Piaggio is exploring into new segments and won’t launch any new scooter below 125 cc as it sees high potential in the 150-200 cc space
Piaggio has capitalised on the growth in 125 and 150 cc scooter segments in the domestic market and the arrival of Aprilia SR series has certainly been a cherry on top. Despite selling nearly 78,000 units in the Financial Year 2018-19, Piaggio only competes in a small portion of the vastly developing scooter space and it will make amends in the coming years.
Unlike the mainstream scooter manufacturers like Honda, TVS, Suzuki, Yamaha and Hero Piaggio wants to stand its ground as a premium brand and thus it would not indulge in introducing scooters below the 125 cc category, confirmed Diego Graffi, Managing Director and CEO, Piaggio Vehicles.
So, what is next for Piaggio if it wants to have sustained growth in India? The 135-year-old Italian company is open to exploring new segments to maintain its unique market positioning. Piaggio looks set to delve deep into scooter categories of higher engine capacity – more than 150 cc.
Graffi further stated that “…something (scooters) between 150-200cc is very much possible to happen” after acknowledging the tremendous growth experienced in the motorcycle industry for segments between 200 and 300 cc in recent years. He went as far as saying that the scooter (possibly 200 cc engine capacity) is currently under development.
Moreover, it will be fully customised for the local market. The India-specific 200 cc scooter is developed in conjunction with the brand’s Research and Development centre located in Italy. It will officially go on sale in 18 months badged as Aprilia. The Vespa Urban Club 125 and Aprilia Storm 125 have already been entering showrooms ahead of their impending launches.
Graffi also noted “investing in Aprilia is a must” in a country like India. The RS 150 and Tuono 150 caught plenty of attention at the 2018 Auto Expo but Graffi is cautious about Aprilia’s plans for India and confirmed conducting prototype testing recently. In the next 18 months, we could be seeing the debut of entry-level premium Aprilia motorcycles as well.