Reporting consolidated net sales of EUR 1,626.9 million over the last nine months, marking an increase of 23.3 percent when compared to the sales of EUR 1,319.2 million clocked during the corresponding period last year that ended on 30 September 2021, Piaggio is cautiously optimistic of steady growth on the basis of its unique brand portfolio. 

Selling 490,400 vehicles worldwide (an increase of 13.9 percent from 430,600 during the corresponding period last year), the Italy-based industrial group showcased the new Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta, a special edition two-wheeler that combines Aprilia Racing engineering and MotoGP technology. Only 100 bikes will be produced to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Aprilia’s first championship victory. It also showcased the centenary edition of GMG – Giornate Mondiali Moto Guzzi – in Mandello Del Lario (Italy) in September, attracting more than 60,000 Guzzi bikers from around the world, including British actor Ewan McGregor, who has always been a great fan of Moto Guzzi bikes. 

Holding the world preview of the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Aviazione Navale (signifying the brand’s special ties with the Italian Navy) in the spectacular setting of the flight deck of the Cavour aircraft carrier in September, Piaggio presented a new range of Vespa GTS scooters in four versions – the classic Vespa GTS, the contemporary GTS Super, the feisty GST SuperSport and the hyper-tech Vespa GTS SuperTech – in October. 

Announcing net profit of EUR 70.9 million, the best ever nine months result with an improvement of 37.4 percent (it was EUR 51.6 million at the nine months ending on 30 September 2021), the Italian group sold 410,000 two-wheelers worldwide (an increase of 12 percent from 366,000 as on 30 September 2021) and generated net sales of EUR 1,338.9 million, an increase of 20.6 percent from EUR 1,110.2 million during the corresponding period last year.

Turnover from two-wheeler sales was particularly strong in Asia Pacific (clocking an increase of 55.1 percent), followed by the Americas (clocking an increase of 44.4 percent), EMEA (clocking an increase of 7.7 percent) and the Indian sub-continent where sales continued to be steady and resulted in an increase of one percent. 

Consolidating its leadership in the scooter segment with a share of 23.5 percent (23.1 percent in the first nine months of 2021) and further strengthening its positioning in the North American scooter market with a share of 34.9 percent (34.5 percent as on 30 September 2021), Piaggio experienced an increase in traction in the area of motorcycles as well. 

Working to consolidate its presence in the North American motorcycle market with the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands, the group (seeing double-digit growth in global scooter sales volumes, driven in particular by the Vespa brand that reported a double-digit improvement in turnover and record nine-month sales volumes and by Aprilia scooters) clocked good growth in its commercial vehicle portfolio as well. 

The group reported sales volumes of 80,300 vehicles, up 24.4 percent as compared to 64,600 units sold in the nine months ending on 30 September 2021. It also reported net sales of EUR 288 million (an increase of 37.8 percent from 209.1 million EUR as on 30 September 2021). 

Highlighting positive performance of the motorcycles under the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands on one side and the commercial vehicles on the other, Piaggio experienced good contribution from its Indian operations too. 

With the Indian market showing a recovery with turnover from commercial vehicles rising 56.7 percent and sales volumes rising 37.4 percent, the group’s subsidiary now commands a 19.4 percent overall share of the Indian three-wheeler market. In the cargo sub-segment of three-wheelers in India, the company – Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited – is holding a market share of 33 percent. 

Drawing attention to an extremely complex macroeconomic situation and geopolitical developments such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Piaggio Group Chairman and CEO Roberto Colaninno expressed, “The Piaggio Group closed the first nine months of 2022 with its best results ever and double-digit growth, driven primarily by excellent performance in the APAC area, which will be further boosted by the new manufacturing facility we shall be opening in Indonesia next month.”

TVS Motor Company, a leading two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the updated TVS Apache RTR 160 4V at INR 139,000.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc, oil-cooled, fuel-injected, 4-valve, which produces 17.55 PS at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm.

It comes with a segment-first 37mm Upside Down (USD) suspension and three ride modes — Sport, Urban, and Rain, which the company claims enhance control, stability, and adaptability across diverse riding conditions.

Like with most of the new models from the TVS Motor Co’s stable, the Apache RTR 160 4V now comes with TVS SmartXonnect technology, which provides Bluetooth connectivity, providing turn-by-turn navigation, call & SMS alerts, and voice assist.

