History of LML and its Vespa relationship.

Piaggio first licensed the production of Vespa scooters in India to Bajaj Auto in the 1960s. In 1971, Piaggio’s license was not renewed as a part of Indira Gandhi’s privatization programs.

Another Vespa partner in India was that of LML Motors. Beginning as a joint-venture with Piaggio in 1983, LML, in addition to being a large parts supplier for Piaggio, produced the P-Series scooters for the Indian market. In 1999, after protracted dispute with Piaggio, LML bought back Piaggio’s stake in the company and the partnership ceased. LML continues to produce (and also exports) the P-Series variant known as the Stella in the U.S. market and by other names in different markets.

LML (formerly Lohia Machines Ltd) is an Indian scooter manufacturer based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Incorporated as Lohia Machines Private Limited in 1978, the company was engaged in manufacture of synthetic yarn manufacturing machines in technical collaboration with ARCT France. In 1978, it became a public limited company and diversified into processing synthetic yarn.

In 1984 a technical collaboration agreement was signed with Piaggio of Italy and a scooter project was set up. In 1986, the LML NV was launched. The relationship with Piaggio was redefined to that of a partner in 1990, both partners having equal equity participation of 23.6% each. The LML Select was launched in 1993, with new age technology and aesthetics, and became an instant success. LML’s joint venture with Piaggio ended in 1999. LML continued to manufacture the Star, a classically styled steel-bodied scooter with twist-shift 4-speed manual transmission and a 150cc two-stroke engine. Some of these were distributed in the United States as the Stella and in the UK as A.K. International (AKII). AKII’s Aura LML & A.K. International (I&E) Ltd was appointed the sole distributor for UK In 2008. Star Deluxe was re-introduced to the U.K. market by AKII (I&E) Ltd, with the Via Toscana as the Euro 3 emissions compliant model.In 2009 LML italy was set up as the europeon distributer for LML india, 2010 E.P Barrus distributes the product in the UK and Motoworld distributes the LML product in Ireland.

Again in 1999, an agreement was signed with Daelim Motor Company of South Korea to manufacture 4-stroke motorcycles. In 2000 the company was recognized by the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology for remarkable success in introducing new models/upgrades of scooters in the market with more fuel-efficient engines, new electrical systems, latest emission norms, upgraded technology, better styling etc., and that year entered the motorcycle market with upper end lifestyle bikes in 100 cc, using 3-valve technology.

New finance has been invested by Credit Suisse and other institutions and in March 8, 2008 manufacture of geared Vespa style scooters, primarily for export only started.

Some extractions from Wikipedia: