Qianjiang Motorcycle

Last updated
Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Group Co.
Company type Subsidiary
IndustryPersonal transport manufacturer
Founded1985;39 years ago (1985)
Headquarters
Wenling, Zhejiang Province
,
China
Area served
China (as QJ Motor), Worldwide (as Keeway)
Products Motorcycles, scooters
Parent Geely
Website www.qjmotorph.com
Keeway Superlight 125 produced by Qianjiang Group Paris - Salon de la moto 2011 - Keeway - Superlight 125 - 001.jpg
Keeway Superlight 125 produced by Qianjiang Group

Qianjiang Motorcycle Group, officially known as Qianjiang Motorcycle Co., Ltd., is a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1985 with registered office in Winling, Zhejiang Province. It is now one of the largest manufacturers of two-wheeled vehicles in China.

Contents

Since September 2016, the majority shareholding (29.8%) of Qianjiang has been controlled by the Chinese giant Geely Holding Group. [1]

“European design, Japanese quality with Chinese cost” is Qianjiang's company motto. [2]

Geely Holding Group

Parent company of Qianjiang Motorcycle Group, officially Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, holds the brands Smart (joint venture), Proton (co-owned), and Lynk & Co. under Geely Automobile. It holds Volvo and Polestar brands under its Volvo Car Group and Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering under the distinct Lotus Group. [3] Geely also holds the London Electric Vehicle Company—who make electric versions of London’s iconic black taxicabs—as well a number of automobile brands for the Chinese market. [4]

Geely Group experienced year-over-year sales growth of 4.7% in 2022, moving 2 million or more vehicles for five years in a row. Electrified vehicles accounted for 29% of aggregate company sales. [5]

Financials

Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co. Ltd. A shares are listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SHE: 000913) in China. [6] Market cap end of March 2024 was ¥7.286 billion. [7] Headquarters are located in the Wenling Economic Development Zone, TAIZHOU, ZHJ, 317500, China. Executive leadership includes: Zhihao Xu, Chairman of the Board; Chuanmin Jiang, Chief Financial Officer; Dongshao Guo, General Manager/Director. [8]

Brands

QJMotor is used to market the entire range of Qianjiang products in China, including motorcycles and scooters. SSR Motorsports is the U.S. Distributor for QJMotor motorcycles and scooters. Since 1999, Qianjiang has marketed motorcycles outside China through its Keeway Group under the Keeway brand. The company acquired the Benelli brand in 2005 and debuted the MBP Moto brand at the 2022 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy with a couple models. [9] With the purchase of the Morbidelli brand in 2024 MBP Moto became Morbidelli MBP. [10]

International

Italy

In 2005, Qianjiang acquired Benelli. [2] In 2009 they invested an added $26 million "to help revitalize the Italian brand." In recommitting to their investment in Benelli, Qianjang Motors general manager Haimei Yan said, “Although we have not yet turned a profit in the budget, we are here to stay, and believe in the company.” [11] The company announcement in late-2021 of the new TRK 800 adventure bike model stated it was “born in the Benelli Style Centre and developed by the R&D department of the House of the Leoncino in Pesaro, where the headquarters and the heart of the company are located.” [12]

MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. in 2023 announced a strategic partnership with QJMotor for distribution of its motorcycles in China. Dongshao Guo, general manager of Qianjiang Motor said of the arrangement, ”We hope . . we could work together to bring in for the Chinese customers more high-performance motorcycles that are fashionable, easy to handle, and fun to ride.” [13] Qianjiang had an agreement to make the Lucky Explorer MV Agusta adventure bike [14] (and use their large-capacity four-cylinder engine in future models). Of the two versions of this bike QJMotor was to build for MV Agusta, the 5.5 and 9.5 (denoting size of engine), [15] manufacture of the 5.5 was halted with the 25.1% stake purchase of the Italian company by Pierer Mobility Group — owner of KTM and Husqvarna — who has as a long-standing partnership with CFMoto (a QJMotor competitor). [16]

MBP, for Moto Bologna Passione, officially debuted as a brand at EICMA 2022 in Milan, Italy, showcasing the T1002V, a premium adventure-tourer, and the M502N roadster. [17] The C1002V, with "muscle-cruiser style" featuring styling tips inspired by the long-gone Harley-Davidson V-Rod, aims to compete with the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S in the "big-bore cruiser market". [18] Other models introduced included the C650V cruiser and the SC300 maxi-scooter, both models designed for the European market. [19] At the end of 2023, the company announced "two naked streetfighters", models N250 and N300, the former to be sold in Europe in accordance to A2 licensing standards, the latter headed to Asian markets. [20] Media reports in January 2024 stated MBP would be introducing the C352LS, "a stylish, retro-modern cruiser with styling cues borrowed from the likes of Indian and Harley-Davidson", to Europe. [21]

