When we say Malossi, what comes to mind?
Not only the roar of your mopeds, afternoons spent in the garage, and adventures on two wheels with friends. But also, those who – despite being thousands of kilometers away – made it possible to experience those unforgettable moments, now etched in our memories as happy, meaningful experiences: Malossi, the historic company based in Calderara di Reno, near Bologna, that produces special parts for small-displacement engines, 100% Made in Italy.
We sat down together with Alessandra Malossi, who has been the CEO and Commercial Director of the company since 1986, and who, alongside her brother, is at the helm of the business, leading it full throttle.
It was an intense hour, during which Alessandra answered our questions spontaneously.
Here’s what she told us about Malossi throughout those 60 minutes, where at times, it was hard to tell whether she was talking about herself or the company — the line dividing them was indeed so subtle.
What’s a typical day like for you at Malossi?
It’s so intense! My job is in the Marketing Department, and no two days are the same. However, they all have a common denominator: I start early on —at 7:30 a.m., I’m already behind my desk. Working in the commercial front office means being on the front line of the company on a global scale, dealing with countries working across different time zones. To use a metaphor, it’s like being at war—every single day, there’s always a battle to win.
Moreover, being in the driving seat of the company alongside my brother also means handling all the strategic management issues, which require just as much time and commitment.
Tell us what it’s like to be Alessandra Malossi
I’m a woman in a male-dominated industry, in a role that is typically associated with the so-called ‘stronger sex.’
At first, I felt obliged to join the family business – strongly encouraged by my father – and my job wasn’t always easy. It took me years to find my place, always approaching my peers and our achievements with humbleness, without being taken seriously for a very long time.
You know, I would often hear phrases such as, “What would you know about it? You’re just a girl.”
My brother’s presence makes coming to work such a pleasure. Over recent years, thanks to working side by side with him — he’s the one who has always “known more” about engines, I’ve finally realised that my feminine touch has given Malossi that extra oomph. I’ve learned to bring out my vision, infusing the brand with a sense of care, beauty, and attentiveness that makes Malossi even more special for those who hold it close to their hearts.
I achieved this thanks to my entire team, who followed my lead, helping me to demonstrate how much Malossi listens to and supports its Malosser community, even making it possible for them to fulfil their dreams.
What do you love most about your job at Malossi?
The human rapport combined with the satisfaction of being able to surprise people, to make them happy.
I love capturing desires, anticipating market demands, and being able to convey our brand’s corporate identity and values.
Malossi is a place where people of all ages can connect, share experiences, have fun, and make new friends.
I can see how the passion for mechanics and customization brings people together from all four corners of the world. It gives me great joy to witness how Malossi fosters a community that thrives on shared experiences and common interests.
This is the driving force behind our work.
Take the Malossi Trophies, for example: we create a safe environment where young people can experience the thrill of speed as well as the dream of becoming racers. We steer them away from their phones, guide them toward healthy competition, help them understand that losing is not a failure, and enable them to have a taste of the freedom and adventure that comes with motorcycle riding.
Today, every company claims to be passionate about what they do. We believe that our actions speak louder than words.
What brand was your first moped?
It was a Bravo! But I choose neither the model nor the color.
At Malossi, we buy every vehicle for which we produce parts. At one point, my father needed a Bravo to test some Malossi products, and that became both a test vehicle and my moped.
I remember my friends could easily kick-start their mopeds. On the other hand, mine had had so many modifications made to it that it was incredibly hard to start— it often had to be pushed. But once it was up and running, it was lightning-fast!
Do you still ride mopeds?
Yes, every time I can, even to go back to work after lunch.
My Vespa is both a mode of transportation as well as a tool for shifting perspective and generating new ideas.
While I am riding my moped, I come up with some of the most unexpected solutions to challenges, or I am able to simply clear my mind and recharge my batteries. Riding helps me reflect — it reignites my creativity.
