Vespa's Strategy: Overhauling Engine Lineup, GTS 250 Becomes More Affordable

PT Piaggio Indonesia is undertaking a major restructuring of its product portfolio in the domestic market. The iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer is focusing on enhancing performance by increasing engine capacities across almost all product lines. This bold move includes upgrading the entry-level Vespa LX from 125cc to 150cc, while popular models like the Sprint and Primavera have seen their engine capacity boosted from 150cc to 180cc.

The GTS family is also undergoing changes, with the GTS 150 being discontinued and replaced by the GTS 250. The top-tier GTS 300 is being gradually phased out and sales restricted. Ayu, speaking in Jakarta recently, explained: “Don’t just look at the shift from GTS 300 to 250. We’re also moving from 150cc to 250cc, LX from 125cc to 150cc, and Sprint and Primavera from 150cc to 180cc. It’s not about individual models but providing broader choices.”

The decision to discontinue the GTS 150 stems from portfolio logic to avoid internal competition. If Sprint and Primavera are now 180cc, it would seem inconsistent for the premium GTS series to remain at 150cc. “If we kept the GTS at 150cc while core products like Sprint and Primavera are at 180cc, it would be mismatched. The portfolio would look odd, so the GTS 150 will definitely be phased out,” Ayu added.

Under current regulations, motorcycles with engines over 250cc face a high PPnBM tax rate of up to 60%, causing the GTS 300’s price to soar to around Rp170 million in Indonesia. By introducing the GTS 250 priced at around Rp97 million, Piaggio has reduced the price by approximately Rp70 million compared to the 300cc variant, without significantly diminishing the big scooter riding experience. This move is a welcome relief for Vespa enthusiasts seeking premium motorcycles at more reasonable and accessible prices. “We’re striving to make our products more accessible to consumers,” Ayu said.