Motorcycle Industry News
After spending six years as President and CEO of the Piaggio Group Americas (PGA), Paolo Timoni has "stepped down to pursue other professional interests."
Taking immediate responsibility for PGA, which encompasses notable motorcycles and scooters in the US such as Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio Scooters and Vespa, is Miguel Martinez, who spent three years as the general manager of Piaggio Spain.
During his tenure as Spain GM, he increased the Piaggio Group’s market share by two points.
Martinez began his career working as a general manager of Eexports for Derbi, which is also a brand of the Piaggio Group, and Piaggio Latin America. He later became the general manager for Italian car giants Ferrari and Maserati before assuming the GM role at Piaggio Spain.
Miquel Martinez says: "The opportunity to lead Piaggio Group Americas in its next phase is extremely exciting for me and a challenge I welcome as the opportunity for growth in this market is great.
"The Piaggio Group portfolio of Italian products represents the highest quality, most innovative and stylish motorcycle and motor scooters available on the market today. I look forward to working with our experienced dealer body and continuing to grow sales and market share in North America."
PAG says Martinez will report to Stefano Sterpone, Executive VP EMEA and Americas 2-Wheeler Sales & Marketing.
About The Piaggio Group:
Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and based in Pontedera in Pisa, Italy, the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. With more than 7,000 employees, an annual production of 630,000 vehicles in 2010, five R&D centers, seven production facilities in Europe and Asia and world-wide commercial operations, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European two-wheeler market.
The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands. The Group also manufactures three- and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges.
