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| MondialMotoforum: | OK Andrew, spill the beans, what is the official news? |
Andrew
Wright: |
Well, it's all very exciting. As of today the official
news is that we, Superbike Racing, have purchased the company known
as Mondial Moto, Italy. |
MondialMotoforum: |
So Andrew, I am sure everyone wants to know why you
did this? |
Andrew Wright: |
It's been so hectic these few days, I haven't really
had the chance to think this over but there are really many reasons
why we did this. The more important ones are: -I believe that the Mondial is a fantastic motorcycle and has exciting potential -The original owner had invested so much of his heart and soul into bringing the Mondial name back to life in the form of Piega that to let it be destroyed would be a crying shame. -To honor Roberto Ziletti who had the vision and determination to have brought the Mondial name back to life. |
MondialMotoforum |
What are your plans for Mondial? |
Andrew Wright: |
We plan to restart production immediately. First priority
would be to fulfill the outstanding orders to customers and dealers.
Next we will rebuild the distribution network. We intend to produce
about 600-650 bikes next year. Most of them will be the naked versions.
The first bikes should start being produced by November 2004. We intend
to build and offer the most beautiful and exotic sportbike ever. |
MondialMotoforum |
Can we expect any bikes in the US anytime soon? |
Andrew Wright: |
Of the 600-650 bikes that we will build next year, approximately
half of them will be destined for the US market. The rest will go
to the rest of the world. |
MondialMotoforum: |
Are there plans for a mass market version of the Piega? |
Andrew Wright: |
The Piega is just such a fantastic
motorcycle isn't it? We will continue to produce the EVO in limited
quantities as this
is a very special bike dripping with racing components. There will
be a standard Piega that will be more reasonably priced for the
mainstream market. |
MondialMotoforum: |
Can you tell us what the price range for these bikes
will be? |
Andrew Wright: |
We will evaluate our production commitments as well
as re-negotiate what terms we have with our vendors before we can
definitively say what that will be. We do know the niche that we want
to be in. |
MondialMotoforum: |
Are there any plans for a new bike or new powerplants? |
Andrew Wright: |
Well...all I can say is that we have plans to develop
a brand new sportbike with an exciting new powerplant. Initial projections
put that bike as being launched in 2007 |
MondialMotoforum: |
Will you take Mondial racing like Benelli did with the
Tornado? |
Andrew Wright: |
I've always believed that racing is good for the brand.
It aids development, is good exposure and is great for building relationships.
We have plans to enter AMA. That's all I can say for now. |
MondialMotoforum: |
How will Mondial be sold and supported worldwide? |
Andrew Wright: |
With each container of bikes that we send out there will be a comprehensive
spares kit that should be sufficient to take care of all the immediate
needs of the end-user. We will also be keeping sufficient inventory
of spares at our factory that can be shipped out fairly quickly if
desired. We will have a support network that will rival that of the
major Japanese manufacturers. |
MondialMotoforum |
Most of the exotic bikes companies like MV Agusta, Benelli etc.
seem plagued by management, marketing and cash flow problems, will
Mondial be any different? |
Andrew Wright: |
Well, I can't comment on the other companies but we intend to be
fairly fiscally conservative. We will only build enough bikes that
the market can absorb, keeping very close watch on customer loyalty
and retention. We want everyone who buys a Mondial to know that they
have bought a well engineered product. |
MondialMotoforum: |
What would you like to convey to potential Mondial dealers and customers? |
Andrew Wright: |
Please tell them that Superbike Racing can and will do justice to the Mondial name. We will strive to deliver the most exotic sportbike possible. We will be extremely busy the next few weeks but we would like those dealers and distributors out there who are interested in joining our network to please contact us. As for our patient customers, we promise that we will deliver you a motorcycle that we know is worth waiting for.
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Andrew Wright can be reached at: Comment on this article? |
with
Andrew Wright, Superbike Racing, Inc. 7-31-04
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©2004 mondialmotoforum.com. All Rights Reserved. |