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 ANNOUNCES NEW SOUTHEAST REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Parts Unlimited is proud to welcome back Tim Bowen as the Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast region.
Tim has a long history with Parts Unlimited as a previous Sales Rep and Regional Manager for 27 years. He has been in the industry for over 49 years at dealership/distributor levels and has ridden and raced enduros and hare scrambles most of his life. Currently, he rides mostly MTB and E-MTB. Tim works many industry events to give back and grow the sport he loves.
In his spare time, Tim also enjoys golf and bowling. Welcome back, Tim!
2 – Suzuki Named Associate Sponsor of 2022 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days – From the American Motorcyclist Association
The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce that Suzuki Motor USA will be the Associate Sponsor of the 2022 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield, which takes place July 22-24 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
“Suzuki is happy to sponsor AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. With legendary Suzuki world champion Kevin Schwantz as Grand Marshal, we are thrilled to join the AMA in honoring Kevin as he leads this important motorcycle event,” said Kerry Graeber, Suzuki’s Vice President, Division Manager, Sales and Marketing. “2022 is shaping up to be an excellent year for Suzuki in the United States, with landmark new products like the all-new Hayabusa sport bike and the sport touring GSX-S1000GT+. We look forward to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days as a celebration of Suzuki’s heritage and as a great opportunity to showcase the excitement Suzuki offers riders today.”
Suzuki Motor Co.’s roots reach back to loom-making in the early 1900s, and by the 1930s it built its first car, and by the early 1950s was building engines for bicycles. Its first motorcycle was the 1954 Colleda, and by the 1960s Suzuki was winning at the Isle of Man and capturing five Grand Prix world titles in the 50cc and 125cc divisions. In the 1970s it was Joel Robert and Roger DeCoster winning multiple world motocross championships with Suzuki, with the 1980s bringing the world-renowned and legendary GSX-R750 and GSX-R1100 to market.
“It’s impossible to quantify the impact Suzuki has had on the motorcycling world since the 1950s,” said AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm – who owns a couple of Suzuki GS1000S machines himself. “From the X6 Hustler to the GT750 water buffalo to the GSX-Rs and to today’s new Hayabusa and GSX-S1000GT+ sport tourer, Suzuki has been at the forefront of technology and design, and having them display new and legendary bikes at VMD will be a treat.”
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz will serve as Grand Marshal for 2022 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Along with signing autographs and speaking to enthusiasts from the AMA Soundstage, the legendary rider will participate in a Lap for History each day.
The three-day event also includes all the vintage-oriented happenings classic-bike fans love, including bike shows, Hall of Fame activities, Wall of Death motorcycle stunt show, shows by Moto Motion, special seminars by industry leaders and legends, and the largest motorcycle swap meet in North America.
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days also features vintage roadracing and off-road racing in multiple disciplines. Those who want to register to race or learn more can visit VintageMotorcycleDays.com/page/racing/.
Tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days may be purchased at MidOhio.com or at the gate.
To learn more about Suzuki, visit SuzukiCycles.com.
For more information visit VintageMotorcycleDays.com, sign up for the AMA VMD newsletter or follow #AMAVMD on social media channels.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
3 – Investment firm discloses stake in Polaris – From Powersports Business
Capital World Investors has filed a a 13G form with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing ownership of shares of Polaris Industries, Inc., according to a report on fintel.io.
Read the report at the link below.
https://fintel.io/news/capital-world-investors-discloses-stake-in-pii-polaris-industries-inc-0.2611833833987556
4 – Taiga Begins Deliveries of Its Orca Electric PWC – From Motorcycle & Powersports News
Taiga Motors Corp. has announced it initiated deliveries of its Orca personal watercraft. Taiga’s 2022 Orca marks its world’s first electric personal watercraft sale, as the company continues to ramp up production, furthering its legacy of being a pioneer in the electric powersports industry.
