Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited (PVPL), a subsidiary of the Italy based auto manufacturing company Piaggio, has revealed intentions to introduce their second product, a 125 cc scooter called 'Fly' in the Indian two-wheeler market. Buoyed by the good reception of its first product on domestic turf - Vespa LX 125 scooter, the company is expected to launch Fly scooter in Indian market somewhere around Diwali festivities.
The yet-to-be launched Piaggio Fly 125 is powered by a 125 cc LEADER motor, derived from Vespa 125 but without the three valves. 12 inches wide wheels along with tubeless tyres have been installed on the scooter, which make the ride and handling quality both easy and safe. Further, in order to enhance the overall security on demanding and rough road conditions, Piaggio engineers have also installed a telescopic hydraulic shock absorber on the Fly scooter.
Upon its launch, the 2012 Piaggio Fly 125 will be pitched directly against the likes of Honda Activa and Suzuki Swish scooters in the Indian two-wheeler market. The Suzuki Swish scooter carries a retail value of Rs. 46,531 (ex-showrooms of New Delhi), while the Indian favourite Honda Activa is capped with a price tag of Rs. 44,832 (ex-showrooms of New Delhi). Thus, in order to make the Fly 125 scooter price competitive against its contemporaries, PVPL will have to come with a price strategy limiting the two-wheeler's cost within Rs. 50,000.
Piaggio's premium offering, the Vespa scooter fetches a price tag of Rs. 78,299 and has been dubbed by top industry experts to be too expensive for Indian taste. At such an exorbitant price tag, the company failed to entice domestic two-wheeler enthusiasts and found a lukewarm response from them. Hence, the company will be looking to shed its pricey image with the fresh new Fly 125 Scooter, as it looks towards consolidating its position in the Indian two-wheeler scene.
