Hungarian motorcycles relaunched after 32 years

A vintage Pannónia - new models will look similar

THIRTY-TWO years after production ceased, legendary Hungarian motorcycle brand 'Pannónia' is to be re-launched in 2008, reports business daily Napi Gazdaság.

Plans for the 650cc, single-cylinder motorcycle to be manufactured have been given the go ahead. The newly-developed motorcycles will evoke the mood of the 50s and 60s but use state-of-the-art technology.

A new manufacturing plant will be built in a local industrial park, where initially 15 to 20 workers will be employed. Only one model will be produced at the onset, but if it the project is successful, the brand's range will be expanded to include other models, including a sidecar.

The European debut of the bike will take place in Milan or Paris in the second half of the year.