India’s automotive market has been badly affected by COVID-19 and the lockdown protocol it brought about. While brands are collectively losing about a thousand crores each day, many small-scale automotive dealerships are on the verge of going out of business. COVID-19 lockdown measures came at the same time when dealerships were trying hard to finish selling their remaining BS4 stock before 1 April 2020.
This deadline was recently extended but on a conditional basis. Under this, dealerships can sell just 10% of their BS4 stock for 10 days post the lockdown’s withdrawal (as of now, this period ranges from 3 May to 13 May 2020). Data shows that unsold BS4 vehicles across all vehicle categories are worth almost Rs 6,400 crore.
Amidst the lockdown, Piaggio’s Pune dealerships have introduced substantial discounts for their BS4 Aprilia and Vespa models. The discounts range up to Rs 40,000 depending on the model year. What is more interesting is that the dealerships are also offering discounts (up to Rs 25,000) for new BS6 models. Of course, the price cuts will be available only for a brief period and could apply on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Vespa / Aprilia showroom. File photo.
Towards the end of last year, we had shared the updated BS6 pricing for major Aprilia and Vespa models. On average, the prices have shot up by almost Rs 20,000. This is a ridiculous price hike for a scooter, especially considering the fact that there are no major improvements over their BS4 counterparts. Besides updating its products to BS6 specifications, Piaggio India has also introduced two new models: Aprilia SR 125 Digi Console (with digital instrument cluster) and Vespa LX.
Higher Aprilia scooter models now sport an ‘SR160’ moniker instead of the previous ‘SR150’, owing to their bigger power plant. The 160cc engine produces 10.8bhp (+0.93bhp) and 11.6Nm of torque. The lesser SR125 range gets a 125cc motor good for 9.5bhp and 9.9Nm. The same power plants, that feature FI to cut down emissions, are employed in the Vespa range.
Compared to other popular names in the segment, Aprilia or Vespa models do not offer a major advantage to justify their high price tags. However, they boast of tasteful aesthetics and premium material usage — something of a rarity in India’s scooter market. If more dealerships announce reasonable discounts, Piaggio would be able to see better results on its sales chart in the coming months.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
