Marzocchi begins to expand into China, establishing partnership with QJ Motors

 www.informationautomotive.com - In recent years, several European motorcycle manufacturers have partnered with Asian OEMs in development and production deals. Examples are from KTM with CFMoto, Triumph-Bajaj to KTM with Bajaj. These collaborations often benefit Asian industry leaders in terms of design and technology, while European brands gain access to manufacturing and global markets.

Marzocchi begins to expand into China, establishing partnership with QJ Motors

Exclusive partnerships are not only for motorcycle makers, now component companies are also working with Asian manufacturers. Just like Marzocchi did. The Italian suspension specialist is aware of the advantages of such a relationship. Marzochhi's parent company VRM is expanding into China and has signed a collaboration contract with Zhejiang Mazhuoke Machinery Manufacturing (QJ Motors' parent company) to produce future models.

Under the new partnership, VRM and Zhejiang Mazhuoke Machinery Manufacturing set up a state-of-the-art plant in Zheijang province south of Shanghai, China. It is likely that fork and struts will be produced there for the domestic market as well as for export. Research and development, testing and design remain in Bologna. But it is not yet known whether the new manufacturing location in China will have a long-term impact on chassis component production in Italy.

It seems to be a deal that benefits all parties. Marzocchi is up their manufacturing and distribution game, while the QJ Motors brand will no doubt have access to some new parts for future models. Although that part wasn't confirmed, it made a lot of sense.

Vrm bought Marzocchi in 2016 from its american parent company, Tenneco. At that time Marzocchi was in danger, namely the closure of a factory that made many models for BMW, Bimota, Ducati, and MV Agusta. But after moving hands to VRM, the Italian brand continues to grow. It even now offers semi-active suspension and recently revealed a fully adaptive system.

"When we bought Marzocchi, the turnover was 8 million per year." Today it has a turnover of 32 million and is growing with new projects and new partnerships. Within vrm automotive division it becomes a core business," said VRM CEO Florenzo Vanzetto.

Details of the deal have yet to be established as to whether the QJ Motors model will use the Marzocchi arrangement. But many hope that cooperation between the two brands can give birth to premium models.

But before this step was taken by Marzocchi, it already had a good collaboration with Benelli. Some of its products are already installed in TRK 502 and 752s. The latest TRK 800 will also use Marzocchi products. Not only Benelli, Tiger 900 GT Pro from Triumph and BMW M1000 RR also rely on forks from Italian brands.