“This is a significant moment for the Taiga team, because not only are we kicking off summer with Orca deliveries, but we are proudly marking the milestone of the first-ever mass-produced electric watercraft available to consumers,” said Samuel Bruneau, Taiga CEO. “Years of engineering and testing of our revolutionary electric powertrain platform in snow and water has now come full circle, truly changing how people connect with the outdoors.”
Taiga developed the world’s first performance-focused, commercial, electric, off-road powertrain, pioneering cutting-edge technology to electrify the off-road segment — first installed into its snowmobiles, then adapted and fine-tuned for the Orca personal watercraft. Orca quietly powers through water with up to 120 kilowatts and peak torque from 0 rpm. Orca delivers reliable, linear power for precise performance and ultimate thrills of gliding through the water.
Orca redefines the personal watercraft experience with silent operation, powerful efficiency, no engine maintenance and intelligent connectivity. The Orca Carbon model features a unique carbon fiber composite hull hydrodynamically engineered for dynamic handling with leading power-to-weight ratio and stunning customizable color/finish combinations.
Taiga’s deliveries of the Orca personal watercraft are another achievement in its ongoing mission to electrify the off-road segment, the most challenging and demanding vehicle category. Taiga initiated North American deliveries of its Nomad snowmobile in March, made its European debut in April, and supplied units to Québec’s Parks and Wildlife Reserve Agency, Sépaq in May. Taiga was also recently named Fast Company’s 2022 Best World Changing Idea Overall in North America.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry Canada, congratulated Taiga for this achievement: “Our government has always been a champion for a greener economy. This’s why, last year, we recognized the leading role Taiga is playing in the electrified powersports industry and stepped up to support the manufacturing of their electric vehicles. I’m very pleased to see this Canadian company beginning deliveries of their first-ever electric personal watercraft. We will continue to support Canadian businesses that are on the cutting-edge of green innovation — it’s good for the economy, the environment and Canadians.”
Pierre Fitzgibbon, minister of economy and innovation for Quebec said, “Taiga is focusing on innovation by allowing users to practice their favorite activity without polluting with this new electric watercraft. For 100 years now, we have been innovating in Quebec by creating off-road vehicles. I am proud that we continue in this direction today with their electrification.”
5 – Volcon Stag preorders exceed $70 million of potential revenue – From Powersports Business
Volcon Inc. opened pre-production orders for its dealers Monday, June 27 for the Stag, its first all-wheel drive, fully electric UTV. The first all-electric off-road company has received thousands of non-binding pre-production orders which, if ultimately finalized, would result in more than $70 million worth of revenue for the company following delivery.
With an MSRP of $39,999, dealers were required to submit purchase orders directly through Volcon’s sales representatives. The company will continue to accept orders for 2023 model year production from dealers until sold out, at which point Volcon will accept waitlist orders. Pre-orders of the Stag are non-binding and cancellable prior to delivery.
“We made a conservative estimate concerning sales volumes, having worked closely with our sales and marketing team to identify sales targets for 2023. While we felt confident in our ability to reach our pre-order targets, we’ve been pleasantly surprised to find we are achieving those targets at a faster pace than we had planned,” said Jordan Davis, Volcon, Inc. CEO. “Dealer acceptance has been strong, and it’s clear to us that the powersports community is ready for high performing electric off-road vehicles. The Stag fulfills that desire perfectly.”
On the heels of the better than anticipated pre-order volume, the company has already begun looking at additional solutions to overcome supply chain constraints; however, no assurances can be made that such solutions will be available to the company on economic terms, or at all.
“The Stag has always been core to the vision of what Volcon could become. That vision has become a reality with the launch this past week,” said Christian Okonsky, co-founder and chief technology officer at Volcon. “The excitement around the Stag has been awesome to watch, and the dealer interest, via their pre-orders, supports the efforts we have made to design and engineer the Stag and build our brand. This is all the more reason for us to continue to pursue leading edge technology solutions by partnering with reputable suppliers, whether it be in drive trains, suspension components, or tires. We’re looking forward to, and deeply focused on, solidifying and deepening our relationships within our supply base and the broader powersports industry.”