You see, just like everyone else, I spend most of my time stuck – inside the four walls of my office, my home, or my car. But when I’m on my Vespa, it’s just me, myself and I, with no barriers confining me. I can just take in the world around me and regain my energy.
Do you have any memorable moped adventures?
One of the best moments was a moped ride with my cousin to my grandmother’s house in Lagaro.
We rode through the hills to reach her in the mountains. We were only teenagers, and that trip was sheer adventure, our very first taste of freedom!
It seems that young people today have lost some of that independent spirit.
Back then, a moped meant freedom, we couldn’t wait to leave the house on our own. It gave us the power to choose where to go and who to be with.
Today, many young people depend on their parents for transportation, jumping straight into getting a driver’s license. Maybe that’s why they seek adventure in more artificial ways.
At Malossi, we strive to keep the desire for adventure and freedom alive in those who already feel it, and we try to spark it in those who haven’t discovered it yet. To me, this is a fundamental phase of life.
Let’s play a game: if Malossi were…
- A song? ‘Primavera’ by Luca Carboni springs to mind. In the background, you can hear the sounds of that season—birds chirping away and… mopeds. The video itself dates back to the 1980s and it begins with girls pulling their Sì mopeds out of the garage, mixing fuel, and setting off with their hair flowing in the wind (back then, helmets weren’t mandatory). Spring was precisely that: the promise of new adventures with friends, the urge to explore, and the freedom to be yourself.
I reckon the recurring themes of this interview are adventure and freedom (laughs)
- A book?
“Succede sempre qualcosa di meraviglioso” (Something marvelous always happens) by Gianluca Gotto, a journey of self-discovery through travel and connection. - A body part?
The heart, of course. - A work of art?
The Kiss by Klimt: passion, euphoria, with a touch of vertigo. - A movie?
“50 km/h” and “Italian Race”, both starring the iconic Bolognese actor, Stefano Accorsi. - A historical figure?
Coco Chanel. You didn’t see that coming, did you? I chose her without hesitation because she was such a revolutionary figure —she understood the market and created something unique, that didn’t exist previously . I believe Malossi does exactly the same.
What was your childhood dream?
To draw. I used to sketch Vespa trips, I guess that it still has a connection with who I am today.
What do you want to become when you grow up?
I believe I’m already on the right path. Ever since I was young and helped my father in the company, I’ve always found a way to make my work fun and turn it into a game. Thanks to my mindset, I believe that no matter what job I did, it would have the same effect, I would always find a way to make my days interesting and accomplish my tasks successfully.
I’m happy to be where I am because here, I can do great things, do them well, and feel like I’m making a difference for so many people all over the world.
If you had to challenge a colleague in a speed race, who would you choose and why?
I’d choose my brother Andrea, as he’d be a fair opponent, he would push me to do my best without letting me win, but he also wouldn’t mock me for finishing in second place.
What was the biggest ‘WOW’ moment of your career at Malossi?
One of the most powerful moments was my father’s 90th birthday – Mr. Ugo Malossi, the founder of this company.
We organized a whole surprise day for him, and when he walked into the party, at that very moment, I realized that he understood we were carrying the company forward the right way, that he could finally step down and allow us to follow in his footsteps.
It was incredibly touching to see his reaction.
It was also the moment I truly became aware that today, Malossi is down to my brother and I. For a very long time, I lived in my father’s shadow, but now I feel I can contribute with my own vision – one that is both personal and extremely authentic.
Final thoughts: What’s next for Malossi?
To live these years to the fullest, to push harder, and to see how far we can go.
It’s like accelerating on a 50cc moped – you take a while to reach full speed, but the ride is sheer bliss.
I want to keep sharing this passion for engines with forthcoming next generations, creating moments that become unforgettable experiences.
Do you think your children would follow in your footsteps?
Who knows? I have twins who are 12 now—I’ll let them find their own career path. If one day they decide to choose Malossi, it will be their own decision. The company can move forward regardlessly – after all, children can also be adopted. I’m thinking about Henry Favre, for example; I consider him an adopted member of the Malossi family.
