Inside Bikes News: “Anyone can see that the Italian motorcycle/scooter industry is in decline, with their volume scooter production likely to be swallowed up, or largely priced out of business by cheaper Chinese competition in a matter of a decade, or less.
Now factor in the costs of manufacturing, or at least assembling, low volume, high priced motorcycles within the EU, especially Italy. Although any company can source wheels, engine parts, transmission components etc from the Far East, it costs huge sums in wages, pension liabilities, sick pay, compensation claims etc to produce motorcycles in Italy, rather than say Slovakia, the Ukraine, or mainland China.
Ducati isn’t alone in facing these basic problems, Harley, BMW, Triumph, KTM, Aprilia/Guzzi and more all have more costs than Qianjing, Zonshen or Kymco. So too do the Japanese big four. “
I would hate that to be the case. I think people are willing to pay a premium for a premium scooter, but when the Chinese start making premium scooters that have the look and feel of a classic Italian scoot it’s gonna be even tougher. Look at how wildly popular the Stella is. Only time will tell.
7. January 2006 at 6:49 pm
The Italians and Europeans are going to have to work harder to produce more compelling products. I think they are offering some good things now, but they are going to have to step it up a notch or two to create products that can get the premium prices they need to stay in business.