Italian scooter giant Piaggio has cemented its position as Australia's No.1 scooter family, according to the latest industry sales data prepared for the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
The figures, calculated for the first five months of 2008, reveal the Piaggio family accounted for over 24 percent of the scooter market, up from 14 percent for the same period in 2007. Until the end of May, 1179 units were retailed, compared to 898 at the same time last year – a massive 31 percent increase.
The Piaggio family includes scooters sold under the Piaggio brand, as well as the iconic Vespa and sporty Gilera.
"We have developed an impressive range of scooters to cover all needs and all budgets, and this is why we are No. 1,” said Simon Gloyne, Piaggio Brand Manager. "Rather than place our hopes on one top seller, we have focused on the depth of our model range to provide a choice for environmentally savvy and style-conscious owners. This, combined with the most substantial dealer network in Australia, is providing a solid foundation for scooter owners and for the Piaggio family.”
The quantum leap in sales can be attributed to a posse of new models, including the unique three-wheeled Piaggio MP3s and Gilera Fuoco, the Vespa S in 125cc and 50cc variants, and the well-priced Piaggio X7250 compact maxi.
Later this year, Vespa will also release the new GTS300 Super, the largest capacity scooter in the marque’s 60-year history.
