Piaggio, the Italian two wheeler and commercial vehicle manufacturer, is planning to introduce its Moto Guzzi motorcycles in India soon. The Italian auto maker's Aprilia superbikes are already being sold in the country and the company now eyes to expand its footprints beyond superbikes to the passenger motorcycle. The company as of now hasn't been as successful with its Vespa scooter in the country as it has been with the three wheelers.
Piaggio's premium cruiser brand “Moto Guzzi,” when launched in the country, will take on the likes of Harley Davidson and the products from Royal Enfield. The Italian auto maker in the future plans to launch four models in India out of its 8 brands, namely - Aprilia, Gilera, Laverda, Derbi, Ligier, Moto Guzzi, Vespa and Piaggio.
Ravi Chopra, chairman and managing director, Piaggio Vehicles, said, "We are evaluating the right time for the launch of products following the Vespa. Piaggio has a reservoir of brands and products. We are trying to see how we can customise those products to Indian needs. Sometime after the second half of 2013, we will see the launches. Our focus today (for future launches) is the scooter segment, which will be under the Piaggio brand (in the low-end segment). To showcase our technology, we are bringing superbikes to India too. The market is small, but robust and growing. Moto Guzzi will also make its way to India."
Piaggio is the fourth largest manufacturer of scooters and mototorcycles in the world, with an annual production of more than 600,000 vehicles. The company provides employment to more than 6,700 people and has its operations in over 50 countries.
