Here are a couple of stories that came across my desk that I think are relevant and interesting to the powersports business community.
1 – Parts Unlimited hires rep to handle electric bicycle accounts – From Powersports Business
Parts Unlimited is assisting with the growth of electric bicycles in powersports dealerships thanks to a new hire. Parts Unlimited’s Sales team has added John Korsog as the new E-bike key account rep and product specialist.
Korsog comes to Parts Unlimited with over 20 years of managerial and sales experience related to powersports. His riding experience includes many years racing Eduro-Hare Scrambles and MX as well as riding/racing mountain bikes and road bikes.
In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym, riding his bicycles and spending time with his family.
The latest Powersports Business/BMO Capital Markets Q2 2022 Dealer Survey shows that about 1 in 5 franchised powersports dealerships sells electric bicycles for adults.
2 – LiveWire CEO named by Harley-Davidson – From Powersports Business
Harley-Davidson on Wednesday announced the appointment of Tralisa Maraj as chief financial officer at LiveWire.
Maraj joins LiveWire with extensive experience in leadership, corporate governance, accounting and finance. Maraj formerly served as both CFO & corporate secretary for CGX Energy Inc. and previously served as chief accounting officer.
Prior to CGX, Maraj served as corporate controller at Remora Energy Management. Maraj started her career at PWC, holding various roles over 14 years at the firm.
“It’s great to have Tralisa join the team at such an exciting point in LiveWire’s journey to becoming the first publicly traded EV company in the U.S.,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, CEO and president of Harley-Davidson.
3 – USWE SPORTS AB ACQUIRES GIANT LOOP LLC
USWE Sports AB, a technology award-winning and publicly traded backpack company based in Malmö, Sweden, has acquired Bend-based Giant Loop LLC, a successful powersports brand known for its innovative off-road motorcycle soft luggage designs. The purchase agreement was signed June 22, and the transaction is scheduled to close on July 1.
The acquisition provides USWE with a strong position in the premium segment for panniers, saddlebags, tank bags and dry bags for the off-road powersports market. Giant Loop’s Bend headquarters offers USWE a U.S. base of operations for further expansion in North America. Products from both companies are expected to reach new customers from overlap in each company’s pre-existing customer bases, and Giant Loop´s products will be offered through USWE´s global distribution network.
Armadillo Bag LLC, a new automotive brand created by Giant Loop’s founder, is also included in the acquisition. Its focus on international overland travel provides new markets and sales channels for all three companies’ products.
Giant Loop LLC was founded in 2008 by owner Harold Olaf Cecil. The company designs and manufactures a portfolio of premium products with dual-sport and adventure motorcycles as a primary focus as well as UTVs, snow bikes and snowmobiles representing crossover powersports markets. Product design and development and all other primary business functions are based in Bend, and production is outsourced to U.S. facilities as well as factories in Asia. Sales are generated through an omni-channel model, where the split between direct-to-customer and business-to-business is approximately 50/50.
Cecil will continue to lead the company for at least two years, focusing on the best integration between USWE and Giant Loop. He will also be one of USWE´s largest shareholders.
“Giant Loop is a perfect partner for USWE in the USA,” said Jacob Westerberg, CEO of USWE Sports. “We started our companies in the same time period, and our founders met early in each company’s history. We share similar company values as well as product design and development vision. Our two product lines also perfectly match each other, where USWE focuses on the rider and Giant Loop focuses on the bike gear. So far, Giant Loop has been developing soft luggage for off-road and adventure motorcycles. However, we see great potential in developing bags and luggage also for e-bikes, mountain bikes and gravel bikes. The barrier between a motorcycle and a bicycle is getting more and more blurry, and we would like to provide the best available gear for the new bikes and the new riders. Giant Loop headquarters are in Bend, Oregon, an ideal location for USWE and our focus for the coming years, whether it will be on the bike, on foot or on skis. Together, we have already identified several synergies in sales, distribution and manufacturing, and we are looking forward to implementing and benefitting from them. I am convinced that this acquisition will massively strengthen both Giant Loop and USWE.”
”I am excited about the transaction with USWE Sports,” Cecil said. “For me, the acquisition represents the culmination of 15 years of my life’s work. The excellent fit of our markets, brands and business cultures truly compliments both companies’ strengths. We’ve used, sold and promoted USWE products ourselves for many years at Giant Loop already, and we look forward to collaborating with such an innovative, category leading brand and company.”
“Uswe” (pronounced YOU-SWII) is Swedish slang for “kick ass.” The company is highly regarded for its “No Dancing Monkey” (NDM) patented harness technology for performance backpacks developed for high-impact action sports, such as off-road motorcycling, mountain biking, trail running, skiing and snowmobiling. The innovative NDM harness technology makes the packs 100% bounce-free in action and it allows the user the freedom to move and breathe without cramping its style.
The team behind USWE grew up riding off-road motorcycles in the Swedish countryside. Out of frustration with backpack designs of the day, the founders purchased a used industrial sewing machine in 2007 and began creating their own designs — a story that parallels the creation and development of Giant Loop.
For more information, visit www.giantloopmoto.com and www.uswe.com .
4 – Madelyn Hubbard named associate editor at Powersports Business – From Powersports Business
Powersports Business today announced that Madelyn Hubbard has been named associate editor, handling a variety of content roles.
Hubbard is a 2022 graduate of Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas, with a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Communication. She rings a variety of experience and large dose of enthusiasm to the role.
Her parents, Glen and Missy Hubbard, established Hubbard Powersports in their hometown of Russellville in 2000. Needless to say, Madelyn knows her way around the dealership and is looking forward to learning about the successes and challenges that dealerships are facing today.
“I have grown up riding four-wheelers and side-by-sides,” she said. “I’m an outdoors enthusiast and enjoy spending my time ATV riding, boating, hiking and running on occasion. When I’m not outside, I spend my time painting, sketching, or reading a good book. As this is my first full-time job, I am grateful and absolutely thrilled for the opportunity to join the Powersports Business team and get to know the powersports industry!”
“We’re excited to have Madelyn join team Powersports Business,” PSB content director Dave McMahon said. “Her storytelling talents will be apparent on the pages of the magazine, in our e-newsletters and at our in-person events. Yes, it’s quite a fit indeed and one that we believe will benefit Madelyn, our team and the industry as she embarks on her career.
Send story ideas – or simply a warm industry welcome – her way to [email protected]. (And when she leaves a message to talk to you for an article, call her back!) -Dave
5 – Hero MotoCorp Strengthens Operations in Turkiye – From Hero MotoCorp
Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has further strengthened its commitment and operations in Turkiye with the introduction of Euro-5 compliant variants of its three globally popular products.
Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp, hosted a business-session with the local partners of the Company in the country to share the strategy for Turkiye and introduced the three new products – the Xpulse 200 4V motorcycle and Dash 110 & Dash 125 scooters.
The Xpulse 200 is already a highly appreciated motorcycle in Turkiye, while Hero MotoCorp’s scooters are well known for their quality and assurance through the five-year warranty. The new Euro-5 range of products demonstrate the company’s continued commitment to provide modern design, latest technology, and distinct features to its valued customers in the market.
Aligned with its vision “Be the Future of Mobility”, Hero MotoCorp continues to focus on providing future ready products and services to its customers in more than 40 countries across the globe. The Soysal Group, which is one of the most diversified and reputed business groups in the country, has been Hero MotoCorp’s exclusive distributor in Turkiye since 2014.
Speaking during the event, Sanjay Bhan, Head Global Business, Hero MotoCorp said, “As a global personal mobility leader, Hero MotoCorp remains committed to empowering people by providing accessible mobility solutions. We are very excited to launch these three popular products here in Turkiye. We are confident that customers will appreciate the value proposition and latest technology being offered by Hero MotoCorp. Turkiye is a key market for us and we will continue to bring our latest range of globally popular products here to garner a larger share of the market.”
The range of Hero MotoCorp products in Turkiye include the globally popular Xpulse 200 4V motorcycle and Dash 110, Dash 125 scooters. Hero MotoCorp has been operating in Turkiye since 2014 and caters to its customers through a network of over 100 touchpoints, which provide sales, service and spares. The Company’s products are designed and developed at its R&D facilities in India and Germany.
Hero MotoCorp has become the preferred partners for institutional buyers and is also the exclusive supplier to leading delivery providers in the country, with Dash 110 being the favorite pick.
For more information on Hero MotoCorp: https://www.heromotocorp.com/en-in/
6 – TRIUMPH ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF THE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURER OSET BIKES – From Triumph Motorcycles
Ahead of the launch of the Motocross and Enduro range, Triumph Motorcycles takes another exciting step in the off-road world through the acquisition of OSET Bikes, a leader in the world of children’s electric, off-road motorcycles.
Started in 2004 by Ian Smith, who wanted to build an electric off-road bike for his son Oliver, OSET have been setting the benchmark in its segment for the past 18 years. OSET has sold more than 40,000 bikes globally that feature their inhouse developed electric powertrains.
The acquisition of OSET sits within Triumph’s strategy of entering the off-road segment, announced in 2020, and provides both companies with the opportunity to share and benefit from each other’s knowledge and experience in their respective segments, enabling both brands to grow internationally in parallel.
Triumph’s philosophy, For The Ride, played an important role in the acquisition of OSET as it enables the Hinckley-based brand to inspire future generations of riders by providing them with the perfect staring point to develop their passion and dreams.
OSET Bikes offers products that are suitable for any rider, starting from 3 years old and upwards.
Nick Bloor – Triumph CEO
“We are excited about the opportunity of joining forces with OSET Bikes: a dynamic brand that has been encouraging children into motorcycling for many years and have been at the forefront of developing electric trials bikes for fun and competition.