In 2022, Powerlink Technology, a Hong Kong–based company linked to the Qianjiang Motorcycle group that owns Keeway Group, [22] trademarked the MBP name and logos — while simultaneously applying for rights to the same for “Morbidelli MBP” and “Morbidelli MBP Pesaro”. [17] In 2024, the historic Italian brand Morbidelli was indeed acquired by Keeway Group, who made the acquisition through MBP Moto, now renamed Morbidelli MBP. Targeting the US, European, and Chinese markets, at first, the newly-renamed brand's range will comprise 125cc–500cc scooters and 125cc–1,000cc motorcycles, with an electric range to be revealed in 2025. [22]

The Centro Stile Morbidelli and a new research and development center will be built in Bologna “to explore new technologies and materials, improving the design, performance and bringing Italian motorcycling excellence to the world." [22] Morbidelli had not produced motorcycles for 40 years prior to the purchase of its brand by Keeway Group. [9] Dante Bustos, CMO of Keeway Group added . .

This acquisition . . will allow us to blend the legacy of racing and Made in Italy craftsmanship with our vision of the future of motorcycling. Our passion for innovation, combined with Morbidelli's rich heritage, will lead to the creation of motorcycles with an unrivalled blend of performance, design and history.

Qianjiang is in a joint venture with Marzocchi to make motorcycle suspensions in China. [23]

India

The MBP brand enters the Indian market with the M502N naked bike and C1002V cruiser, marketed by Adishwar Auto Ride India Private Limited (AARIPL). The MBP models will be sold across India alongside Keeway and Benelli models. [24]

United States

As part of its “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” strategy, Harley-Davidson announced June 2019 a partnership with Qianjiang Motorcycle Company to develop a 338cc "baby Harley" model motorcycle for Chinese and other Asian markets. [25]

The QJMotor brand entered the US market in 2023, distributing 11 models through SSR Motorsports. [26]

Models

Motorcycles

Some of the more popular Qianjiang motorcycle and scooter models as of May 2023 are: [27]

Scooters

Many of these models are rebadged under different brands.

Engines

Recent QJMotor engine development includes launching a new 800cc machine in 2023 for the SRK 800RR model, the company’s third four-cylinder engine. Launched in 2020, SRK 600RR, China’s first four-cylinder bike, was based on an engine designed by Benelli. QJMotor "teased" new four-cylinder engine in 2023, a 600cc V-4 to power a new muscle-cruiser. A fourth four-cylinder motorcycle, the 1000RR "superbike", will be driven by an MV Agusta engine. [28]

In 2024, QJMotor announced development of its Supermono engine, a V-shaped two-cylinder arrangement with only one firing cylinder; the second cylinder and piston used only as a counterweight -- borrowing the name from the famous Ducati Supermono engine (from 1990) made by cutting off the rear cylinder of its Desmoquattro two-cylinder engine. [29]

In 2022, a patent appeared for a new 900cc parallel-twin to be developed by QJMotor and used by Benelli in a new model motorcycle. Similarities to the KTM LC8c, licensed to CFMoto, were noted. [30]

Sponsorship

In 2022, QJMotor became the main sponsor of Avintia Esponsorama Racing in the Moto3 class with its two riders, Matteo Bertelle and Elia Bartolini. [31] Then from the 2023, season, QJmotor became the main sponsor of Gresini Racing in the Moto2 championship.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harley-Davidson</span> American motorcycle manufacturer

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is an American motorcycle manufacturer headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1903, it is one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression along with its historical rival, Indian Motorcycles. The company has survived numerous ownership arrangements, subsidiary arrangements, periods of poor economic health and product quality, and intense global competition to become one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers and an iconic brand widely known for its loyal following. There are owner clubs and events worldwide, as well as a company-sponsored, brand-focused museum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KTM</span> Austrian motorcycle and sports car manufacturer

KTM is the abbreviation of the name of Hans Trunkenpolz's auto repair shop in Mattighofen, Austria; Kraftfahrzeug Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. The shop was founded by Mr. Trunkenpolz in the year 1934. It became what is now known as KTM.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benelli (motorcycles)</span> Motorcycle manufacturer of Italy

Benelli Q.J. is an Italian company, based in the city of Pesaro in the Marche region, that produces motorcycles and scooters.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese mobility manufacturer that produces motorcycles, motorboats, outboard motors, and other motorized products. The company was established in the year 1955 upon separation from Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. and is headquartered in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan. The company conducts development, production and marketing operations through 109 consolidated subsidiaries as of 2012.

