Historic Moto Guzzi factory to survive

Moto Guzzi has dismissed reports the marque’s historic factory in Mandello del Lario, Italy, is set to close.

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A motorcycling website had claimed the move was likely as part of the firm’s merger with Piaggio but a spokesman for Guzzi in Italy said it was a condition of the deal that production stayed put.

Daniele Torresan said the place of manufacture was too important to Guzzi buyers to risk changing.

“One of the most important things for someone buying a Moto Guzzi is that the bike was made in Mandello del Lario,” he said. “Moto Guzzi has been there since 1921.”

Roberto Ingignoli, owner of In Moto, the leading Aprilia and Moto Guzzi dealer in the South, added: “The report is absolute rubbish. When Piaggio bought Moto Guzzi one of the agreements was they had to keep the plant and employees where they are.

“I still have a house in Italy and I live only 20 miles from Moto Guzzi. I have known the firm inside out since I was a kid. Moto Guzzi UK will tell you I know more about the factory than they do. I’m in contact with the very people working there. I can assure you 100% it will not close.”