Iconic scooter brand Lambretta arrives

Leading motorcycle retailer Ropali officially becomes the exclusive Philippine distributor of Lambretta. Present during contract signing were, from left, Ropali controller head Sophia Christine O. de Vesa, Ropali Classics operations manager Manuel “Jon” Mirabueno Jr., Lambretta International sales manager Michael Fulton, Ropali chief revenue officer Ceres Allam, and REXclusively Motors Corp. president Derek Bayang, representing Ropali’s partner in this new venture.

Lambretta. For most buyers, this iconic scooter brand holds a strong feeling of nostalgia, a symbol of post-war Italian design and flamboyance, as well as the promise of freedom.

First manufactured in Milan, Italy 71 years ago (particularly in the suburb of Lambrate where it got its name), Lambretta celebrated its rebirth in 2017, 20 years after a company in India, the only remaining market where it was sold, ceased production activities.

“Lambretta is definitely back, and we thank Ropali Group of Companies for helping us bring this legend back here in the Philippines. The last time Lambretta was available here was in the early 70s,” Lambretta International sales manager Michael Fulton said during a recent contract signing held at Ropali Classics showroom along Escriva Drive in Pasig City.

Fulton adds that Ropali will be selling the new Lambretta models by the end of the month.

Joining Fulton were Ropali executives led by president Ariane A. Alingog, chief revenue officer Ma. Ceres Allam, senior marketing manager Eden Cabrera, and GM Aldous Rex Alingog.

Another history

Arian Alingog proudly says the company is making another history in the Philippines with the partnership.

“As the country’s leading motorcycle and scooter retailer, we intend to imprint Lambretta into the consciousness of our enthusiast-customers, as we fully intend for our market to embrace Lambretta, the scooter acknowledged worldwide as a cult classic,” Alingog said.

Ropali made history in recent months when it launched its Classics showroom, regarded as the first hub for motorcycle lovers in the metro. Legendary motorcycle brands are on display and sold here, including Ural, KTM, Royal Enfield, and Vespa.

Albous Alingog adds: “It is an honor to be able to work with Lambretta, a globally recognized, authentic and historically renowned Italian scooter icon. Come June 25, our displays here at Ropali Classics will welcome another formidable brand. Expect the unveiling of the Lambretta V-Special—nicknamed Vendetta—that will come in three variants, the V50, V125 and V200.” (Numbers refer to the displacement in cc).”

Fulton says Ropali could bring the Lambretta brand to new heights considering it has an extensive retail chain, now currently at 124. “This retail chain has been in place for 40 years, successfully marketing brands under its fold to a demanding, discerning and discriminating market made up of both business establishments and leisure and recreation riders/enthusiasts. Furthermore, Ropali is still looking to set up more stores in the the Visayas and Mindanao area.”

The Vendetta will come in a steel body, interchangeable side panels, aluminum garnish, a double-layer side panel, and a 1.2-mm steel semi-monocoque architecture inspired by the aeronautic industry.

The new Lambretta for the 21st century

Very soon, customers will be able to select a wide range of different side panel styles, shapes and colors to mix and match, and create their very own personal scooter, a unique feature for the brand.

Aspirational brand

“As fuel prices have soared worldwide, and as urban commuting has become ever busier and parking spaces fewer, more people have taken to scooters. And, despite ambitious rivals over the years, the Lambretta has remained an aspirational brand. They really are a beautiful work of art. Also, the relative rarity of Lambrettas has added to their allure,” said Fulton.

The Vendetta, along with other new Lambretta models, have been specially designed by Austrian company Kiska, a highly regarded and world-renowned motorcycle design company that has done work with KTM, Husqvarna, and CF Moto.

“Kiska went back to the roots of the brand to incorporate a modern interpretation, while keeping true to the Italian brand’s key heritage styling and features: steel body, interchangeable side panels, iconic Lambretta ‘fixed’ front fender, aluminum highlights, modern LED lights, Bluetooth connectivity, and the use of iconic brand trademarks. While there are plans to expand the range to larger capacity 400cc, an electric variant is very much in the works,” shared Fulton.

The Lambretta brand will be displayed in all its Ropali Classics showrooms located in Pasig City, Angeles City in Pampanga, and Davao City.