Moto Guzzi Bikes in India by 2013, Bookings Start

The Italian brand Piaggio is all set to launch their superbike brand Moto Guzzi in India by early 2013 and for this they have already set-up first Moto Guzzi showroom as well. The European brand has already carved out a space in countries' three- and four-wheeler commercial vehicles and they now want to play a crucial role in two-wheelers as well. Thus after its iconic premium scooter brand Vespa, the company is introducing its cruiser brand, Moto Guzzi, and also expanding its product base of the superbike brand Aprilia.

Aprilia's Second Indian dealership- Northward Motors Pvt ltd has just opened up in Gurgaon. The showroom has become operational, and started taking pre-orders. It will also have a service centre, which is currently under construction and located close to the dealership. But the most important thing about this showroom is that the showroom space has also been shared with Moto Guzzi motorcycles, making Northward Motors India’s first Moto Guzzi dealership. It also indicates Moto Guzzi's informal arrival in India as bookings are presently ongoing for Griso 1200 8V 110bhp model, which is powered by a four-stroke, V-twin, 1151cc, six-speed engine. However, the deliveries will commence only by 2013, with the remaining line-up of Moto Guzzi motorcycles still to be defined and made available in 2013. Piaggio is also planning to introduce at least four of its eight two-wheelers brands in India by the end of the next year. Speaking on this 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. Some time after the second half of 2013, we will see the launches."

Moto Guzzi would compete against brands like Harley Davidson, Royal Enfield and Triumph, Aprilia for space against premium products of Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, BMW, Kawasaki, KTM, among others. The company will introduce all its high-end bikes via import route, which will make these bikes cost very high on-road. "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, which is a world-famous cruiser brand, will also make its way to India", added Chopra. Piaggio is planning to set-up three-four more outlets in key locations like Hyderabad, Bangalore for expanding Aprilia's and Moto Guzzi's retail reach.

According to Mr. Chopra, Indians collectively bought 2,300 superbikes last year, with engine capacities of 800cc and above. Though the number is small compared to some of the developed markets in the West or China. He further added that higher disposable incomes and the desire to own aspirational products is expected to drive demand for superbikes in India in the near future. And that's why they are confident about their Superbikes and premium cruisers' future in India.

Source: Business Standard