Our Bureau
Pune
Italian two-wheeler manufacturer Piaggio is set to make a major push into India’s high-volume scooter market with an all-new range of India-developed commuter scooters scheduled for launch in the first half of 2027. The company aims to move beyond its premium Vespa positioning and compete directly with established models such as the Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter and Suzuki Access.
The upcoming lineup will be built on a completely new platform developed specifically for Indian customers and will comprise multiple scooter variants under a new brand, offering different features and specifications. While the brand name remains undisclosed, the scooters are expected to retain the premium styling associated with Piaggio while catering to the needs of mass-market buyers.
The company is also evaluating multiple powertrain options for the new platform, reflecting its fuel-agnostic strategy. Production will take place at Piaggio’s Baramati plant in Maharashtra, which has sufficient manufacturing capacity to support the new range. Initially, the focus will remain on the domestic market, although exports to Africa may be considered at a later stage.
Piaggio currently sells Vespa and Aprilia scooters in the premium segment, with Vespa models priced above ₹1.2 lakh. However, the company believes expanding into India’s approximately six-million-unit annual commuter scooter market is essential for achieving higher sales volumes and justifying future investments. The firm is also expected to strengthen its dealer network, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, to support the new product range.
The move marks a strategic shift for the Italian automaker, which has been studying the Indian mass-market opportunity for over a year. Company executives have said the new scooters will combine Italian design and heritage with features tailored to Indian road conditions and consumer preferences, signalling Piaggio’s ambition to become a stronger player in one of the world’s largest two-wheeler markets.