6 – ENDING MOTOGP™ AND EWC FACTORY PARTICIPATION AT THE END OF THE 2022 SEASON – From Suzuki
Team Suzuki Press Office – July 13.
Suzuki Motor Corporation and Dorna have come to an agreement to terminate Suzuki’s participation in MotoGP at the end of the 2022 season. Suzuki will also terminate its factory participation in the World Endurance Championship (EWC) at the end of the 2022 season.
We will continue to race in the 2022 MotoGP and EWC championships, maintaining our maximum efforts to win the remaining races. We aim to continue our support for our customers’ racing activities through our global distributor network.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all Suzuki fans who have given us their enthusiastic support and to all those who have supported Suzuki’s motorcycle racing activities for many years.
Quote from Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President
“Suzuki has decided to end the participation of MotoGP and EWC in the face of the need to re-allocate resources on other initiatives for sustainability. Motorcycle racing has always been a challenging place for technological innovation, including sustainability, and human resource development. This decision means that we will take on the challenge to build the new motorcycle business operation by redirecting the technological capabilities and human resources we have cultivated through the motorcycle racing activities to investigate other routes for a sustainable society.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our fans, riders and all stakeholders who joined us and enthusiastically supported us from the development stage since we returned to MotoGP racing.
“I will continue to do my best to support Alex Rins, Joan Mir, Team SUZUKI ECSTAR and YOSHIMURA SERT MOTUL to compete competitively until the end of the season.
“Thank you for your kind support.”
7 – National Powersport Auctions expand RV and Marine services nationwide
National Powersport Auctions, NPA, is America’s leading provider of powersports remarketing and auction services. NPA has expanded its designated recreational vehicles and marine services across the nation and is now NPA RV+Marine.
“NPA is excited about broadening our remarketing services to RV and Marine lenders and dealers. We are taking our proven system and evolving it for RV and Marine inventory,” said Jim Woodruff, NPA CEO. The NPA RV+Marine remarketing business will offer the same suite of comprehensive services as their powersports group. NPA’s dedicated RV and Marine team specialize in valuations, logistics, reconditioning, and selling options across the United States. NPA RV+Marine is where dealers, lenders, and financial institutions exchange units and fill inventory demand through live and simulcast auctions, and online auctions 24/7.
NPA’s commitment to better serve the RV and Marine industry was solidified last year with the construction of a new 140,000 sq. ft. Florida facility on 45 acres specifically designed to store and process marine and RV inventory. In addition to the state-of-the-art warehouse, NPA hired industry veteran Matt Amata as Vice President of NPA’s RV and Marine Sales. Amata will be responsible for the growth and expansion of NPA’s RV and Marine business nationwide.
Amata has been involved in the marine industry for more than 20 years, serving as President of National Liquidators for the last decade. “NPA’s values, integrity, investments in infrastructure, technology, training, and unparalleled customer service have consistently set them apart as leaders in the industry. While NPA has been present in the RV and Marine space for over two decades, they are committing all the resources needed to grow and expand this market. I am thrilled to lead that charge,” exclaimed Amata.
Expanding RV and Marine puts NPA in the driver’s seat to accommodate existing clients better as well as bring in new business. NPA has the tools and resources to assist both buyers and sellers of RV and Marine inventory.
Good remarketing times are on the horizon. Go RVing reports that RV ownership was at a record high, with 11.2 million households owning an RV in 2021. According to The National Marine Manufacturers Association, an estimated 100 million Americans go boating each year. NPA is positioned to supply the growing remarketing demand for powersports, RV, and marine vessels now and in the future.
8 – Triumph Motorcycles reveals TE-1 final prototype testing results
Triumph’s TE-1 electric development project has been announced officially complete. The final prototype test results exceed the project objectives and demonstrate the incredible success of the unique collaboration.
