American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 169 August 2013 | Page 14
THE BRADLEY REPORT
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on the EU to bring motorcycling in from the cold where transport planning is concerned. While there are positive signs in terms of PTWs finding an increasingly high profile
on EU transport agendas, and in terms of the regulatory frameworks that impact on the industry's products and its customers, the macro-economic environment is clearly going to continue to make
life difficult for the industry for some time to come. If the current trend is maintained, with no further acceleration in the rate of decline for the rest of 2013, the total PTW sales across Europe's
primary markets look likely to settle out around 1.2m units for the year meaning that the industry would have more than halved in new model registration terms since 2007 (-55 percent).
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MERICAN manufacturer Zero Motorcycles has taken the next logical step in establishing its brand presence in the retail environment with the introduction of a line-up of accessories and apparel. Launched in the United States in June (and due to appear in Europe in July), it is thought that Zero, which claims to be the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, is the first E-bike manufacturer to take this initiative. The program ranges from lockable hard case luggage to heated grips and seats, with an apparel line that includes riding gear and casual wear. Vice President of Marketing Scot Harden said that “the new accessories are designed to meet the diverse needs of our
customers and to enhance their riding experience. We now offer exceptional riding gear and fun clothing with an authentic Californian style.” The company has also announced that the Colombian Police have become its latest international public sector customer. In June, Los Angeles based dealer Hollywood Electrics made history at the 91st winning of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. They had six production based Zero Motorcycles finish the course, setting a new record for a production based electric motorcycle, on a weekend that saw a non-production electric motorcyce set the fastest overall time. www.zeromotorcycles.com
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HE American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) has announced that Fort Worth, Texas based distributor Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice has signed up as an exhibitor at the first annual AIMExpo. Being held at Orlando, Florida, from October 16th - 20th, AIMExpo describes itself as “the powersports industry’s first combined trade, consumer and media event in North America.”
National retailer Cycle Gear, which is also exhibiting at AIMExpo, will be stocking “ample inventory of Biker’s Choice leading brands, ensuring consumers have the opportunity to purchase from the line-up wile at the show.” The Biker’s Choice announcement follows a series of breakthroughs in which Yamaha, Suzuki and Kymco all announced that they back the show. www.aimexpousa.com
Cycle Gear will provide Biker’s Choice with a consumer retail opportunity at AIMExpo, as the Fort Worth, Texas based distributor confirms its participation in the new show
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HE California Air Resources Board (CARB) continues to flex its muscles, with Tucker Rocky, Yamaha and Piaggio the latest to be hit with fines. Tucker Rocky were hit with a whopping $500,000 civil penalty for marketing and selling non-approved on and off highway emissions related parts between January 1st 2009 and June 5th this year. Piaggio Group Americas has been hit with a $175,000 fine for selling a number of Aprilia motorcycles that had not received official state certification and for manufacturing various Aprilia models with readily adjustable [emissions] calibrations that were not declared during on their certificate applications.
Yamaha Motor Corporation was fined $44,625 for “unintentionally importing and selling 23 portable generators that weren’t in compliance with small off-road engines, and for mislabelling manufacture dates and model year on 96 ATVs.” Yamaha is said to have voluntarily disclosed both violations to CARB. California channels such fines to funds aimed at decreasing air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies; these fines follow those to have hit a number of aftermarket vendors this year, including Vance & Hines and Akrapovic.
11th-13th APRIL 2014
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AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - AUGUST 2013
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