[GTO]

Mod Note : Please continue the discussion on the Vespa Launch Thread. Thanks.



High Points:

- Piaggio India unveiled the retro-styled Vespa at the Auto Expo 2012. The Vespa was the world's first scooter & is presently sold in more than 100 countries.

- It might be recollected that Bajaj & LML have previously manufactured the Vespa in India (at different points in time).

- The Vespa LX125 has a four stroke 124cc engine & an automatic transmission. No manual tranny on offer, nor does the front have telescopic forks. Electric start is standard. Kerb weight = 110 kilos.

- There is an under-seat storage compartment, as well as another storage spot behind the leg shield.

- The Vespa will be positioned as a premium scooter in India. Price premium will be more than "Rs. 4,000 - 5,000" over the competition. Other players in the 125 cc scooter segment include the Mahindra Duro & Suzuki Access.

- Piaggio will offer a long list of accessories at its showrooms. Apparently, it will be possible to heavily customise your Vespa.

- The first year's sales target is 30,000 units.

- Piaggio's Baramati factory will make the Vespa. The plant has an initial capacity of 150,000. The Vespa will hit Indian roads in the March - April 2012 period.

- Dealer roll out in 35 cities. Existing Piaggio dealers will be part of the Vespa network, but only via new, dedicated Vespa sales outlets.

- A Vespa India club is also being formed for owners.

Scooters are obviously popular with the masses:




Piaggio had a glass showcase with some history thrown in:




Lots of chrome lining & effects:




A look at the Vespa in white:


Speedo is marked to 120 kph. There's a fuel gauge to the RHS:


Lack of rubber mats might damage the floor paint?




A very uninspiring colour option for this type of scooter:


Vespa accessories; dealers will be pushing them in a big way:


The Piaggio MP3 Hybrid was also on display (no India plans though). This plug-in hybrid is powered by a 125cc engine and a 3.5 BHP electric motor:

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Auto Expo 2012 Section!

[veyron_head]

Both scooters look great! I particularly liked the three wheeled one. I wish they sold that in India too.

[Latheesh]

What a lovely scooter that is. Even if they charge premium I think it will sell well in India. Real retro style, love it!

[poloman]

I am waiting in line to buy one of those white LX125.

[SuperSlick]

Thanks for the pics GTO! Loved the white LX125 and the Yellow one. Wish they had manual gears instead of the automatic option.

[dreamseller]

The only scooter brand that can make commuting look stylish. Period.

[anonymous]

If there was one stall with most vibrant colors in Auto Expo, it has to be Vespa. I really liked these colorful babies and love to own one.

[vb-saan]

Great news that the classic Vespa is getting into our markets. The white number looks awesome!

[Utopian]

Vespa's stall definitely attracted crowds. The colors on offer imparted some clear character to the scooter. Although, the Lambretta displayed outside the VW stall (perhaps) was my fav.

[ghodlur]

Thanks GTO for those lovely pics.

The retro looks of the Vespa might appeal to the older generation, I doubt whether it will click with the college goers. Whats with those oversized OVRMS?

The white colour looks good on the Vespa but no rubber mats and parcel hook, Is this desgined for the Indian market? One thing which goes in the favour is the telescopic front suspension and 125 cc engine.

[mac187]

Love the way these beauties look. I see many +'s for Vespa.

+ Leverage exisiting Piaggio network
+ Brand recall
+ Stylish looking scooters
+ 125cc with disc

- Piaggio network is a gamble
- Service cost needs to be reasonable too

[vanam]

I do hope that with the Vespa dealerships opening up, there is a possibility for the dealers to also source original parts for those who want to restore old vespas sold in India in the past especially trims, lights etc. This would go a long way in building the brand amongst existing users as it is difficult to get "Genuine" parts at the right price and even if one pays a premium there is no certainty of originality.

[avishar]

I like the Lx125 but i wish it would lose some of that chrome/plasticity surrounded for the light.Looks so much cleaner without them.

[Santy]

Vespa, Classic to the core

I think its gonna redefine the scooters segment