Yamaha is under investigation for improper vehicle testing in Japan. It is claimed that Yamaha had falsified reports regarding sound pressure level tests for the YZF-R1, YZF-R3 and TMAX. A Yamaha USA statement said that "the issue recently announced in Japan affects domestic distribution only. It does not affect overseas production units".
In a year that sees them celebrating its 20th anniversary, DNA Filters has announced that it has renewed its sponsoring of the Easy Racing Team, the reigning 2023 ESBK champions, for a second consecutive year.
Piaggio Group has won a patent infringement dispute with Peugeot. The case centred on a Piaggio MP3 Scooter patent, with Peugeot Motocycles Italia sentenced to pay damages for more than one million euro. The court found that the control system on the Peugeot Metropolis, which enables a three-wheel vehicle to tilt sideways like a conventional motorcycle, had infringed the Italian portion of a Piaggio & C. S.p.A. European patent. The outcome of the legal action has also resulted in Piaggio being able to enforce a ban on Peugeot Metropolis sales in Italy.
B&B reports that German electric scooter manufacturer Emco (ElectroMobility Company - Lingen) has taken over the assets, sales and service of the UNU brand. Following its insolvency late last year, the UNU brand will continue to exist, with the approx. 10,000 existing UNU customers able to use Emco's 480 partner workshops in Germany. Emco Electroller GmbH Managing Director Gavin von Schweinitz: "We are determined to successfully integrate the UNU brand into our portfolio. Emco and UNU will together play a leading role in this exciting future market."
The 2024 Michelin Grand Prix de France, at Le Mans in May, set a new all-time record to become the best-attended MotoGP event in history with some 297,471 fans in attendance. The previous record was set at the 2023 French GP, with 278,805 fans joining MotoGP to celebrate the 1,000th Grand Prix.
Dutch gear and apparel specialist REV'IT! has opened a new flagship store at its Denver, Colorado U.S. headquarters - its first 'brick-and-mortar' store in the United States.
Madrid based Acciona (electric PTW brand Silence's parent company) has partnered with Nissan for the distribution of its new Silence S04 NanoCar, a lightweight, 100% electric four-wheeled vehicle specifically designed for urban living. Starting in June 2024, Nissan held the distribution rights in France and Italy for the car, as well as Silence’s electric motorcycles, followed by expansion into additional European markets in September.
CFMoto has been awarded a prestigious Red Dot product design award for its 800NK, the flagship model of CFMoto's NK family. The award is for "cutting edge design" and is the first such award for a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer.
Another European electric motorcycle maker has filed for bankruptcy - this time it is the British "ultra-premium" manufacturer of the Arc Vector. Arc was initially backed by funding from Jaguar Land Rover, who ultimately pulled out of the project. This is not the first time its battery has gone flat - having already been reorganised in 2019 due to a lack of investment and renamed Arc V Ltd. in 2021. Arc CEO Mark Truman blamed distribution issues in the U.S. for the brand's downfall.
The third edition of the Yamaha R7 European SuperFinale is to take place alongside the final round of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) at the legendary Bol d’Or at the Paul Ricard Circuit in September.
Yamaha Motor Europe has achieved ISO 20121 certification for the FIM R3 bLU cRU World Cup and Yamaha Racing Hospitality. The certification recognises Yamaha's "sustainable event management" for the programme's Racing Hospitality operation in the FIM Superbike World Championship.
Honda has collected four 2024 Red Dot design awards in the Product Design category - the fifth consecutive year that Honda has won at the Red Dot Design awards. The four products recognised are the EM1 e: electric moped, the Motocompacto ultra-compact foldable e-scooter, BF350 large-size outboard motor and Miimo robotic lawn mower.
Ducati has been awarded a Red Dot 'Best of the Best' award with the Diavel V4 - the fourth 'Best of the Best' at the Red Dot awards, following recognitions for the 1199 Panigale, XDiavel and Diavel 1260.
