We've heard about this before but it's now confirmed - Mercedes-AMG GmbH of Daimler AG and Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. have signed a cooperation agreement on a long-term partnership. The deal also sees Mercedes-AMG acquire a 25% interest in MV Agusta at an undisclosed price, rumoured to be around €30 million (RM124 million). The Germans will get one seat in the board of directors.
"In MV Agusta, we have found the perfect two-wheel partner for Mercedes-AMG. This manufacturer with a long tradition and Mercedes-AMG are connected not only by a long and successful racing history, but also by shared values and goals for the future – allowing the experience of utmost perfection, optimal performance and motorsport technology for the road," said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.
"The cooperation with MV Agusta also underscores the importance of AMG as the sports-car and high-performance brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars. The partnership provides us with an entry into a world of additional high-performance enthusiasts," he added.
Wilko Stark, VP Daimler strategy & Mercedes-Benz Cars product strategy echoed his comments. "The strategic cooperation with MV Agusta will allow us to address high-performance enthusiasts with automobiles and with motorcycles. Through the cooperation in the area of marketing and sales, we will be able to attract new target groups for both companies all over the world," he said.
Headquartered in Varese, Italy, MV Agusta was founded in 1945 by Domenico Agusta. The company currently employs around 260 people, of whom 90 work in R&D. MV Agusta's product portfolio is based on two main platforms, comprising three- and four-cylinder models ranging from 675 to 1,100 cc and occupying the supersport, superbike, sports-naked and crossover segments. MV Agusta, once majority owned by Proton who sold it for €1 in 2005, also owns the Cagiva brand.
Growth has been at a double-digit rate for the past five years and MV Agusta will present new models in the sports-naked segment – the Brutale 800 RR and the Dragster 800 RR - at the next EICMA show. With the all-new Stradale 800 and Turismo Veloce 800 models, the brand will continue its expansion by entering the touring segment for the first time.
This car-bike marriage thing isn't new - Audi bought over Italian bikemaker Ducati in 2012. Fans of the brands, what do you think of this partnership?
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