- 100 Mile Range
Significantly exceeding the real-world range of the equivalent electric motorcycles available today, with a category-leading 100-mile (161 km) range, based on live
testing and official projections
- 175 HP Peak Power (130 kW / 177PS)
3.6 seconds 0-60mph, and an outstanding 6.2 seconds 0-100mph
- 20-minute charge time (0-80%)
A game-changing outcome, faster than today’s equivalent electric motorcycles
- 485 lbs, with an incredible power-to-weight ratio
Up to 25% lighter than comparable electric motorcycles currently available
- Stunning final prototype that demonstrates Triumph’s class-leading USPs and hints at the exciting future to come for Triumph fans across the world
Pure, unique, and characterful new electric-Triumph soundtrack that builds to a hair-raising crescendo
The ergonomics, geometry, and weight distribution of a Speed Triple, with the scale and visual impact of a Street Triple
Triumph’s signature thrilling feel and neutral handling, with the throttle and torque delivery map equivalent to a Speed Triple 1200 RS
A style and presence that is 100% Triumph, with signature design DNA
The unique collaboration consisted of Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG, University of Warwick, funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK. Their objective was to create ground-breaking developments in specialist electric motorcycle engineering and innovative integrated technology design.
The extensive live testing program, which involved numerous assessments of the bike’s performance on the rolling road, as well as on track, provided vital direction into the final set-up and calibration of the TE-1 prototype demonstrator, which has now delivered on all its targets and objectives.
Project Phase Four Complete
Now officially complete, the live testing phase of the Triumph TE-1 project has seen the prototype demonstrator exceed expectations and achieve some incredible outcomes, delivering on all project objectives of accelerating electric motorcycle development and innovation, setting new standards for the sector overall, including final battery and range performance. The expertise and capabilities developed throughout the project now pave the way for the exciting electric future to come from Triumph Motorcycles.
Category-leading 100 Mile range
Exceeding the real-world range of the equivalent electric motorcycles available today, the Triumph TE-1 prototype has achieved all project targets with regards to the energy capacity of the Williams TE-1 project developed battery, with an incredible 100-mile (161 km) range, based on official testing and projections.
Regenerative braking has been successfully implemented for TE-1, with scope for further optimization, as well as greater efficiencies in the motor generator unit and transmission, which could improve the range further for the future of Triumph electric motorcycles.
Performance that matches the Speed Triple 1200, with an even faster 0-100mph
With a level of performance similar to the current Speed Triple 1200, the TE-1 prototype delivers an impressive 175 hp (130kW / 177PS) peak power, as well as peak torque of 80-lb.-ft. (109Nm), for instant responsiveness, smooth controlled power all the way up through the rev range, and a completely exhilarating ride.
The TE-1 has also achieved an incredible standing start acceleration official test result of 3.6 seconds 0-60mph and 6.2 seconds 0-100mph.
With further refinement of the electronics, including the traction control system and front wheel lift control, the team responsible for delivering the TE-1 project anticipate that performance could be enhanced further, harnessing the full torque potential to enable even quicker standing start acceleration.
Daytona 200 Champion Brandon Paasch participated in the final testing phase, both in engine performance evaluation and with the final set-up of the prototype through track testing.
“The throttle response on the TE-1 is kind of incredible, it’s very torquey and when you first touch the throttle it’s instant power, which is obviously what I love as a motorcycle racer – I love when it’s super-torquey and picks up right away, so for me it was a really great experience”, said Brandon Paasch, Daytona 200 2021 champion. “I got to peg this thing all the way from zero to 100% throttle and it’s unbelievably quick, it pulls like crazy.”
Game-changing 20-minute charge time
Advances in battery and charging technologies that have been developed as part of the Triumph TE-1 project, in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), have resulted in a game-changing 20-minute charge time (0-80%), successfully delivering against the ambitious targets laid out by Innovate UK, the government’s research and innovation agency that supports business led R&D funding and UK business growth.
485 pound overall weight
With an overall weight of 485 pounds (220kg), the TE-1 prototype is lighter than the equivalent electric bikes available currently, by up to 25%, giving it an incredible power-to-weight ratio. Having a physical size and scale comparable to a Street Triple, but with the ergonomics, geometry and weight distribution of a Speed Triple, the TE-1 delivers a completely thrilling ride, while being confidence-inspiring, nimble, and compact.
“I wish I’d had this at Daytona, that acceleration in this chassis, and how it corners – wow!” said Paasch. “I think this would be a really nice motorcycle to ride on the street, just based on how nimble and agile it is, and how light it feels.”
Triumph’s signature thrilling feel and neutral, confidence-inspiring handling
With a throttle action and torque delivery map directly engineered from a Speed Triple 1200 RS, the track testing and dynamic rider assessments on the TE-1 prototype demonstrator deliver a level of handling that matches Triumph’s current triple cylinder internal combustion sports performance motorcycles.
The TE-1’s exhilarating level of performance and acceleration, combined with its engaging and dynamic riding package, result in a bike that delivers all of Triumph’s signature feel, and world-renowned neutral handling – a smooth, predictable ride, that is agile and nimble, great in the corners, with a controllable power that incites confidence and guarantees fun.
A pure, unique, and characterful new electric-Triumph soundtrack that builds
to a hair-raising crescendo
Distinctive and thrilling soundtrack, building to the most spine-tingling crescendo – the Triumph TE-1 prototype’s pure and distinctive sound is considered to be one of the most appealing and exciting, thanks to its unique helical gear pair primary transmission.
With noise levels tested at Mira’s external noise measurement facility, the TE-1 successfully achieved all noise standards set by the R41 homologation tests for wide open throttle, cruising and urban.
A style and presence that is 100% Triumph, with signature design DNA
Instantly recognizable as a Triumph, the TE-1 prototype’s muscular presence utilizes signature design cues from the brand’s iconic modern history of performance motorcycles, while clearly being a bike of the future. Now updated with its final body panels and paint scheme, the prototype demonstrator brings a style and presence that is 100% Triumph, with all the brand’s signature design DNA, from its aluminum frame to its distinctive twin headlights and head-down focused stance and poise.
Project TE-1 Completion
“We have already seen an incredibly positive reaction to the TE-1 prototype from motorcyclists all around the world, where many people are telling us that for the first time, they are seeing an electric motorcycle as desirable, and something that they would genuinely want to own,” said Steve Sargent Triumph Motorcycles Chief Product Officer. “Being the first step in our journey towards developing our future approach to electric powertrain technology, the TE-1 prototype and the incredible results it has achieved in its intensive testing program has provided crucial insights and capabilities that will ultimately guide our future development. Of course, the final production motorcycle will not be exactly what you see here today, but rest assured, the models we do develop will encompass all its learnings and its exciting dynamic spirit.”
Overall, the key objective of the TE-1 project has always been focused on developing electric motorcycle capability, to provide an input into Triumph’s future electric motorcycle offering, driving innovation, capability, and new intellectual property, and enhancing the credibility and profile of British industry and design.
The achievements in the live testing phase, exceeding current benchmarks and targets, provide a platform with great potential for future development in electric motorcycle performance.
“We are incredibly proud to be able to share such positive outcomes from the completion of Project Triumph TE‑1, where the prototype demonstrator has exceeded many of our initial targets and expectations,” said Nick Bloor, Triumph Motorcycles CEO. “Everyone on the team is thrilled with the results we have achieved with our partners, and how the outcomes of the project will feed into the electric future to come from Triumph.”
Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE)
“WAE are delighted to have been involved in this exciting program to deliver the TE-1 prototype,” said Dyrr Ardash, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Williams Advanced Engineering. “Since its conception in 2018, all the partners have worked with collaboration, innovation, and passion to bring the boundary breaking prototype to life. It is pleasing to hear positive rider comments which confirm that the dynamics of the bike are aligned with Triumph’s DNA. This has been underpinned by the class leading Battery and Control System that WAE has produced within a lightweight and integrated package. This core WAE technology has allowed us to exceed performance and charging targets for the battery which we look forward to seeing in future powertrains.”
Integral Powertrain Ltd.’s E-Drive Division
“We’re delighted to see the final TE-1 motorcycle testing phase completed and with that, further validation of the performance and efficiency of our Scalable Ultra-Integrated Motor and Inverter.” Said Andrew Cross, Integral Powertrain Ltd. Chief Manager. “For the TE-1 application, the motor has achieved peak and continuous power densities of 13kW/kg and 9kW/kg respectively; 60% higher than APC technology roadmap targets for 2025. All this has been achieved using materials and processes compatible with volume automotive production and on a length scalable motor platform. The motor scalability concept deployed on TE-1 has provided a springboard for a new scalable motor architecture, to be announced later this year, which will provide similar performance levels but much greater manufacturing scale than previously.
The ultra-integrated inverter concept, also scalable such that the number of Silicon-Carbide power stages increases for larger diameter motors has really delivered on performance (capable of >500kW) and gives us the opportunity to optimize for production or meet much higher power requirements.
We’re really proud to have been a key part of this exciting project which has been a landmark for electric motorcycles and British industry.”
WMG, University of Warwick
“To meet our ambitious emission reduction targets in the UK we will have to rethink the way we travel, not only transitioning from ICE to electric propulsion vehicles, but also encouraging a modal shift away from private cars,” said Professor David Greenwood, University of Warwick CEO and WMG centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult. “Electric two wheelers have a pivotal role to play in the transport revolution as a zero-tailpipe emission option.
In our partnership with Triumph, WMG used our research experience in electrification to demonstrate manufacturers can deliver products with a lower emission burden as well as outstanding performance-offering customers an EV that is great fun to ride.”
9 – AMA Announces Additional Sponsors for 2022 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
With less than a week until the start of the 2022 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield, EBC Brakes has been named the Official Brakes Sponsor, while Fasthouse takes the title of Official Apparel for the July 22-24 event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
EBC Brakes is an independently owned and managed leader in the brake market. With two specialist factories in the United States and United Kingdom, EBC Brakes produces the largest range of brake pads and brake discs in the world.
Focusing on the roots of motorcycling while feeding the passion of today, Fasthouse is a lifestyle brand that focuses on manufacturing off-road and mountain bike riding gear and casual wear.
“It’s great to have both EBC Brakes and Fasthouse on board as we celebrate the 30th running of VMD,” said AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm. “A lot goes into making this event special, and with the help of our sponsors, this year’s VMD is looking like it’ll be better than ever.”
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and 500cc World Champ Kevin Schwantz will serve as Grand Marshal for 2022 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Along with signing autographs and speaking to enthusiasts from the AMA Soundstage, the legendary rider will participate in a Lap For History each day.
The three-day event will also include all the vintage-oriented happenings classic-bike fans love, including Hall of Fame activities, the AMA Hall of Fame Bike Show, Wall of Death and Moto Motion stunt shows, and more. Add to that the scenic and expansive Mid-Ohio grounds, plenty of food and refreshments, camping and vintage motorcycles for as far as the eye can see, and it’s easy to see why AMA VMD is one of the biggest and best events in all of motorcycling.
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features vintage roadracing and off-road racing in multiple disciplines, too. Those interested in registering to race or learning more can go to VintageMotorcycleDays.com/page/racing/.
For more information on EBC Brakes, visit EBCBrakes.com.
Additional information about Fasthouse can be found at Fasthouse.com.
For more information visit VintageMotorcycleDays.com, sign up for the AMA VMD newsletter or follow #AMAVMD on social media channels. Tickets can be purchased at MidOhio.com/tickets or at the gate.
10 – Dainese announces partnership with Momodesign – From Powersports Business
Dainese has announced its partnership with the Italian Momodesign brand, which will offer Dainese’s advanced expertise, technologies and materials blended with Momodesign’s distinctive, contemporary, and metropolitan style. The agreement involves creating a new range of apparel, footwear, helmets and accessories dedicated to urban mobility and the outdoors.