Whilst the two brands will continue working independently, Triumph and OSET will collaborate on new state-of-the-art products to inspire young riders into off-road riding, across the segments that Triumph and OSET will have a presence in, drawing on their respective strengths to build the best bikes in the world.
Ian Smith – OSET Bikes CEO
“When we built that first ‘garage’ bike for my son, Oliver, I had no idea that it would lead to this moment. We are all very excited for what the future holds for OSET as part of the Triumph family.
The OSET brand will remain as OSET and will continue to serve the trials and off-road motorcycling community. We are now better positioned to develop and innovate across our range, while enjoying the security of scale and market position Triumph can offer OSET”
7 – Legends and Heroes Tour Thanks American Honda for Their Generous Donation – From the Legends and Heroes of Motocross Tour
Where history takes the lead. The Legend and Heroes Tour Traveling Moto Museum would like to thank the American Honda Motor Corp for their generous donation and support of the efforts of the tour.
Recently, American Honda donated a large cache of printed archives, including their entire inventory of motorcycle manuals, brochures, and other media items for the tour to use in the traveling display and to be sold to raise funds to support the ongoing efforts of the tour. As a 501c3 non-profit corp., the tour uses all proceeds from these and other tax-deductible donations to continue its mission of sharing the history of motocross and supercross at events each season and honoring the athletes and industry personnel that made it possible.
Despite missing the 2021 season due to Covid restrictions, the tour was back, full throttle, celebrating the history of supercross in 2022. At each round of the Monster Energy Supercross series, a display was set up in the pit party area, and athletes were honored on the podium before opening ceremonies. Thanks to our local friends, at each round, we could feature different vehicles where our guests could relive the machines of their youth and show their family and friends the early days of motocross and supercross.
With the 2022 supercross series in the rearview mirror, the staff and volunteers behind the tour are working hard in preparation for an even bigger and better 2023 edition. There are tax-deductible marketing and support opportunities for the upcoming 2023 season for businesses and individuals interested in sharing the sport’s history. Please contact Frank Vrettas at [email protected] for more information and to discuss the opportunities.
See behind-the-scenes footage, great vintage photos, and stories by visiting our website and social media accounts.
Website – www.legendsandheroestour.org
Facebook – www.facebook.com/LegendsAndHeroesTour
Instagram – www.instagram.com/legendsandheroestour
About the Tour:
The Legends and Heroes Tour is a professional, historical display and timeline of America’s greatest motorsports, motocross, and supercross. A registered 501c3 non-profit corp., the tour works tirelessly all year long to share the joys and history of supercross and motocross. On-site, the tour encompasses nearly 5000 square feet of moto-history with bikes, gear, and other memorabilia that transport our guests back in time through the history of the sport. Visited by more than 9 million guests since its inception, the Legends and Heroes Tour attends each stop of the Monster Energy Supercross Series as well as several outdoor national events. Visit us in the Pit Party at a supercross or other event near you or online at www.legendsandheroestour.org.
The Legends and Heroes Tour would not be possible without great sponsors like Acerbis, Yuasa, American Honda, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, EZ-Up, Motion Pro, Spectro Oils, SSR Motorsports, Wossner, AHRMA, Yamaha Motor Corp, 100% Thank you all.
8 – Vance & Hines Issues Statement on Federal Trade Commission Action Against Harley-Davidson – From Vance & Hines
Background: The Federal Trade Commission announced a complaint on June 23, 2022, against Harley-Davidson, ordering the company to “fix warranties by removing illegal terms and recognizing the right to repair, come clean with customers, and ensure that dealers compete fairly with independent third-parties.”
Link to Federal Trade Commission Press Release: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/06/ftc-takes-action-against-harley-davidson-westinghouse-illegally-restricting-customers-right-repair-0
Statement from Mike Kennedy, President & CEO of Vance & Hines:
“This action taken by the FTC is a huge win for motorcycle riders. While we still need to see how this plays out, we anticipate that riders will have more choices in how they repair and update their motorcycles during the warranty period, which is clearly a big deal for companies in the motorcycle aftermarket, too. I hope that the “it will void your warranty” threat for someone who just wants a better sounding or smoother running Harley is a thing of the past.”
ABOUT VANCE & HINES
The Vance & Hines brand has always been about enhancing the exhilaration of the motorcycle ride. It started over 40 years ago, when Terry Vance and Byron Hines were two young enthusiasts in the fledgling Southern California motorcycle drag race scene. Terry always wanted to go faster, and Byron knew how to make that happen. In short order, their on-track success and innovation drew the attention of other racers, riders and motorcycle manufacturers, which ultimately translated to commercial demand for their products and services. Today, the Company’s mission and activity is the same; make bikes go faster on the racetrack and take those learnings to make impactful products for riders around the world. Since the Company’s inception in 1979, it has run factory race programs in partnership with Suzuki, Yamaha, Ducati and Harley-Davidson in drag racing, road racing and flat track. Vance & Hines is based in Santa Fe Springs CA and has its Racing Development Center in Brownsburg IN. Learn more about the company’s history and products at www.vanceandhines.com.
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