Photo: Cagiva
The growth of MV Agusta might bring even more goodies than an ever-growing line-up and better machines sold for (hopefully) more affordable prices. MV Agusta officials have been talking to Varese News and they admitted that a potential revival of the brand Cagiva was taken into consideration.
The whole story apparently surfaced first as a rumor in the Italian media, but Giorgio Girelli, the MV Agusta Vicepresident confirmed that Cagiva's case has indeed been discussed. Girelli admits that MV Agusta could benefit from reviving Cagiva and transforming it into a brand dedicated to riders who spend most of their time off the road.
As MV Agusta delivers only on-road bikes, extending the offer beyond the point where the tarmac ends could prove a very profitable move. Anyway, things are, so far, in dream territory only. The house of Schiranna hasn't even laid out the guidelines for an "operational study for the project," so old Cagiva fans should better temper their enthusiasm.
Girelli is not at all shy to express his gratitude that MV Agusta was allowed to develop and evolve as an all-Italian effort, despite having Mercedes/AMG money involved. He adds that the company will remain focused on delivering high-quality, high-performance bikes to a very discerning and demanding clientele.
Cagiva would also be much simpler to market and sell because the bikes in that dual-sport/ off-road segment are significantly more popular than supersport ones. Their versatility may be the very key to a successful revival, and the cross-country racing heritage could also be a major selling point.
Now, seeing a modern Cagiva Elefant with wire spoked wheels, ABS brakes, top-notch (semi-active) suspensions, powered by a gritty injected engine with multiple mappings, and all the modern bells and whistles would definitely strike a serious blow to the segment.
Old as the brand may be, Cagiva never fiddled with high-tech intricacies, and preferred to deliver blunt all-terrain performance. This old-school approach, with the necessary updates, could be just what adventure riders are searching for these days, don't you think?
As MV Agusta delivers only on-road bikes, extending the offer beyond the point where the tarmac ends could prove a very profitable move. Anyway, things are, so far, in dream territory only. The house of Schiranna hasn't even laid out the guidelines for an "operational study for the project," so old Cagiva fans should better temper their enthusiasm.
MV Agusta will most likely remain a manufacturer of niche motorcycles
Even though MV Agusta enjoyed a solid growth last year, Girelli says that the company profile will not change. From €45 million ($50.5 mil) in 2011, MV Agusta reached to double this figure in 2014. Daimler invested in MV Agusta and acquired a 25% minority, and the bike manufacturer also managed to secure extra financing from other sources, thus being able to fuel growth and development, while remaining independent.Girelli is not at all shy to express his gratitude that MV Agusta was allowed to develop and evolve as an all-Italian effort, despite having Mercedes/AMG money involved. He adds that the company will remain focused on delivering high-quality, high-performance bikes to a very discerning and demanding clientele.
Markets around the world are steadily growing
Girelli adds that all markets, both traditional and new ones around the world are steadily growing, and MV Agusta has plans to follow this trend. The European market represents around 40% of MV Agusta's sales, followed by the United States, but solid efforts are directed towards Brasil and the South-Eastern Asia, where sales are rapidly growing.Cagiva would also be much simpler to market and sell because the bikes in that dual-sport/ off-road segment are significantly more popular than supersport ones. Their versatility may be the very key to a successful revival, and the cross-country racing heritage could also be a major selling point.
Now, seeing a modern Cagiva Elefant with wire spoked wheels, ABS brakes, top-notch (semi-active) suspensions, powered by a gritty injected engine with multiple mappings, and all the modern bells and whistles would definitely strike a serious blow to the segment.
Old as the brand may be, Cagiva never fiddled with high-tech intricacies, and preferred to deliver blunt all-terrain performance. This old-school approach, with the necessary updates, could be just what adventure riders are searching for these days, don't you think?
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