Innocenti was an Italian machinery works, originally established by Ferdinando Innocenti in 1920. Over the years, they produced Lambretta scooters as well as a range of automobiles, mainly of British Leyland origins. The brand was retired in 1996, six years after being acquired by Fiat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta</span> Italian motorcycle manufacturer and racing team

MV Agusta is a high end motorcycle manufacturer founded by Count Domenico Agusta on 19 January 1945 as one of the branches of the Agusta aircraft company near Milan in Cascina Costa, Italy. The abbreviation MV stands for Meccanica (mechanics) Verghera, the hamlet where the first MVs were made. The modern headquarters and main production facilities are located in Varese, Italy on the shore of Lake Varese.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geely</span> Chinese automotive manufacturer

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. (ZGH), commonly known as Geely, is a Chinese multinational automotive company, headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. The company is privately held by Chinese entrepreneur Li Shufu. It was established in 1986 and entered the automotive industry in 1997 with its Geely Auto subsidiary. As of 2023, the company ranks 225 in the 2023 Fortune Global 500 list of the world's largest companies.

Cagiva is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer. It was founded in 1950 by Giovanni Castiglioni in Varese, originally producing small metal components. Giovanni's sons, Claudio and Gianfranco Castiglioni, went into the motorcycle industry in 1978. The name is a portmanteau derived from the founder's name 'Giovanni Castiglioni' and the founding location, i.e. Castiglioni Giovanni Varese.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SWM (motorcycles)</span> Italian motorcycle manufacturer

SV.VM was an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1971 by Piero Sironi and Fausto Vergani. Based in Milan, SWM manufactured Observed Trials, Enduro, Motocross and off-road motorcycles in the 1970s and 1980s. They started with small capacity Sachs engined enduro bikes and began making Rotax engined trials bikes in 1977. The other main manufacturers at this time included Fantic Motor, Bultaco and Montesa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renzo Pasolini</span> Italian motorcycle racer

Renzo Pasolini, nicknamed "Paso", was an Italian professional motorcycle road racer. He competed in the FIM Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championships from 1964 to 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta Brutale series</span> Series of Italian naked motorcycles

The MV Agusta Brutale series of motorcycles are manufactured by MV Agusta of Italy, starting in 2001. Its style is classified as a naked bike and the series consists of several models powered by either inline-four or inline-three, DOHC-engines in various capacities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marzocchi</span>

Marzocchi is an Italian manufacturer founded in 1949 by brothers Stefano and Guglielmo Marzocchi. The company profile doesn't include hydraulic industrial pumps anymore but only suspension components for motorcycles and bicycles. The Marzocchi Pompe is still in the hands of the Marzocchi Family and produces gear pumps and motors in Bologna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lifan Group</span> Chinese motorcycle and automobile manufacturer

Lifan Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. is a civilian owned Chinese motorcycle and automobile manufacturer headquartered in Chongqing, China. It was founded in 1992 and began to manufacture automobiles in 2005, with license-built microvans and a small sedan developed by Lifan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motobi</span>

Motobi was an Italian motorcycle manufacturer in production between 1950 and 1977. The brand was revived by Austrian company Michael Leeb Trading GmbH in partnership with Demharter GmbH in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorcycle industry in China</span>

The motorcycle industry of the People's Republic of China is the second largest in the world after India with a motorcycle output of 17 million in 2019 this is down from 22,891,700 in 2013, when 39.75% of the total production was exported. China also produces auto rickshaws, all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycle components and accessories in great numbers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 125 Pullman</span> Type of motorcycle

The MV Agusta 125 Pullman was a motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta from 1953 to 1956. The model achieved a good sales success, and had the highest production of any machine from MV Agusta. Many brought the bike as the only means of family transport or as a work vehicle. Despite the questionable aesthetics, the Pullman offered a comfortable ride, derived by the driving position, soft suspension and large section tires. This was particularly appreciated by users, so much so that they were imitated by some competitors. 27,000 machines of this model series were produced. The model was also produced under licence in Spain by Avello, where it was marketed as the MV Avello 125 Pullman Turismo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benelli Pepe</span> Scooter produced by Benelli

The Benelli Pepe is a scooter produced from 1998 to 2015 by the Italian motorcycle manufacturer Benelli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geely Ming Industrial</span> Motorcycle manufacturer part of Geely Group

Zhejiang Geely Ming Industrial Co., Ltd., common known as Geely Ming, or GM Motor, is a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1995 with registered office in Zhejiang province. It is a subsidiary of Geely.

