MV Agusta ties up with Chinese motorcycle maker Loncin

Team OD Updated: July 26, 2019, 01:57 PM IST

Exotic Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta has announced what it calls a 'long term strategic partnership agreement' with Loncin Motors, one of the more popular Chinese motorcycle manufacturers, to develop premium motorcycles in the 350-500cc displacement category. It is interesting to note that MV has always positioned itself as a maker of high-end and high performance motorcycles but the JV with Loncin will see it enter lower, more mass market oriented segments. According to a press release on MV Agusta's website, the move will see the collaboration launch four motorcycles in the Asian region by 2021, though there is no clarity yet on which countries the motorcycles will be sold in. Needless to say, Loncin Motors will benefit significantly from the partnership as the joint venture will also see the Italian major help Loncin enter premium motorcycle segments with its 800cc range of motorcycles.

Loncin has gained immense popularity over the years, especially since it also currently manufactures and supplies engines to BMW Motorrad for the BMW F 750 GS and BMW F 850 GS models, apart from wholly manufacturing Motorrad's C400X and C400GT scooters for international markets. The association with BMW Motorrad has in fact helped Loncin gain critical acclaim as a manufacturer of well-built two-wheelers and two-wheeler powertrains both. The association with MV Agusta will also have Loncin gain access to MV's CRC or Castiglioni Research Centre in Italy, which is where all of MV Agusta's models are designed and engineered before being manufactured at its Varese factory. Loncin will thus further expand and develop its VOGE family of premium two-wheelers with an aim to target mid and large capacity segments. What interests us more though is the fact that MV Agusta clearly states in its communication that all four motorcycles to be co-developed with Loncin will sport the typical MV Agusta DNA, particularly in terms of performance, handling and acoustics, in a bid to attract the younger crop of riders better.

The MV 800 RC is an uber-premium middleweight supersport machine and is a great example of MV Agusta's knack for making exclusive motorcycles

The President of Loncin, Yong Gao, announced, "The conclusion of the strategic agreement is conducive to Loncin's and MV Agusta's joint response to the changes in global market demand and to the coordinated development of both sides. Loncin will use advanced manufacturing resources and Chinese market knowledge to help MV Agusta expand its product line and enhance product competitiveness. MV Agusta's technology and advanced design experience of high-performance motorcycles will support Loncin's "VOGE" brand in becoming the market leader of premium motorcycles in China. I am looking forward to our strategic cooperation based on the principles of mutual benefit and success."

Currently, the MV Agusta family consists of 675, 800 and 1000cc motorcycles of which the F3 800, F4, Brutale 800 and Brutale 1090 are on sale in India, imported and sold exclusively by Pune-based and Kinetic-group owned Motoroyale. The company also introduced the F3 800 RC for the price of Rs 21.99 lakh ex-showroom in India recently, which boasts uprated equipment over the standard F3.