Piaggio mid-size bikes for India and other developing markets to be launched under the Aprilia brand.

2016 Aprilia RSV4
Aprilia wants a share of the mid-capacity motorcycle segment in India

Aprilia’s parent company, Piaggio is considering mid-sized bikes for India and other developing markets under the Aprilia brand with an aim to target growth. Currently, Aprilia manufactures the SR 150 and SR 125 performance scooters at its Baramati plant in Maharashtra.

Barring the two scooters, the rest of Aprilia’s portfolio consists of high-end CBU (completely built units, imported to India) motorcycles like the Tuono V4 1100, RSV4 RF, Shiver 900 and the Dorsoduro 900. Taking note of the growth potential the mid-capacity bikes segment offers, the automaker is not only considering mid-size bikes (250cc-400cc) for India under the young Aprilia brand (a segment where the brand currently doesn’t operate in) but is also understood to be preparing the ecosystem for the local production of motorcycles under the Aprilia badge. In case the company finds it feasible to enter the mid-capacity motorcycle segment, they plan to do so with full levels of localisation because India is a price-conscious market and prices have to be affordable.

Recently at the 2018 Auto Expo, Aprilia unveiled two new 150cc motorcycles, RS 150 and Tuono 150. The bikes were showcased as a prototype and were designed and developed in the Piaggio facility in Italy. The company is currently studying the prospects of the small/mid-capacity motorcycles and revealed that the entry-level 150cc bikes will be offered in two variants. These bikes will be made in India and made for India.

Piaggio Mid-Size Bikes

– Piaggio considering 250cc-400cc bikes for India under the Aprilia brand
– Currently sells scooters made locally and bikes imported as CBU
– The small/mid-capacity bikes will be made in India and for India

Aprilia Tuono 150 6
The Tuono 150 and the RS 150 are expected to be launched in India by the end of this year

Source – AutocarPro.in