References

  1. ↑ "Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., LTD. Completed the acquisition of 29.8% stake in Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co., LTD.. | MarketScreener".
  2. 1 2 Jitchotvisut, Janaki. "So, Just Who Is Qianjiang Motorcycle?". RideApart.com. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  3. ↑ Shah, Vivek (2021-07-03). "The Geely empire: What do Volvo, Polestar and Lotus have in common?". CarExpert. Retrieved 2024-03-30.
  4. ↑ Purvis, Ben (2023-02-02). "The Chinese Connection". Cycle World. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  5. ↑ Doll, Scooter (2023-01-17). "Breaking down Geely Group's 5% sales growth by automaker, including Volvo Cars and Polestar". Electrek. Retrieved 2024-03-30.
  6. ↑ "000913.CN | Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co. Ltd. A Financial Statements - WSJ". www.wsj.com. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  7. ↑ "Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co., Ltd. (000913.SZ) Stock Price, News, Quote & History - Yahoo Finance". finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  8. ↑ "Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co Ltd: 000913.SZ". REUTERS. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  9. 1 2 "China's Keeway Acquires Italian Motorcycle Brand Morbidelli". carandbike. 2024-04-22. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  10. ↑ "Fledgling Chinese Brand MBP To Roll Out C352LS Cruiser In Europe". RideApart.com. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
  11. ↑ "BENELLI MOTORCYCLES IS MORE CHINESE THAN ITALIAN: Qianjiang Motors Puts Another $26 Million Into The Italian Brand". Motocross Action Magazine. 2009-03-29. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  12. ↑ Roberson, William (2021-11-24). "Italian By Way Of China? Benelli Shows Off New TRK 800 ADV Bike, 800 Scrambler". Adventure Rider. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  13. ↑ McMahon, Dave (2020-09-22). "Motorcycle brands from Italy, China form partnership". Powersports Business. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  14. ↑ Purvis, Ben (2021-11-23). "MV Agusta Lucky Explorer: Two New Adventure Bikes". Cycle World. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  15. ↑ Elvidge, Jamie (2022-05-18). "MV Agusta CEO Reveals New Details On 5.5 and 9.5 Adventure Bikes". ADV Pulse. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  16. ↑ Elvidge, Jamie (2023-09-14). "Production Halted On MV Agusta Lucky Strike 5.5 Adventure Bike". ADV Pulse. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  17. 1 2 Purvis, Ben (2022-12-08). "Morbidelli Comeback". Cycle World. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  18. ↑ Punsalang, EJ (2023-01-09). "New motorcycle brand MBP introduces the C1002V power cruiser in the global market". MotoDeal. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  19. ↑ Punsalang, Enrico (2023-07-13). "MBP Eyeing Malaysian Launch Through MForce Bike Holdings". RideApart. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  20. ↑ Punsalang, Enrico (2023-12-19). "MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes". RideApart. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  21. ↑ Punsalang, Enrico (2024-01-08). "Fledgling Chinese Brand MBP To Roll Out C352LS Cruiser In Europe". RideApart. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  22. 1 2 3 Whitworth, Alex (2024-04-18). "A Famous Italian Motorcycle Maker is About to be Reborn". Visordown. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  23. ↑ Strange, Alex (2022-01-04). "Marzocchi signs production partnership with Chinese QJ Motors parent company". Visordown. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  24. ↑ "Auto Expo 2023: MBP Makes India Debut With M502N Naked; C1002V Cruiser Motorcycles". carandbike. 2023-01-16. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  25. ↑ Chung, Dennis (2019-06-19). "Harley-Davidson to Develop 338cc Model for China with Qianjiang". Motorcycle.com. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  26. ↑ Purvis, Ben (2023-04-23). "New V-4 for Benelli". Cycle World. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  27. ↑ "Qianjiang Motorcycle Models List | Complete List of All Qianjiang Models". 2023-05-28. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  28. ↑ Purvis, Ben (2023-06-16). "QJMotor SRK 800RR Leaked: Fast-growing Chinese brand adds another four-cylinder to its range; 1,000cc superbike to follow". Cycle World. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  29. ↑ Fragoso, Miguel (2024-02-23). "The unusual Supermono engine from QJMotor". Motorcycle Sports. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  30. ↑ StrangeTue, Alex (2022-01-11). "New Benelli 900cc parallel-twin patented by QJ Motor - and it looks familiar…". Visordown. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  31. ↑ https://www.oto.com/berita-motor/qj-motor-jadi-sponsor-utama-avintia-racing-ikut-kejuaraan-moto3
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.