The partnership between Dainese and Momodesign springs from a desire to address contemporary urban individuals who bring high intensity to their life in the city, and who need the freedom to get around by motorbike, bicycle, and the micro-mobility vehicles of the future. These are savvy, demanding consumers, searching for a casual look that’s right for every urban and outdoor context, with technology and functionality built-in for taking on every situation confidently and in style.
“Dainese and Momodesign share a common goal to spread Italian design and quality worldwide, offering support among the challenges of modern urban mobility,” said Cristiano Silei, CEO of Dainese. “I welcome the partnership with this prestigious brand with great enthusiasm, and I’m sure that our brands, united by shared values, will enhance the range that we offer our customers still further.”
“Innovation and style have always underpinned Momodesign’s strategy,” said Paolo Cattaneo, Managing Director of Momodesign. “We are proud to be able to collaborate with Dainese, a leading global company that will be able to add even more value to our identity with the development of the brand at an international level. I have always had a clear vision for our brand and its unique DNA. Now, this collaboration will mean that Momodesign can express its full potential. It’s a vision that translates into an idea of the future, where urban mobility will be increasingly important and young people the major players. At such a particular time in history, when urban mobility represents an opportunity for development and consumer expectations are evolving at an unrelenting pace, collaboration with Dainese is fundamental. They can boast of a culture of innovation, experimentation, and safety. We’ll put 100 percent of our effort into this project, through the skills of our team and the expertise of the Style Center. Dainese and Momodesign – two companies with deep roots in Italy that share an unmatched cultural approach.”
The Momodesign brand licensing agreement on the part of Dainese will result in new collections of apparel, footwear, helmets and accessories dedicated to urban and outdoor use. The products, designed by the Momodesign style center and engineered and manufactured by Dainese, will be available at Dainese stores worldwide, online and in selected sales outlets.
11 – CFMOTO introduces revamped headquarters operations – From Powersports Business
CFMOTO provides a closer look at its headquarters buildings after 33 years in business in Hangzhou, China, in a recent Instagram post. The post features impressive images from inside the campus. And we found a few old-school snaps just for fun!
READ THE ENTIRE POST – https://powersportsbusiness.com/top-stories/2022/07/14/cfmoto-introduces-revamped-headquarters-operations/
12 – E-Bike Category Manager named for Parts Unlimited – From Powersports Business
Parts Unlimited has announced the promotion of Mike Ralph, who has accepted the E-Bike Category Manager position.
Ralph joined LeMans Corporation a few months prior as the first specific hire in the E-Bike category as a Key Account Representative and as a Product Specialist. As the electric industry has expanded, so has the need for a category manager. Ralph has several years of management experience related to bicycles and other wheeled sports. He is an E-bike enthusiast, Vespa rider and he has owned various dual-sport and street bikes. In his spare time, Ralph enjoys camping, kayaking, jogging, visiting theme parks, taking family trips and playing with is four dogs.
13 – Arrowhead Engineered Products announces agreement to acquire European distributor – From Powersports Business
Arrowhead Engineered Products has entered into an agreement to acquire all of Bihr equity. Arrowhead has been a shareholder of Bihr, which is a leading European distributor of parts, accessories and rider equipment for motorcycles, quads/ATVs, bicycles and scooters.
This transaction is subject to Works Council consultation and relevant regulatory review and approval. The anticipated closing is the third quarter of 2022. Headquartered in Kontich, Belgium, Bihr is present in 20 countries and wholesales 350 brands and over 200,000 SKUs to a network of 15,150 retail dealers.
Alcopa, with other shareholders, invested in Bihr in 2010 and spearheaded the company’s European development from its origins in France. They have been convinced by the strong rationale behind the acquisition by Arrowhead, which will create a truly global leader in a consolidating industry. This will generate a wealth of growth opportunities for Bihr, its customers, and its employees.
The combined power of Bihr and their 24-hour European delivery time with Arrowhead’s ever-expanding brands, global distribution footprint and growth strategy will create a powerful team giving dealers a wider selection of readily available products.
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