NEW MODELS: The opening of this showroom also saw the launch of two new Aprilia models, including the Tuono V4 APRC (pictured above.)
KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Group of Companies yesterday confirmed that initial talks have taken place with Italian manufacturer of motorcycle and scooters, Piaggio, on the possibility of assembling local made completely-knock down (CKD) models in the near future.
Speaking at a press conference after the opening of its Aprilia flagship showroom here today, the group’s chief executive officer, Datuk SM Zulkifli SM Amin, said Piaggio Asia Pacific Pte Ltd was also keen to develop the plan.
He, however, did not elaborate, saying that talks were still in the preliminary stage.
“We are capable to cater to this expansion plan in line with our commitment to bring up Piaggio brand in the country,” added Zulkifli.
Currently, Naza also assembles its own bikes under the company’s brand name in a 24,000 sq ft plant in Shah Alam.
“Our Shah Alam factory still has a lot of space for this plan,” said Zulkifli.
Under Piaggio Group, there are also other brands namely superbike manufacturers, Aprilia and Gilera as well as Vespa, a popular scooter brand.
The opening of this showroom by Naza Premira Sdn Bhd, a member of the Naza Group, in Kampung Baru also saw the launch of two new Aprilia models namely Dorsudoro 1200 and Tuono V4 APRC.
Malaysia is the first country in Asia to launch the Tuono V4 APRC.
To date, eight units of Tuono and four units of Dorsudoro have been pre-sold by Naza ahead of the official launch.
The estimated price for both Tuono and Dorsudoro are RM93,000 and RM179,000 respectively.
For Aprilia as a whole, Naza plans to sell 250 units by year end with an average of 15 to 20 units per month.
It has sold about 140 units of Aprillia motorcycles up until yesterday. — Bernama