Vespiario (Thailand), the authorised importer and distributor of the iconic Italian scooter Vespa and two other premium brands, Piaggio and Gilera, remains confident of selling 4,000 units this year.

That figure would represent a doubling of the units sold last year when Vespa and Piaggio first entered the Thai market.

The Gilera will be launched soon.

"We've sold more than 3,000 units year to date and are confident of exceeding the target," said managing director Pornada Nivatvongs.

Eight Vespa and Piaggio bike models are available locally. The 125cc models are imported from Vietnam, while the 150cc and 300cc models come from Italy.

Vespa prices start at 88,500 baht for the 125cc model, rising to 109,000 and 112,500 baht for the two 150cc models and 310,000 and 345,000 baht for the two 300cc engines.

Piaggio has three models priced at 78,500 baht for the 125cc version, and 285,000 and 530,000 baht for the two 300cc engines.

As well, two limited-edition Vespas have been introduced to mark the scooter's 65th anniversary. Both models come with 150cc engines and retail for 114,000 and 117,500 baht. Only 265 of each will be sold in Thailand.

Vespas and Piaggios are sold through 42 dealers, 18 of them in Bangkok, and eight more will be added nationwide by year-end, said Ms Pornada.

She said the main customers are working men, with 65% of this target group residing in Bangkok.

Vietnam is the regional production base for the Piaggio Group, which views ASEAN as an engine for future growth.