Gianluca Fiume, general director of Piaggio Vietnam and president of Piaggio Asia-Pacific

How significant is this AEO certification to Piaggio Vietnam?

The AEO certification from the General Customs Department of Hanoi marks a pivotal milestone in Piaggio's journey in Vietnam, which began in 2007. We see this certification as not merely an achievement, rather, it signifies an elevated level of our way of working and professionalism. For Piaggio Vietnam, progress isn't an endpoint but a perpetual quest for self-improvement and professional excellence.

This certification serves an acknowledgement of our utmost compliance with customs standards set by Vietnamese authorities. Vietnam's business community, particularly foreign-invested enterprises, has validated the significance and prestige of this certification, which have been awarded to only 75 select enterprises so far. This reinforces Piaggio's credibility and pivotal foothold as a member of this privileged group.

Far from being a culmination, this AEO certification signifies a new chapter brimming with opportunities for growth and innovation. It energises us in terms of our corporate image and readiness to tackle future challenges head-on.

As a renowned scooter and motorcycle manufacturer worldwide, Piaggio Vietnam thrives on such milestones, fuelling our determination to excel in adversity.

What level of effort and coordination went into receiving the AEO certificate?

When we received the notification that we were to be assessed for the AEO, I was thrilled and proud of the dedication and extensive collaboration across diverse teams within our organisation. Their efforts and positive energy play a vital role in our achievements today and tomorrow.

The administration, finance and controlling, and logistics departments were the main players responsible, as they fostered collaboration and synergy among the other departments. We refined several procedures and developed innovative ways of working, and we've seen significant improvements since the initial assessment two years ago, especially when it comes to dealing with customs, ensuring that we meet the highest standards of the relevant regulations.

We've now committed ourselves to maintaining this level of excellence permanently. Piaggio has been around for 130 years, and we have maintained our strong reputation during that time. It's in our DNA.

We're pleased with our progress so far, but we see it as just the beginning because we have many ideas for further improvement. Regardless of the level we are at today, we aim to be a better version of ourselves every day.

What does this certification mean to the larger Piaggio brand?

We've already held a celebration with the entire management team, extending beyond Vietnam and across Asia.

At Piaggio, we treasure and empower our “People” as Piaggio’s fifth iconic brand, together with Vespa, Piaggio, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia, since their growth has been the key achievement in our transition to a customer-centred modality. Our people, physically and emotionally, evolve in tandem with our products. More than a vehicle manufacturer, we engineer emotions on two wheels to provide outstanding customer experiences. This certification will provide a stimulus, further motivating our people to be part of our exhilarating journey across Asia.

We are honoured to be among the select few companies in Vietnam to be selected and achieve this certification. It reflects our team’s commitment to excellence and serves as a testament to our dedication. This achievement also strengthens our reputation and instils a deeper sense of pride and motivation among our team members.

Beyond the recognition, the certification signifies our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and our ongoing pursuit of meaningful relationships with our supporters. It encourages our team and reinforces our mission to spread joy and emotion throughout Asia.

What now is the next challenge for Piaggio?

As we continue our journey, we focus on identifying the next steps in our growth and development. We've made significant progress, and we're committed to ongoing improvement.

In business, challenges and opportunities go hand in hand, and it ultimately depends on your perspective whether you see challenges as obstacles or as avenues for progress.

I'm a 'the glass is half-full' kind of person. We have been in the market for so many years that we have a good sense of opportunities. For us, the challenge is how to improve on excellence.

Piaggio was awarded the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification

What strategy will Piaggio implement to maintain momentum and gain more achievements or other certifications?

The AEO certification is a significant milestone, but it’s just one step on our exciting journey. Our vision embraces the concept of being “spotless”. This core strategy goes beyond mere excellence, striving to be exceptional at every touchpoint, from product design to customer experience.

The strategy is a never-ending quest for improvement, fuelled by continuous innovation and empowered individuals. It’s a continuous evolution, where spotless isn’t a destination but a mindset, pushing boundaries and challenging ourselves to constantly redefine what’s possible.

The spotless strategy also signifies our unwavering commitment to delighting and wowing our supporters and customers. We view the market not as a transactional space but as an ongoing conversation, akin to the Vietnamese saying “Hen gap lai” (“See you again”), emphasising the enduring nature of the relationship with our customers. Through this conversation, we strive to consistently surpass expectations and provide emotionally meaningful experiences that encourage them to express themselves and shine in their own light.