Is Benelli a Chinese Company?
Benelli
Yes, Benelli is owned by a Chinese company. It is a motorcycle manufacturing firm that is part of the Qianjiang Group, headquartered in Wenling, Zhejiang province, China. Although its registered office is in Pesaro, Italy, where the company was originally founded, Benelli’s Research and Development (R&D) center, also located in Pesaro, still handles the design and development of Benelli motorcycles. The manufacturing takes place at Qianjiang’s massive state-of-the-art facility in Wenling, about 250 miles from Shanghai. This plant, which spans a city-like area, produces around 1.2 million vehicles annually and employs over 14,000 workers.
Benelli Company Details
- Headquarters: Pesaro, Italy
- Industry: Motorcycle Manufacturing
- Founded: 1911
- Founder: Teresa Benelli
- Key Products: Motorcycles, Scooters, Accessories
- Global Reach: Sells motorcycles in many countries worldwide
- Market Focus: Specializes in producing two-wheelers
- Notable Models: Benelli TNT 300, Leoncino 500, TRK 502
- Parent Company: Owned by Qianjiang Group, China
- Innovation: Known for merging Italian design with Chinese manufacturing
- Racing Heritage: A rich history in participating in various racing events
- Technology: Collaborates with other companies for advanced features
History of Benelli
Benelli was founded in 1911 in Pesaro, Italy, originally as a car repair workshop. It was established by Teresa Benelli, a widow who started the business to provide her six sons with a steady source of income. Over time, the family turned their passion for motorcycles into a thriving business, evolving from vehicle servicing to creating their own motorcycles.
With more than a century of history, Benelli has made a lasting mark on the motorcycle world. Famous for its beautiful designs and racing prowess, Benelli has always been synonymous with innovation and success.
In 2005, Benelli was acquired by the Qianjiang Group, a Chinese automobile conglomerate known for making strategic, long-term investments. This new chapter of ownership revitalized the brand, and in 2017, Benelli experienced a resurgence with the successful launch of models like the TRK 502 and Leoncino 500. The TRK 502 quickly became a top seller in Italy, cementing Benelli’s global comeback.
Operations and Services
Under the ownership of Qianjiang, Benelli shifted its focus towards research and development, creating high-end, technologically advanced motorcycles. This investment in R&D has helped the brand produce competitive models that appeal to riders worldwide. Benelli continues to offer motorcycles that combine the artistry of Italian design with the technological innovations and manufacturing capabilities of its Chinese parent company.
Conclusion
With over a century of history, Benelli remains a renowned name in the motorcycle industry. Despite challenges such as ownership changes, global economic shifts, and market disruptions, the company has maintained its legacy of producing iconic motorcycles. Now owned by China’s Qianjiang Group, Benelli continues to thrive, blending Italian craftsmanship with Chinese innovation.
