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Time of India
08-08-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Piaggio's new commuter scooter will have a flavour mix of Italy and India
As Piaggio Vehicles explores getting a foothold in India's commuter scooter segment, Diego Graffi is categorical about what the product ought to be like. 'The new offering should always be combined with the key pillars of Piaggio globally in the two-wheeler space. These are design, lifestyle and heritage. It should be something that gives the customer the flavour of having a product that is designed as per Italian standards but customised for Indian applications,' the Chairman and Managing Director told ET Auto in a recent interview. At present, the company's scooter portfolio consists of the iconic Vespa which is priced comfortably at over ₹1.2 lakh and is part of the niche premium segment. For the more voluminous commuter category which Piaggio is looking at seriously, the product will need to be two-thirds the price in order to attract customers. 'In order to scale up volumes, we have to invest in a space that has the potential to deliver and this is the commuting segment of scooters where volumes are six million units annually. But obviously, to compete in this category, we need to have the right kind of product that customers are seeking,' said Graffi. Pricing challenge Beyond this, it is important to be competitive in terms of price and this is 'definitely' a challenge. 'However, I think we have all the skills, capabilities and experience to do this,' he added. For a company that has tasted success in the mass three-wheeler segment, it is hopeful that the same can be replicated in the scooter space where affordability will play a big role. Removing one wheel and developing a scooter is not a big Graffi 'So we already have that in our DNA in India. So removing one wheel and developing a scooter is not a big deal. Of course, it is a challenge but it is not impossible,' reiterated Graffi. Even while plans are still at the conceptualising phase, things are proceeding 'very fast'. In the process, there will be an all-new brand emerging from the Piaggio stable in India. The CMD ruled out extension of the Vespa brand to this new commuter scooter reiterating, 'No, no, no. Vespa is Vespa. You cannot touch it. This product will be altogether another segment and another customer base.' On the retail side, there is every likelihood of using the current two-wheeler network that caters to Vespa at least in Tier 1 cities but more dealers need to be roped in for smaller towns where the market for mass scooters truly resides in. New geography 'The dealer network has to be focused to sell this kind of product especially in rural, Tier 2 and 3 regions. This product is more a commuter — I don't want to use the word mass — and we have to explore areas where we are not present at all. So it is all together a new geography that we are talking about,' elaborated Graffi. The company's long experience with three-wheelers in India means that there is a fair degree of market intelligence when it comes to smaller cities and towns. However, a scooter is an all-new animal and will require specialised skills in marketing and after-sales service to make things work well. Luckily, we have a good vendor base already that we can use for the new Graffi Likewise, the pricing of the product needs to hit the sweet spot and this is where Piaggio's suppliers will have a key role to play. 'Luckily, we have a good vendor base already that we can use for the new scooter,' he said. Plans are already underway to send shipments overseas to Africa, Turkey and many other markets across the globe. When this new product becomes a reality, it will mark the wheel coming full circle for Piaggio in India. Old-timers will recall the heady days of the 1980s and '90s when the Italian automaker had an alliance with the Kanpur-based LML where its mass scooters were the closest rival models to Bajaj Auto's range of the Chetak, Super etc. India comeback story When LML and Piaggio split eventually, the latter decided to get into the cargo three-wheeler space as part of its second innings for India. It was a masterstroke because this was a larger unexplored arena where the chance of growth were stronger. Piaggio soon became a familiar brand here and then gradually stepped into the more glamorous space of scooters and motorcycles with Vespa and Aprilia. Also read:Piaggio plans larger scooter portfolio for India beyond Vespa The group's global CEO, Michele Colaninno has been a keen advocate of the India growth story and has been pushing for a bigger role here in terms of new products and making the country a global hub for vehicles and components. Graffi said the CEO was very 'forward thinking' and saw India as a great opportunity. 'He has a particular appreciation for India and always perceives that we could do better looking at the potential here,' he added. Colaninno was in India a little over three months ago where he got around to to see the market. He visits the country at least every year and each time he sees it, there is something new in terms of technology or the changing face of vehicles on the road that grabs his eye. From his point of view, India remains a fast growing market that hold tremendous potential for companies like Piaggio. Rebooting scooter template It was a little over a year ago when Colaninno had spoken of redefining the company's scooter template in India by way of an entry into the commuter space. 'The mistake we have done in the past is more on the scooter side, where we have not been able to face the competition of low-cost vehicles,' he had said. While making clear that the company would continue to be in the high/premium end with Vespa and Aprilia models, he said this perhaps was not enough in terms of the overall scooter strategy. 'But at the same time, I think we have to be ready and able, more able than ready to fill the gap, let's say, with the competition that we have on scooters,' said Colaninno. There was a specific reference to competitors who have had a good run in the mass scooter space where numbers continue to grow at a brisk pace. 'If you take the Honda Activa, if you take TVS, they produce millions and millions of vehicles,' he pointed out. We will take the right decisions to be ready and enter the big volume market there. Not with the Vespa, not with the Colaninno The Piaggio Group CEO was, however quick to add that such a comparison would not be apt. 'You cannot compare us with Honda, obviously, which has been there in the two-wheeler market for years in India. But I think that we will take the right decisions to be ready and enter the big volume market there. Not with the Vespa, not with the bike.' New strategy for India It is keeping this objective in mind that Piaggio believes the time has come to take a serious relook at its scooter business model for India. 'I think that we have to put in place a new strategy for the two-wheeler market in India. It is true that it is moving towards a high level of consumer business, but some mistakes have been done over there, especially on two-wheels,' said Colaninno. The Italian automaker is clear that this does not mean that the focus on premium models will be diluted. As he made clear, the company is satisfied with the response to the Aprilia RS 457 medium displacement bike that was launched at a price of over ₹4 lakh. 'The actual management — the new management team — is just people that we have decided to put in place on the R&D. But that does not mean that we will exit the premium market, because India is growing on GDP per capita and it will grow slowly, but we are ready to catch the growth. Numbers are not millions, but with the RS 457, we are very satisfied,' said Colaninno.
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Piaggio Ape E-City Ultra and Ape E-City FX Maxx launched in India, starting at ₹3.30 lakh
Piaggio has introduced the 2025 Ape Electrik range in India, starting at ₹3.30 lakh (ex-showroom). The lineup includes two electric three-wheelers, the new Ape E-City Ultra and the updated Ape E-City FX Maxx. Aimed at addressing last-mile mobility needs, both models expand the company's electric passenger vehicle portfolio. Ape E-City Ultra The Ape E-City Ultra features a full-metal body and a 10.2 kWh lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) battery paired with a 3 kW charger. It has a certified range of 236 km and a top speed of 55 kmph. The electric motor delivers a peak power of 9.55 kW and 45 Nm of torque. Additional features include a 28 per cent gradeability, a Climb Assist Mode for inclines, and a digital speedometer that shows speed, battery status, and system alerts. The model also includes 4G telematics for functions like live tracking and remote immobilisation. It comes with a 5-year or 2,25,000 km warranty. Ape E-City FX Maxx The Ape E-City FX Maxx, which builds on Piaggio's existing electric platform, now includes an 8.0 kWh battery and delivers a certified range of 174 km. The motor offers 7.4 kW peak power and 30 Nm of torque, with a gradeability of 19 per cent. It uses prismatic cell technology to manage battery performance and includes smart energy monitoring for battery health. Like the Ultra, the FX Maxx is also covered by a 5-year or 2,25,000 km warranty. Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director of PVPL, stated that the electric three-wheeler segment continues to evolve and that the new models are aligned with market needs for low operating costs and reliable performance. He noted the role of electric mobility in reshaping urban transport and supporting broader sustainability goals. Amit Sagar, Executive Vice President of CV Domestic Business and Retail Finance, said that the new models were developed with a focus on range, battery life, and reduced maintenance costs. He highlighted the features such as the vehicles' charging capabilities and long warranties, which are intended to offer practical value for daily commercial use. Pricing and availability The Ape E-City FX Maxx is priced at ₹3,30,000 and the Ape E-City Ultra at ₹3,88,000 (both ex-showroom, India). Both models are now available through Piaggio's dealership network across the country. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date:
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Piaggio launches new Ape Electrik models starting at ₹3.30 lakh
Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL), the Indian arm of the Italian auto major Piaggio Group, has expanded its electric vehicle portfolio with the launch of two new three-wheeler passenger models — the Apé E-City Ultra and the Apé E-City FX Maxx . The Apé E-City FX Maxx is priced at ₹3,30,000 (ex-showroom), while the Apé E-City Ultra is priced at ₹3,88,000 (ex-showroom). Both models will be available through Piaggio dealerships across India. The new models are equipped with full-metal body construction, intelligent telematics, and category-leading warranty coverage, the company's statement said. Features The Apé E-City Ultra is positioned as a premium electric three-wheeler with a certified range of 236 km, peak power of 9.55 kW, 45 Nm torque, and a top speed of 55 kmph. It features climb assist mode, 28 per cent gradeability, and a 10.2 kWh LFP battery for quicker charging and extended battery life. Meanwhile, the Apé E-City FX Maxx offers a certified range of 174 km, powered by a 7.4 kW motor, with 30 Nm torque and an 8.0 kWh battery that uses prismatic cell technology for reduced battery degradation and consistent energy output. The FX Maxx also features smart energy monitoring and a robust drivetrain for daily operations in demanding environments. Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director of Piaggio Vehicles said, 'India is undergoing a major shift towards electric mobility, and three-wheelers are leading this transformation. Our new Apé E-City Ultra and FX Maxx deliver best-in-class range, low degradation, and strong economics. These vehicles are not just products but tools for economic empowerment.'
