MV Agusta is the latest European brand to align itself with a Chinese manufacturer, announcing overnight that it and Chinese giant Loncin Motor Co have entered a long-term strategic partnership.
The agreement will initially mean the development of an all-new four-tiered range of premium machines in the 350cc-500cc category, which will be designed in Italy and manufactured in China. Depending on which market the machines are being sold into, the bikes will carry either MV Agusta branding, or badged as VOGE, which is Loncin’s premium brand.
The Italian firm is hoping the fruits of the partnership will attract new riders to the MV brand who will remain loyal, as well as allowing greater exposure and easier access to the lucrative Asian markets. MV Agusta is also hoping the partnership will benefit its current range of 675, 800 and 1000cc machines, as larger-capacity machinery starts to increase in popularity in Asia.
It was revealed during the announcement that MV Agusta will also assist Loncin in entering the premium segment of the market with a new 800cc VOGE-branded machine. Loncin is hoping to now be able to target the mid- and large-capacity market through VOGE, via shared technology and engineering.
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