GILERA
GILERA is Argentina's #2 motorcycle manufacturer, producing Cub, Street, On/Off, ATV, and Scooter models domestically at its Carlos Spegazzini plant and distributing through 100+ dealers nationwide under parent Libertador Motors S.A.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1909
- HeadquartersBuenos Aires, Argentina
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What GILERA does
Gilera Motors Argentina S.A. is the second-largest motorcycle brand in Argentina and a privately held manufacturer operating under parent company Libertador Motors S.A., which acquired the business through a 1978 public privatization. The company traces its Italian origins to 1909 (Giuseppe Gilera, Milan) and established Argentine production in 1953 at the invitation of President Juan Domingo Perón. Headquartered in Buenos Aires with manufacturing at the Carlos Spegazzini plant (modernized in 2020-2025 with an $18 million USD investment), Gilera produces a diversified five-segment portfolio of two-wheeled vehicles: Cub (entry-level, 107-119cc), Street (149-249cc), On/Off dual-purpose (149-249cc), ATV (196-271cc), and Scooter (150cc), with engine displacements from 107cc to 271cc and power outputs from 7.2hp to 24.1hp. Notable technical features include CBS (Combined Braking System) on all 2025 models, Bosch EFI on the FR 300 ATV, and cardan shaft drive with CVT+H/N/R modes on the FR 300.
The company's go-to-market is an authorized dealer network of over 100 dealers covering all Argentine provinces, supplemented by a dealer portal and a parts e-commerce platform (repuestosgilera.com.ar). Gilera's revenue model is hardware-led (motorcycle unit sales plus parts and accessories) with pricing conducted through dealer quotes rather than public disclosure. Customer segments span mass-market urban commuters, delivery riders, recreational ATV users, and adventure-touring enthusiasts. Strategic alliances with Loncin (VOGE premium brand, 2019) and Hero (2021) extend the portfolio into adjacent price tiers without diluting the core Gilera brand positioning. The company's competitive advantages include 70+ years of brand equity in Argentina, the iconic SMASH model (most patented vehicle in Argentina in 2021), nationwide distribution, and domestic manufacturing. The Gilera SMASH, launched in 1994, remains in production and anchors the Cub segment.
GILERA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GILERA
- Legal name
- Gilera Motors Argentina S.A.
- Website
- https://gilera.com.ar
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1909
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- GILERA is Argentina's #2 motorcycle manufacturer, producing Cub, Street, On/Off, ATV, and Scooter models domestically at its Carlos Spegazzini plant and distributing through 100+ dealers nationwide under parent Libertador Motors S.A.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GILERA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Motorcycles and Two-Wheelers
- NAICS
- Motorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers (441227), Automobile and Other Motor Vehicle Merchant Wholesalers (423110), Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers (441330)
- SIC
- Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714), Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies (5010)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Electric Motorcycles & Electric Scooters Manufacturing (IMACAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Manufacturing (IMACAEAD), Motorcycle, powersports & ATV parts and accessories distribution (CRAOANAK)
Keywords
Where GILERA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Buenos Aires
- HQ country
- Argentina
- HQ region
- Latin America
Offices2 records
Markets served
GILERA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Motorcycle Sales: Primary revenue from manufacturing and selling motorcycles across multiple segments: Cub, Street, On/Off, ATV, and Scooter. The company operates through an authorized dealer network across Argentina.
- Parts and Accessories: E-commerce platform for selling replacement parts and accessories through repuestosgilera.com.ar
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels3 records
GILERA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Gilera manufactures and distributes motorcycles, scooters, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) through its Carlos Spegazzini plant in Buenos Aires, Argentina, selling to individual consumers via a 100+ authorized dealer network across all Argentine provinces. The product portfolio spans five segments (Cub, Street, On/Off, ATV, Scooter) with engine displacements from 107cc to 271cc, and the company also sells genuine replacement parts and accessories through its e-commerce platform repuestosgilera.com.ar.
