Italians unite to drive down costs

Italian manufacturers are teaming up to prevent being undercut by their Japanese competitors. Piaggio and Aprilia have already agreed to a trade alliance to secure cheaper parts and Ducati is being invited to join them.

Aprilia Chairman Ivan Beggio said: ” The feasibility of this alliance has yet to be established, but it’s clear that motorcycle manufacturers must be able to compete with rivals in the Far East. ”

Beggio went on to say that if the union was successful, he expected it would be extended to include manufacturing between the scooter firms.