Piaggio begins work for Indian superbike foray

Piaggio Vehicles (PVPL), the pioneer of three-wheeler goods transportation in India, is seriously working on entering the superbike segment in India as soon as possible.

“We are looking at entering the superbike segment in India which is a growing segment in India. It might take reasonably few months, maximum one year or so for us to introduce a model in that segment here in India,” Piaggio India Chief Executive Officer Stefano Pelle told Deccan Herald.

“We have already started the groundwork for entering the superbike segment in India. We are testing the vehicle, we are doing the road tests, we have started the homologation process and stuff,” Pelle added.

PVPL, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Piaggio & Co of Italy, commenced its Indian operations in the year 1999 with the launch of the brand apé and has now firmly established its position as a leader in the diesel three-wheeler market. It currently has three manufacturing facilities in Baramati, Maharashtra.

According to Pelle, the company is likely to start exports of its flagship two-wheeler brand Vespa from India soon.

“We will start exports of two-wheelers from India also. We will possibly start exporting the Vespa this month or next month,” Pelle said.

“In terms of bikes, first we have to tackle the Indian market because we are not yet there. Once we do that, we might also look at exports. Big bike exports is not a priority, first we have to build this market,” Pelle added.

Meanwhile, the company has launched the new apé Xtra Dlx model at around Rs 1.74 lakh (ex-showroom), confirming its commitment to anticipating customers changing needs and its core philosophy of continuous improvement. The new apé Xtra Dlx presents a series of enhancements in style and functionality, while continuing to offer exceptional reliability, fuel efficiency and comfort.

The company is confident that the new launch will help it consolidate its leadership position in the three-wheeler market.