Product overview
Gilera is an Argentine motorcycle manufacturer offering a diversified portfolio of vehicles across five distinct segments: Cub (entry-level urban motorcycles), Street (city motorcycles), On/Off (dual-purpose), ATV (all-terrain vehicles), and Scooter (automatic urban vehicles). The product lineup spans engine displacements from 107cc to 271cc with power outputs ranging from 7.2hp to 24.1hp. The company manufactures vehicles at its Carlos Spegazzini, Buenos Aires plant following a comprehensive modernization. Key models include the Smash family (Cub segment), VC 150 and AC4 250 (Street segment), SMX series and Sahel 150 (On/Off segment), FR 200 HOT BEAR and FR 300 (ATV segment), and Piccola (Scooter segment). All 2025 models feature CBS (Combined Braking System) to comply with new Argentine safety regulations effective January 2025. The company provides additional services including a dealer portal, online parts e-commerce, and a model comparison tool.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Gilera Smash X125 2025 CBS Entry-level Cub category motorcycle with 119.1cc displacement, 7.5hp power output, featuring CBS combined braking system for enhanced safety. Designed for urban commuting with semiautomatic 4-speed transmission.
- Gilera Smash Full 2025 CBS Cub category motorcycle featuring CBS braking system, new seat design, and analog/digital dashboard. Updated for 2025 with enhanced comfort and safety features meeting new Argentine regulations.
- Gilera Smash R Full 2025 CBS Sport-styled Cub motorcycle with CBS braking system, featuring 107cc engine, 7.2hp power, and compact tire sizes (60/100-17 front, 80/100-14 rear) for nimble urban handling.
- Gilera Smash R Tuning 2025 CBS Custom-styled Cub motorcycle with CBS braking system, 107cc displacement, 7.2hp power output, featuring tuned aesthetic elements for style-conscious riders.
- Gilera Smash VS 2025 CBS Standard Cub category motorcycle with CBS combined braking system, 107cc engine displacement, designed as a reliable and affordable urban commuter.
- Gilera Smash VS Auto 2025 CBS Automatic Cub motorcycle with CBS braking system, featuring automatic 4-speed transmission ideal for new riders and urban use.
- Gilera VC150 2025 CBS Street category motorcycle with 149cc displacement, 12hp power output, CBS braking system, and halogen lighting. Designed for urban transportation with comfortable riding position.
- Gilera AC4 250 4v 2025 CBS Street category motorcycle with 249.4cc 4-valve engine, 24.1hp power output, and CBS braking system. Positioned as a more powerful urban/street option.
- Gilera SMX 250 ADV 2025 On/Off dual-purpose motorcycle with 249.4cc 4-valve engine, 24.1hp power, inverted hydraulic fork suspension, and 125 km/h top speed. Designed for mixed urban and light off-road use.
- Gilera SMX 200 ADV 2025 On/Off dual-purpose motorcycle with 197cc displacement, 15.4hp power output, full LED lighting, and 6-speed manual transmission. Features 120 km/h top speed and USB charging port.
- Gilera SMX 200 2025 On/Off dual-purpose motorcycle with 197cc displacement, 13.7hp power output, 5-speed manual transmission, and USB port. Designed for versatile riding conditions.
- Gilera Sahel 150 2025 On/Off category motorcycle with 149cc displacement, 10.7hp power output, designed for urban commuting with light off-road capability. Features wire-spoke wheels with block-pattern tires.
- Gilera FR 300 ATV (all-terrain vehicle) with 271cc EFI BOSCH engine, 22.5hp power, liquid cooling, cardan shaft transmission with CVT+H/N/R modes. Features 14-liter fuel tank and double A-arm suspension.
- Gilera FR 200 HOT BEAR ATV (all-terrain vehicle) with 196cc displacement, 12.7hp power, CVT automatic transmission, double disc brake system. Features all-wheel disc braking and steel wheels for rugged terrain.
- Gilera Piccola Scooter with 149.6cc displacement, 10.1hp power, CVT automatic transmission. Designed for urban city use with under-seat storage, LCD 3-inch dashboard, and compact 12-inch wheels.
- Genuine Parts and Accessories (repuestosgilera.com.ar) E-commerce platform for purchasing genuine Gilera replacement parts and accessories online for Gilera motorcycle owners and dealers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Gilera SMASH became the most patented vehicle in Argentina in 2021
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use GILERA
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
GILERA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
GILERA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and major.
- HerominorGilera signed a distribution agreement for Hero motorcycles in Argentina, expanding its product portfolio with an additional brand.
