Piaggio: 20 new models arriving

Five Guzzi motorcycles, two Piaggio scooters, two Aprilia scooters, an Ape and the new Vespa 946. The goal is to exceed the ceiling of one million vehicles produced and sold. Piaggio is trying to react to the economic crisis which is also affecting the two-wheeler market by playing the productivity card. During the presentation of the industrial plan, the president and CEO of the Pontedera group, Roberto Colaninno, announced the launch on the market of 20 new models between now and the next five years.

Of the 11 models already revealed, the details of only one are known Vespa 946. The two-wheeler made its appearance at the most recent edition of EICMA, the international motorcycle show in Milan. One of the key points is the expansion into emerging markets with particular attention to the eastern ones. Without too many turns of phrase the manager exalted the role of Asia without which "we would have had huge problems. Asia has allowed us to make investments in Europe, to invest in innovation and to pay dividends to our shareholders. I believe that the European market will stabilize in the next few years. I expect a slight increase in sales".

And then the green light is given to the Indian market scooter with the premium Vespa brand. Production will begin during the first quarter of 2012 new factory in Baramati currently being equipped and will have a production capacity of more than 150.000 units per year.