Italian motorcycle brand Moto Morini, established in 1937, has been acquired by Chinese scooter manufacturer ZhongNeng Vehicle Group for an undisclosed sum.
Morini has been owned by Autjann SRL, the holding company of Ruggeromassimo Jannuzzelli and his family, since its most recent revival in 2015 at Pavia on the outskirts of Milan. It currently manufactures limited numbers of Corsaro, Milano and Scrambler models based on a common 1187cc V-twin platform.
Jannuzzelli said: “The first objective was to develop Euro 4-compliant motorcycles and the second to create new models adapted to the current market. In addition, we have been striving for three years to create value for the brand and the product to position them in the high end of the market in terms of quality, construction technique and prestige. Now we are reaping the benefits of this work, passing on the baton to a Chinese industrial group that is already present with its products in Europe and around the world.”
Zhongneng, which is based at Taizhou in China’s Zhejiang province, makes a range of allegedly Italian-designed scooters at its 80-acre plant. These are marketed under the Znen brand, both in China and for global export. They include the C F8 with distinct Vespa stylistic references and a big-wheeled S Zoom not dissimilar to Piaggio’s Liberty.
Chen Huanneng, founder and chairman of ZhongNeng Vehicle Group, reportedly intends to keep the Morini business on Italian soil, with plans to develop both existing products and new ones featuring different engine displacements. Chen added: “We are confident in the potential of Moto Morini, its team, its suppliers and its loyal customers to ensure the growth of the company.”