Respected motorcycle crash protection manufacturer R&G Racing has announced a new partnership for the USA with Brands That Shine (Gunnar Heinemeyer and founder Jessica Shine). "The company will work to further boost the growth of R&G in the U.S. through increased dealer support and a heightened presence at the track." The move marks a significant step forward for the British brand as it expands its reach across the U.S. market, with Brands That Shine opening channels and boosting dealer awareness to grow the business in the U.S.
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, has announced that the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) contributed more than $500,000 in grant awards for 2022, satisfying a commitment made in honor of National Public Lands Day. "The final funding cycle for 2022 in the fourth quarter provided meaningful support to a wide variety of projects - from California desert clean-up and state-wide riding trail maintenance in Washington to multiuse bridges and trail resurfacing - making public lands sustainably accessible for motorized and outdoor recreation."
Former Executive VP of Operations Alex Acket has been promoted to COO of Scotts Valley, California based Zero Motorcycles. "In conjunction with our recent raise of $167m, and in light of our recent partnership announcements, Zero is reconfiguring its business for greater efficiency and profitability," said Sam Paschel, Zero Motorcycles CEO.
Gates Industries' innovative Moto X5 belt "is a significant addition to the Gates Carbon Drive portfolio as it offers the same core belt drive benefits of clean, quiet, smooth, strong, but with even quieter performance than its predecessors". Gates says it achieved this breakthrough in belt technology through the combination of a high-stiffness, long-lasting synthetic compound with Gates long-proven carbon fibre cord reinforcement. The product line is designed specifically for mid-motor sit-down electric scooters and motorcycles - typically found in commuting applications in the rapidly evolving Asian market.
Damon Motors (Vancouver, BC), the "premier EV motorbike company," says it is approaching $100m in orders and has formed a partnership with PT Indika Energy Tbk., Indonesia's leading diversified energy company. Indika has also made an undisclosed investment in Damon and will serve as the distributor for Damon's line of motorcycles in the Indonesian market. Best known for its HyperSport and HyperFighter E-sports bike designs, the partnership with Indika will see Damon develop a new global motorcycle platform specifically for the needs of commuters in geographies such as Indonesia that are dominated by two-wheel mobility; www.damon.com
Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP - the Blaine, Minnesota based owner of WPS, HardDrive, Bihr, Vertex and All Balls among others) - has opened a new 'Mega Warehouse' at Portland, near Nashville, TN. Said to feature "advanced logistics technology to enhance service and delivery capabilities", the 540,000 sq ft aftermarket parts distribution facility will employ 400 people full-time when fully commissioned. AEP says this will take its North American fulfilment and distribution centre network number to 22 locations.
H-D is looking for a new CFO already. Gina Goetter joined H-D in 2020, but has now left to "accept an opportunity outside the company". David Viney will serve as Interim CFO and Treasurer until an executive search concludes.
BRP reported Q4 revenues of CAN $3,076.3m, an increase of CAN $728.8m or 31% compared to the same period last year, a record performance for a single quarter in the company's history. Retail sales were 21% up for powersports products, with North American SSV market share gains. FY2023 revenues were +31%, reaching an all-time record high of $10,033.4m, achieving market share gains of over +5% in North America. BRP continued to invest in "future market-shaping products" with the completion of three acquisitions, the creation of its LVHA Group and the start of construction of a Can-Am electric two-wheel motorcycle production facility in Querétaro, Mexico.
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com
