LEVA-EU, the trade association in Europe for the light electric vehicle sector, says companies that solely assemble e-bikes and that use components from China "are confronted with discrimination that is threatening their existence. The discrimination makes it almost impossible to start up new companies and could severely hinder the EU's net-zero emissions target". The organisation says e-bike assemblers must pay 48.5% anti-dumping duty on essential bike components from China, even though the components are not subject to that duty as stipulated in Regulation 512/2013. Plus, they have to navigate a difficult application process to prove how they are using the components.
Wholly owned Mahindra subsidiary Peugeot Motorcycles in France has finally seen a joint venture in Vietnam with Thaco Group ("Vietnam's second largest industrial enterprise") to manufacture Django Scooters at a newly completed factory in Chu Lai. Thaco, currently builds cars, coaches and specialist vehicles for Kia, Mazda, Mercedes and other automotive brands, has now started production of Peugeot Django scooters. Vietnam has tariff advantages for European businesses as, along with Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, it is part of the ten nation ASEAN free trade area.
Spanish motorcycle and moped manufacturer Rieju has chosen MotoMondo UK as its new British distributor following the bankruptcy last year of Three Cross Motorcycles. MotoMondo's parent company in the Netherlands already represents Rieju in the Benelux countries - in addition to Mash, Royal Enfield and Hyosung. The Rieju range got a boost two years ago when it took over the 2-stroke enduro platforms previously made by GasGas - Euro 5 compliant 2-strokes slated for introduction in 2021.
UK motorcycle weekly MCN (Motorcycle News) has confirmed that it is having to cancel its 2021 London Motorcycle Show. It had been slated to be held at London's Excel exhibition complex on February 12-14. The pandemic has dealt UK show plans a double hit as not only do present UK restrictions make all such events an impossibility, but the Excel exhibition centre, alongside the River Thames in London's Docklands, is presently the largest of the UK's 'Nightingale' emergency COVID-19 hospitals.
Wheels & Waves postponed and then cancelled in 2020 the 10th Wheels & Waves Festival of all things Moto Culture, including the 'Punks Peak' Hill Climb, but is now slated for Biarritz, France, from June 30th to July 4th, 2021 - COVID-19 permitting.
British protector brand Forcefield and its parent company Davies Odell have been merged with Vale Brothers Ltd., a manufacturer of horse brushes that traces its origins back to 1786.
Famous Danish brake pad and components manufacturer SBS has appointed Salt Lake City, Utah based Vortex-EK North America (Vortex Racing) as a distributor for its sintered brake pads in North America - sales will be headed up by Chris Jensen, the former brand manager for SBS in the USA.
Italian footwear specialist Stylmartin has appointed Dot4 Distribution as its UK distributor. Founded and operated by apparel industry specialist Stefan Barnes, Dot4 is a leading European distributor of fashion-oriented protective motorcycle clothing for the Café Racer and other popular markets.
Parts Europe has started selling the Tazer MX Pro e-MTB that is sold in Europe by Barcelona-based Intense Europe. The range is made in the USA and this deal is an extension of the one between PE parent company LeMans that sees Parts Unlimited selling the range in the USA. Based on Intense's popular Tazer e-bicycle, the MX Pro uses Shimano's new EP8 motor and drivetrain and has added MX pedigree with components by the likes of Öhlins, Renthal, Magura and ODI.
The Russian/Ukrainian manufacturer Sherp International has signed a deal with Canadian manufacturer ARGO for distribution of its amphibious All-Terrain and XTV (Extreme Terrain Vehicles) range.
Philadelphia based manufacturer Christini AWD (All Wheel Drive) is launching a new generation all-wheel drive off-road E-bicycles. With a high-power electric-assist mid-drive motor, they are available in a 27.5" hardtail and several FAT tyred models. Inventor Steve Christini says "these electric-assist mountain bicycles provide the ultimate in traction control, allowing a rider to conquer conditions most thought to be unridable".
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MNW, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com
