Founded by Ivo Zanatta in 2018, his Veneto, Italy, Eleveit motorcycle boots and apparel business has signed on as a technical partner with the new European Enduro Championship.
In its 95th year, Ducati marked its second consecutive MotoGP Constructors' World Championship win with a "record year" for sales in 2021 at 59,447 motorcycles sold worldwide (+24% over 2020 and +12% over 2019). It saw double-digit growth in all major markets, including USA, which regained its position as Ducati's top market (+32%/9,007 units sold), followed by Italy (8,707/+23%) and Germany (6,107/+11%). There was growth too in China (4,901/+21%), France (4,352/+12%), UK (2,941/+30%) and Australia (+50%). Bestseller was the Multistrada V4 (9,957 units sold).
Taiwan based KYMCO (Kwang Yang Motor Co) recently took a 2% ownership stake in the 74% Harley owned LiveWire SPAC that is being used to spin off LiveWire as a standalone business for a listing on the NYSE. Reports in Taiwan suggest that chairman Allen Ko is said to be considering following "the model of Harley-Davidson" in creating a public listing spin-off for its Ionex swappable battery electric scooter technology.
Lexus Europe has unveiled a Recreational Off-highway Vehicle (ROV) concept - "a unique hydrogen-powered vehicle offering near zero-emissions driving combined with extreme off-road capability. It reflects a commitment by Lexus to ensure exhilarating driving can co-exist with a carbon-free society centred on responsible mobility. For demanding off-road driving, the first Lexus hydrogen ICE will meet all the carmaker's stringent requirements for QDR (Quietness, Durability, Reliability)".
The All Balls Racing Group has rebranded the popular range of dirt bike, ATV and UTV complete engine rebuild kits previously available under the Wrench Rabbit name from the Vertex (Italy) brand. Described as an "economical and convenient 'all-in-one-box', the kits will contain top-quality Italian-made Vertex pistons and engine parts from other well-known ABRG/Arrowhead brands such as Hot Rods and Hot Cams".
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has signed a joint development agreement in the area of lithium-metal secondary batteries with SES Holdings Pte. Ltd., a U.S. (Boston) based EV battery research and development company. SES plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) via a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) transaction, and through the PIPE (private investment in public equity) offering by the SPAC, Honda plans to acquire approximately 2% of the shares of SES AI Corporation.
Entering its sixth season, the MotoGP eSport Championship is back for another year of expansion with the biggest series and prizes to date. Following the March 3rd to April 10th Pro Draft selection phase (four Online Challenges in time-attack mode), the fastest gamers will make it through to the Draft Selection, where the 12 MotoGP teams will select one official MotoGP eSport rider and one reserve rider for the 4-round Global Series - which moves the competition from online to on-site in May, with gamers competing for both the championship crown and partner prizes.
Ducati owner VAG's (Volkswagen Audi Group) Spanish subsidiary SEAT is the latest automotive brand to try its hand at PTW electrification with the launch of the 'MO' eScooter 125. It is powered by a 9 kW rear wheel electric motor with peak power equivalent to a 125 cc scooter, 240 Nm of torque for a stated 0-31 mph acceleration time of 3.9 seconds, 59 mph top speed and 85-mile range from the 5.6 kWh Li-ion battery pack.
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com
