Piaggio readying two more Vespa models for India

Pune, July 17, 2013: While the Vespa 946, is currently undergoing homologation, the firm is fast working to ready the LX 125-based Vespa S model.

On July 5, Autocar Professional first broke the news about Piaggio’s third offering to be another 125cc Vespa scooter using the same engine and monocoque frame as the LX and VX 125 models (see story link below). Autocar Professional has now received confirmation from the company that the new LX 125-derived model would be the Vespa S. The upcoming model will be powered by the refined single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled, three-valve 125cc engine which develops peak power of nearly 10bhp at 7500rpm and maximum torque of 1.08kgm at 6000rpm (performance figures of the LX and VX models). This model will also use the same lightweight monocoque frame as in the other two currently available models.

Meanwhile, the company is readying another model named Vespa 946 for the Indian market; this scooter is currently undergoing homologation at the Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). “While the 946 will use the 125cc engine, it is a completely different vehicle as compared to the existing models,” says a source at the company. First showcased last year at the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy, the stylish, LED-light-equipped Vespa 946 had created a lot of buzz in the international event last year for introducing high-end motorcycle-specific features on a fuel-efficient 125cc scooter for the first time such as anti-lock braking system, traction control system, which contributes in improving the rider’s safety parameters. However, it is unclear as yet if the India-specific Vespa 946 models will be equipped with those features.

Another source close to the development adds that “the Vespa 946 will either be a completely built unit (CBU) sold in India or may have a very low rate of localised components keeping a never-seen-before price tag for an automatic scooter in India.”

Slated to be the most expensive scooter from Piaggio Vehicles, the Vespa 946 will target the product-conscious urban commuter in India. The company is still mulling over the right time to launch both these models, one of which is slated to ride into the retail market by November-December this year. Nevertheless, it is clear that Piaggio in India stays focussed on consolidating the luxury scooter segment for itself in the near future.

AMIT PANDAY

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