We know Lambretta has been planning to make a comeback to the Indian market for a long time. And now, we have new details about its plans for India. According to the latest reports, Lambretta could re-enter the Indian market in 2023. The brand will partner up with the Bird Group for its Indian operations.
Walter Scheffrahn, who owns the brand globally and is also a Member of Board of Innocenti SA, said that the group plans on investing over USD 200 million in the next 5 years with the Bird Group to bring the Lambretta back to India and capture the market.
According to reports, Lambretta will initially bring three scooters to India. These will be models from its G, V and X range with engine capacities ranging from 200cc to 350cc. In addition to this, the brand is also planning to launch an e-scooter in 2024.
The company will initially focus on Completely Built Unit (CBU) imports and Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) kits for 2023. Thus, expect premium pricing for these scooters. Walter Scheffrahn says it wants to re-create the magic of the past and aim to make Lambretta the Ferrari of scooters in India. Hence, the reason for the top-down approach and bringing the premium models first.
Eventually, the brand plans on starting local manufacturing in Q1 2024. Currently, Lambretta is sold in about 70 countries and has manufacturing facilities in Europe and South East Asia. However, the manufacturing plant in India will be its biggest, and Lambretta will also utilise it for the export market. Localisation of scooters will begin before production begins, i.e. Q1 2024. The plant will come up at Manesar. The manufacturing facility at Manesar will have a capacity of 100,000 units. According to Scheffran, the brand’s investment will create employment opportunities for about 5,000 people.
Also Read: New Lambretta G350 Special scooter revealed