Mego (motorbikes)
Mego (ΜΕΓΚΟ) was a Greek light vehicle manufacturer, based in Trikala. It started business in 1947 producing 3-wheel utility bicycles to be followed in 1951 by motorized three-wheel utility vehicles with 50-100cc engines and an unconventional layout (the single wheel placed in the back).
About
First brand name used was Nigo, after the name of Nikos Gorgolis, the company founder.
In 1962 it was partly acquired by MEBEA and was renamed Mego (from MEBEA and Gorgolis), introducing "conventional" light three-wheel trucks. In 1967 the total company ownership was restored to the Gorgolis family, retaining the Mego name. Since then Mego has designed and built a large number of 50cc moped and motorcycle types and light 50cc three-wheel trucks, using mainly Sachs engines, as well as bicycles. A 125cc motorcycle model was also produced since 1968. Its moped and motorcycle models, featuring innovative designs, included the 50S series, the EK, the Libra, the Viva and the particularly innovative GP50 Carrera.
Its products were fairly popular in Greece (also purchased by authorities such as Hellenic Post, Police and the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization), with some exports also made, mostly to the Netherlands. The company faced problems in the late 1980s, mainly due to competition by used imports. Motorcycle production ceased in 1988 but the company remained in operation as Mego until 1992, servicing its products with parts, etc. Subsequently, it was renamed Gorgolis S.A., focusing on import and distribution of motorcycles.
Nipponia
Since 1992 the company also branched in a new venture, creating subsidiaries in Japan, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and China, marketing and selling motorcycles. The brand Nipponia was established (as a reference to Japanese-style excellence) for a series of Greek-designed, Chinese-built motorcycles sold in several countries. A world headquarters of Nipponia was subsequently established in Athens responsible for design, engineering, marketing and quality control for motorcycles built in Shanghai, China. Its latest range is designed by Sotiris Kovos (designer of the Toyota Yaris and other Toyota models) and currently marketed in Europe.
Gallery
The Mego 250S 3-wheeler was originally introduced in 1962 and produced, with upgrades (with or without cab), for 25 years
The Mego 50S (1967 model pictured) was Mego's "classic" motorcycle
Mego EK, a popular moped introduced in 1971
Mego 50S (1980 version)
The successor to 50S: Mego GP50 Carrera (1983)
The Mego GT50 (1985)
References
- L.S. Skartsis, "Encyclopedia of Greek vehicles and aircraft", Achaikes Ekdoseis/Typorama, Patras, Greece (1995) ISBN 960-7620-00-3
- L.S. Skartsis, "Greek Vehicle & Machine Manufacturers 1800 to present: A Pictorial History", Marathon (2012) ISBN 978-960-93-4452-4 (eBook)
- Ch. Kylafis-Kelafis, "I Istoria tis Mego (History of Mego)", Kradasmoi magazine, July 2010 issue, p. 16
- M. Arvanitopoulos, "Istoria tou Ellinikou Motosykletismou (History of the Motorcycle in Greece)", Mototech, Athens (2006) ISBN 960-89074-0-3
- "Scooter me Elliniki Ypografi (Scooter with a Greek Signature)" article in K magazine (Kathimerini newspaper), February 14, 2010