[Pete]

Sorry if this is a repost...

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/d...umentID=198198

[OSIRIS]

Maybe I should go buy one to help them toward the 5000000 pound goal

[CBRVFR]

I hope they find a company to rescue them, because I don't want to see Guzzi go away.

Am I the only person who regards Aprilia as the "Big Dog" Choppers of sport bikes? They design frames and plastic, and assemble other components made by other manufacturers, notably KTM. The swingarms are works of art, but the overall design does nothing for me at all. The Futura or whatever the sport tourer is called is almost as ugly as the MultiStrada, in my view.

They're too tall for me, but the people I know that own them love them.

Maybe Buell HD?

[Proto]

This has been kicking around for a while but never actually happened.

Sadly there will be a big impact on GP racing.

[BDA116]

I hope someone saves them. I was looking forward to buying an SXV this fall. Now it looks like that aint gonna happen.

[jafo]

Too bad....

[Pete]

Further comments that somewhat dispel MCN's story...

First, let me say that I trust news from MCN like I trust Weekly World News. It's 99% utter crap with 1% mostly crap.

Secondly, this is stolen from another board:

A rumour is circulating in the trade that aprilia is in recivership - it is not - if you telephone either aprilia UK or aprilia Italy you will speak to someone - what has happened is that the scooter division has effectively gone into temporary suspension - this is a scenario common Italy where a company in financial negotiation can close down all or part of it's operation for a limited period during which the government pay 80% of the employees' wages. The sccoter division is the primary cause for aprilia's problems and it is a logical step to take advantage of this facility whilts negotiating a sale of shares.

The motorcycle aspect of aprilia is fully functioning as always and this includes spare parts. It is no secret that ROTAX Bombardier (the Austrian company who builds aprilia engines) is at the final stages of a due dilligence exercise prior to putting in a bid to purchase aprilia spa or at least to become the principal shareholder. It is also a well know fact that Ducati are most likely to purchase Moto Guzzi from aprilia.

If you speak Italian you can read all of the above on the web site of Italy's major newspaper La Repuplica www.repubblica.it/2004/d/...prilia.htm

In the meantime it's business as usual and as someone else pointed out this whole scenario is a fairly normal and regular occurence in the Italian Corporate world.

[MrX954]

Man I hope Aprilia sticks around, I need to keep my RS50 running mint.

[CBRVFR]

It's all good.

From Roadracingworld.com

Aprilia Gets New Financing, Will Resume Production

From a press release issued by Aprilia USA:

Aprilia Announces New Round of Business Funding

U.S. market record-setting growth contributes to high demand for Italian manufacturer’s award-winning motorcycles and scooters

Woodstock, GA (May 6, 2004) –Aprilia SpA, the Noale, Italy based manufacturer of award-winning motorcycles and scooters, today announced new credit lines for $30 million Euros as well as renewal of existing lines, for a total global line of credit of $180 million Euros. The financing agreement was reached with the assistance of a consortium of financial institutions, including Interbanca and Caretti & Associati. This new round of funding allows Aprilia to resume full production and satisfy high market demand as the main riding season gets underway in most parts of the world.

Demand has been especially strong in Aprilia’s growing U.S. market. Despite being a relative newcomer in the market—the company established its U.S. subsidiary in 1999—American consumers have embraced the Italian manufacturer’s award-winning line of scooters and motorcycles. Aprilia, which offers more scooter choices than any other manufacturer in the U.S. market, just posted its best April sales month ever, increasing 30.6% over April, 2003. In addition to strong scooter sales, Aprilia’s line of high-performance super sport bikes and adventure touring bikes continue to win awards for their thrilling combination of ride characteristics, technology and style.

This new round of funding allows Aprilia to concentrate on the industrial plan and continue its growth by exploiting its extraordinary know-how and brand popularity. The industrial plan will include reorganization initiatives designed to gain cost savings and operational efficiencies. In addition, Aprilia will continue to proactively discuss business investment opportunities with financial and/or industrial investors to assure the necessary resources are in place for continued growth of the company’s prestigious Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Laverda brands.

[jafo]