The news comes in the form of design filings for a new model called the GLR900. These filings were made by Zongshen Piaggio Foshan Motorcycle Co. Ltd, a joint venture between Piaggio, the current owner of Gilera, and the Chinese company Zongshen. The joint venture is headquartered in China, which suggests that the GLR900 is likely to be targeted at the Chinese market.
The GLR900 is a naked streetfighter that bears a striking resemblance to Aprilia's now-discontinued Shiver. This suggests that the bike could be powered by the same 896cc V-twin engine as the Shiver. However, it is also possible that the GLR900 will use a different engine, as the Chinese market is known for its demand for smaller, more affordable motorcycles.
Whatever the case may be, it is clear that the GLR900 is a significant development for Gilera. The brand has been struggling in recent years, and the introduction of a new model could be a sign of a renewed commitment to the Chinese market.
There are a few reasons why China could be a good market for Gilera. The Chinese motorcycle market is the largest in the world, and it is growing rapidly. In addition, Chinese consumers are increasingly interested in premium motorcycles, which could play to Gilera's strengths.
Of course, there are also some challenges that Gilera will face in China. The Chinese market is very competitive, and there are already a number of well-established brands in the country. In addition, Chinese consumers are known for being price-sensitive, which could make it difficult for Gilera to compete on price.
Overall, the potential for Gilera in China is significant. However, the brand will need to carefully consider its strategy in order to be successful.
Here are some of the factors that Gilera will need to consider:
- Product positioning: Gilera will need to carefully position its products in order to appeal to Chinese consumers. The brand will need to find a balance between premium quality and affordability.
- Marketing and distribution: Gilera will need to build a strong marketing and distribution network in China. This will be essential for reaching potential customers and getting its products into dealerships.
- Aftersales support: Gilera will need to provide strong aftersales support in China. This will be important for building customer loyalty and ensuring that customers have a positive experience with the brand.
If Gilera can successfully address these challenges, it has the potential to make a significant comeback in China. The Chinese market is a huge opportunity for the brand, and it will be exciting to see if Gilera can seize it.
In addition to the GLR900, there have been other hints that Gilera is planning to make a comeback. The brand was recently absent from EICMA, the largest motorcycle show in Europe. This suggests that Gilera is not currently focused on the European market.
Instead, it is possible that Gilera is focusing its efforts on China and other emerging markets. These markets are growing rapidly and offer a lot of potential for the brand.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Gilera. The brand has a rich history and a lot of potential, but it will need to carefully navigate the challenges of the Chinese market in order to be successful.
