THE COMPANY

In 1978 Cagiva (abbreviation of CAstiglioni GIovanni VArese) officially became a motorcycle manufacturer, but the company’s origins date back to 1950, where the family business was focused on metalworking. Claudio Castiglioni’s passion for racing pushes him to create the Cagiva racing team to contest the GP 500 World Championship with Gianfranco Bonera and Marco Lucchinelli as official riders. Following the take over of the ailing AMF-Harley-Davidson (formerly Aermacchi) plant, Cagiva motorcycle production starts. Following the acquisition, the agreement was for the motorcycles to be produced and sold under the Cagiva-HD brand up until 1980.

The production is quickly expanded from medium sized engines to larger displacements: thanks to Claudio Castiglioni’s heart and industrial vision, in the late ‘80s Ducati was acquired and became part of the Cagiva Group.

In 1987 Cagiva Group also acquired Husqvarna and Moto Morini.
Husqvarna, a Swedish company that has origins in small arms manufacture, saw it’s production and sales grow considerably in the offroad market. This brought the company to great success in motocross and enduro that resulted in 69 World Titles. The Swedish brand was subsequently sold to BMW Group which was interested in expanding into the off-road segment.

In 1992 Cagiva acquires the MV Agusta brand, and in 1997 launches the F4, a landmark in motorcycle design. In the last fifteen years MV Agusta has grown to become a point of reference in high and medium performance motorcycles.

On 17 August 2011 the historical Claudio Castiglioni, the heart and soul of MV Agusta, passes away after a long struggle against a serious illness. Claudio Castiglioni was the protagonist throughout the revival of the Italian two wheel industry. Under his leadership were born the most famous bikes in the world, and the most important Italian victories were obtained.

Heading the company today are Giovanni Castiglioni, the son, and a team of internationally affirmed managers.