Wikipedia

Qianjiang Motorcycle

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.

Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Group Co.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryPersonal transport manufacturer
Founded1985; 39 years ago (1985)
Headquarters
Wenling, Zhejiang Province
,
China
Area served
China (as QJ Motor), Worldwide (as Keeway)
ProductsMotorcycles, scooters
ParentGeely
Websitewww.qjmotorph.com
Keeway Superlight 125 produced by Qianjiang Group

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 edit

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 edit

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 edit

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 edit

Italy edit

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 edit

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 edit

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 edit

Motorcycles edit

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

  • SRT800X (QJ750-7A)
  • SRK700 (QJ700-8A)
  • SRK600 (QJ600GS-3A)
  • SRT550X (QJ500GS-5B)
  • SRV500 (QJ500-11A)
  • NTX300 (QJ300-12)
  • QJ250-3B
  • QJ125(200)-2G
  • QJ125(150)-26A
  • QJ110(125)-11C

Scooters edit

  • VPS125(QJ125T-2C)
  • CTR125(QJ125T-23D)
  • QJTDR006Z
  • EZ 1200 (QJ1200DT-B)

Many of these models are rebadged under different brands.

Engines edit

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 edit

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.

References edit

  1. ^ "Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., LTD. Completed the acquisition of 29.8% stake in Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co., LTD.. | MarketScreener".
  2. ^ a b 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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b c 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

External links edit

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