In terms of design, the refreshed TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s can be had in three colour options – Granite Grey, Matte Black, and Pearl White, which are complemented by sporty, race-inspired graphics, golden-finish USD forks, and red alloy wheels. 

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are proud to lead the way in engineering and innovation in motorcycles. With that commitment, we are excited to announce the upgrade of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with cutting-edge features and advanced technology. Built on a rich racing legacy, the TVS Apache Series proudly serves over 5.5 million enthusiasts, making it one of the fastest-growing premium motorcycle brands globally. We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customers by integrating performance, technology, and style. By constantly evolving in our set of offerings, we have set new benchmarks for performance motorcycles in India.”

KAW Veloce Motors Pvt Ltd (KVMPL) has unveiled the Brixton brand of motorcycles (600 cc and 1200 cc) and an e-scooter of the Italian brand Velocifero (VLF) called Tennis in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

The unveiling of both the machines – the motorcycle with an ICE and the e-scooter with a battery and motor – at the Highland Club on the outskirts of the city took place amid much fanfare.

The Brixton motorcycle and VLF e-scooter – with an angular bodywork overall that is synonymous with Italian design culture and featuring a 2.1kW hub motor, and a range of 130 km – will be offered through the MotoHaus retail channel, the first outlet of which is set to be commissioned in a few days from now in Kolhapur.

Both the two-wheelers – the e-scooter is priced at INR 1,30,000 ex-showroom – are being put together (from a CKD kit) at a plant that is about 12 km from the launch venue as part of the Phase I strategy. To be offered through MotoHaus outlets in cities Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Jaipur, Vapi, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Nashik, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara besides Kolhapur, the two vehicle brands are expected to be joined by a third Italian brand and an in-house electric two-wheeler brand at a later date.

Once the Phase I strategy plays out and the Bixton and VLF offerings find a footing in the Indian market, the company will embark on the Phase II strategy that will include a design and development centre at Kolhapur. The strategy will also include a manufacturing plant that can do 25,000 units and enable the engineering of a robust supply chain in terms of localisation.

It is at the Phase II level that investments from Brixton Motorcycles (Austria) and VLF are expected to come into the venture, which is initially supported by the parent company of KAW Veloce.

TVS Motor Company-owned British premium motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles, has announced changes to its leadership structure.

The company has announced Dr. Robert Hentschel, currently CEO, will step back from his role effective immediately. He will transition to a non-executive director role within the company.

On the other hand, Nevijo Mance will join Norton Motorcycles as Executive Director, overseeing all upstream business operations, as part of the new leadership structure.

He will be responsible for product design, development and engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, and supply chain management.

In addition, Richard Arnold, who was appointed Executive Director in June 2024, will be responsible for downstream business operations, including marketing, brand management, sales, distribution, customer relationship management, aftersales service, product management, and public relations.

He will also be responsible for enhancing customer experience, expanding Norton’s market reach, and strengthening the brand’s presence across global markets.

Dr Rober had been leading the company since 2021, and has been instrumental in strengthening Norton’s foundations, guiding the company through crucial stages of its growth plan and establishing a strong operational base. He had played a key role in synergistic relationship with parent TVS Motor Company, which has been pivotal in advancing Norton’s progress and setting the stage for future success.

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, has announced the date and venue for the fourth edition of its TVS MotoSoul festival. The two-day festival will be held at Vagator, Goa, on 6 and 7 December 2024 with a focus on eco-friendly branding and sustainable practices.

Riding on this year’s theme of ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove’, TVS MotoSoul 4.0 is expected to draw visitors not only from India but also from other countries where the company has a presence. The two-day event promises attractive sessions like culinary experiences, wellness and personal care sessions, bike trips and tricks sessions and community and bonding sessions, as well as live music performances by top artists. The festival will provide attendees with a chance to participate in motorsports including dirt track racing, stunt shows and flat track challenges. Additionally, the attendees will be able to interact with race champions, riding experts and motorcycling legends.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS MotoSoul is a mark of the motorcycling spirit. It celebrates the bond between man and machine. Each edition has not only grown in scale but has also deepened this connection among enthusiasts. Our commitment goes beyond just motorcycles; we are devoted to nurturing a thriving ecosystem of riders. As we gear up for TVS MotoSoul 4.0, we are excited to redefine the journey with extraordinary experiences, all wrapped in a vibrant and colourful theme that captures the free-spirited essence of our community. We are confident that our mission to democratise these experiences will lead to one of the most exhilarating celebrations of riders and their journeys at TVS MotoSoul 4.0.”