- Loncin / VOGEmajorGilera signed an agreement with Chinese manufacturer Loncin to produce and distribute VOGE motorcycles in Argentina, strengthening its position in the high-end motorcycle segment.
- SuzukimajorLibertador Motors S.A. (owner of Gilera Argentina) was designated Official Suzuki Distributor in Argentina. During this period, the company dedicated itself to assembling Suzuki scooters and integrating a moped with national components. The alliance continued until 2001.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
GILERA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Motomel: Argentine motorcycle manufacturer ranked #3 in the Argentine motorcycle market. Motomel competes directly with Gilera in the entry-level Cub segment and is part of Grupo La Emilia, which has projected annual revenues exceeding $250M USD for 2026. Same product categories, same geography, same distribution model.
- Honda Motor Argentina: Argentine subsidiary of Honda Motor Co. and the #1 motorcycle brand in Argentina, directly competing with Gilera across Cub, Street, and On/Off segments. Both companies sell through authorized dealer networks and compete head-to-head on price, features, and after-sales service in the same customer base.
- Zanella: Historic Argentine motorcycle and scooter manufacturer with a long-established dealer footprint. Competes directly with Gilera in Cub, Street, and Scooter segments, targeting similar mass-market consumers seeking affordable urban transportation.
- Corven: Argentine manufacturer of motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs with a dealer network across Argentina. Directly comparable to Gilera in product mix, market positioning (entry to mid-range), and domestic manufacturing footprint, with similar focus on affordable urban mobility.
- Suzuki Motor de Argentina: Argentine subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation with established motorcycle and ATV presence. Historically, Libertador Motors (Gilera's parent) was Suzuki's official Argentine distributor from 1989 to 2001, creating both legacy and ongoing competitive overlap in motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters.
- Yamaha Motor Argentina: Argentine operations of Yamaha, a global motorcycle leader with strong Cub and Street segment presence. Competes with Gilera across multiple segments through authorized dealerships, with broader global R&D and brand recognition as a structural advantage.
Emerging players
- Hero MotoCorp: India's largest motorcycle manufacturer and Gilera's distribution partner in Argentina since 2021. While a partner rather than pure competitor, Hero's growing Latin American ambitions and the distributed model create overlap on certain Cub and commuter models in the same dealer ecosystem.
- VOGE (Loncin Motor): Chinese manufacturer Loncin, whose VOGE brand is distributed in Argentina via Gilera under a 2019 alliance. VOGE is a competitive premium motorcycle brand increasingly present across Latin America and could become a partial competitor to Gilera's own Street and On/Off portfolio in higher displacements.
Regional players
- Bajaj Auto: India-based global motorcycle manufacturer with growing Latin American presence. While not heavily entrenched in Argentina yet, Bajaj represents a comparable emerging-market motorcycle manufacturer competing for similar value-conscious consumers across South America.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GILERA social profiles
Digital presenceGILERA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GILERA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
GILERA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GILERA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about GILERA
What does GILERA do?
Gilera manufactures and distributes motorcycles, scooters, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) through its Carlos Spegazzini plant in Buenos Aires, Argentina, selling to individual consumers via a 100+ authorized dealer network across all Argentine provinces. The product portfolio spans five segments (Cub, Street, On/Off, ATV, Scooter) with engine displacements from 107cc to 271cc, and the company also sells genuine replacement parts and accessories through its e-commerce platform repuestosgilera.com.ar.
Is GILERA a public or private company?
GILERA is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was GILERA founded?
GILERA was founded in 1909. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is GILERA based?
GILERA is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the Latin America region.
How does GILERA make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Motorcycle Sales are the primary driver. The others are parts and Accessories.
Who are GILERA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Motomel, Honda Motor Argentina, Zanella, Corven, Suzuki Motor de Argentina and Yamaha Motor Argentina. Emerging players are Hero MotoCorp and VOGE (Loncin Motor). Bajaj Auto is listed as a regional player.
Does GILERA have an API?
No public API is recorded for GILERA.
What industry is GILERA in?
GILERA's product category is Motorcycles and Two-Wheelers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAEAB, Electric Motorcycles & Electric Scooters Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMACAEAD, ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 441227 and its SIC code is 3751.