Cagiva nameplate returning in 2021 as electric motorcycle brand

The iconic Cagiva nameplate is set to return to production next year as owners MV Agusta lay out its plans to relaunch it as an ‘electric urban mobility’ brand.

The Italian marque has sat dormant over the years as MV Agusta focused resources on developing its own range, with the last high engine capacity models rolling off the production line in 2012.

However, despite the inactivity, Cagiva – a portmanteau of its founder (Castiglioni Giovanni Varese) – will form an important part of MV Agusta’s push to multiply its production over the next five years from around 3,000 to 25,000 motorcycles.

According to CEO Timur Sardarov, Cagiva will be charged with getting MV Agusta into the burgeoning electric motorcycle market with a range of economical ‘urban mobility’ machines.

Pointing out the models will be motorcycles rather than scooters, he nonetheless adds it will take several years for higher powered electric motorcycles to make a profit.

“Cagiva production will resume next year, at the latest in early 2021, and will be dedicated to electric urban mobility,” he told Motociclismo.

“But we will not make scooters, they will be motorcycles. Easy to drive and below 4kW, because at the moment no-one who produces beyond this threshold can generate profits. In 6 or 7 years, it will probably be possible to reach the profit with vehicles equivalent to 350cc.”

Founded by Castiglioni in 1950 and producing its first motorcycle in 1978, Cagiva found success with its Dakar-winning Elefant and the sporty Mito ranges. It was also a race winner in the 500GP World Championship.