Colaninno: 'complex deal but we have a presence' - Piaggio is planning to launch operations in Brazil within the next two or three years.
"We think the Brazil project will go into effect between 2009 and 2010," said Roberto Colaninno, Piaggio president.
"The South American market - and in particular the Brazilian market," added Colaninno, "is incredibly important. Millions of vehicles are produced and purchased there and Piaggio has no presence".
The Pontedera (Pisa) company is not currently present on the South American continent. Despite this absence, the company boasts plants in India which produce 140,000 'Ape' motor vehicles per year, as well as in China, where a joint venture with Chinese company Zong Shen boasts a production of over 200,000 vehicles.
Brazil is set to become the new front on an expanding market.
"We want to have a presence in Brazil," said Colaninno. "Naturally, the deal is complex and very important. We're slated to begin working on it in 2008 due to numerous other projects currently in the works".
