Press Release
Munich. BMW Motorrad and Aprilia S.p.A., Noale (Piaggio Group), have successfully completed talks regarding a renewed collaboration in the motorcycle sector. A co-operation contract was signed in Munich relating to development and production services. This is in connection with a future, additional product offer in motorcycle segments which are entirely new to BMW. Production is due to take place in the Italian Aprilia plants Noale and Scorzè near Venice.
From 1993 up until the end of 1999, Aprilia build the first generation of the very successful single cylinder F 650 for BMW Motorrad, until production of the successor model was moved to the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin.
Dr. Herbert Diess, Head of BMW Motorrad, stated: "This is a further extension of BMW's motorcycle range. Models of the existing single cylinder series (F Series) are not affected by these considerations. Among other things, we see in this co-operation a key contribution to the reinforcement of the European motorcycle and supply industry."
For the BMW Group, this type of collaboration is a useful instrument for releasing its own resources for other strategic functions. "Time to market" and the necessary profitability have a key role to play in deciding on an external extension of capacity. Aprilia S.p.A., which since December 30, 2004, is 100% controlled by the Piaggio Group (Pontedera, Pisa, Italy), will bring to the co-operation agreement its renowned, technological and production capabilities in the motorcycle sector.
"This co-operation will further consolidate the sales volume of components manufactured for the BMW Group in Italy. In 2004, this figure was around 420 million euros (60 million euros for motorcycles) making Italy one of the most important supplier countries of the BMW Group", said Dr. Marco Saltalamacchia, President of BMW Italia.
"The agreement with BMW Motorrad confirms Aprilia's reputation and technological and design capabilities," said Dr. Roberto Colaninno, Chairman of both Piaggio Group and Aprilia. "For us it is a further significant step in the recovery process of Aprilia as one of the most important motorcycle brands and manufacturers in Italy and Europe, since its acquisition by Piaggio"
Ing. Rocco Sabelli, Piaggio and Aprilia Chief Executive Officer, also pointed out that "European companies' ability to compete in the global markets is enhanced by such co-operations, which ultimately aim to optimise investments in R&D as well as product and technology innovation".
Source: BMW Motorrad