in 2020 and follow it up with three more models in the 150cc space.
Why do we think that it is going to be the Aprilia RS 150? Piaggio showcased two concept motorcycles at the 2018 Auto Expo, the sporty Aprilia RS 150 and the street focused Aprilia Tuoono 150. And according to the company, the motorcycles received an encouraging feedback from people. Graffi also confirmed that the motorcycles planned for India would be based on those concepts. He also added that the production version of the sports bike would be in the 150cc range, the street bike might come with a bigger displacement.
This move will help the Piaggio group because right now the motorcycles being sold by them are high displacement and all of them are imported as completely built-up units and therefore, out of the rach of most. This new range of motorcycles will enable them to participate in the mainstream 125-250cc market, from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh and thus make the brand more accessible to the masses. When it comes to figures, close to 2 million units were sold in the 125-250cc motorcycle segment in India in April-January of fiscal 2019, with the segment growing about 14% as against the overall motorcycle market expansion of 11%.
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