American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 216 July 2017 | Page 64

Championship of the Americas at BRIEFS AIMExpo, Columbus, Ohio, September 21-24 NEWS Dutch portfolio equity investor ABN AMRO Participations has bought a majority stake in the Dutch/German exhaust specialist The Jekill and Hyde Company. Founded in 1997 by Jacques van de Kerhof, J&H develop exhaust systems with an electronically adjustable valve. In a recent appearance on Fox Business Network, Harley CEO Matt Levatich regretted the U.S. administration’s decision to withdraw from the Trans- Pacific Partnership free trade deal with ASEAN and other Asian countries, including Japan, saying “TPP was in negotiation for almost a decade before it was unfortunately turned down. That would have helped us a lot.” A potentially misinstalled engine oil cooler line has caused Harley to have to issue a recall on some 45,500 2017 Tourers. Harley-Davidson and Jeep have renewed and deepened a European partnership that sees the 4x4 brand being a key partner and official sponsor of major Harley events and rallies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. India has overtaken China as the world’s largest motorcycle market. Last year over 17.7m motorcycles were sold in India – around 1m more than in China, where the 16.8m motorcycles sold was actually a decline of -11 percent. Motorcycle sales in China are said to have peaked at around 19m units in 2009 – since then increasing numbers of Chinese cities have actually been banning motorcycle use, especially in city centers, in a (mistaken?) attempt to curb air pollution. All ‘Builders’ invited to enter to win a trip to the AMD World Championship in 2018 Registration is now open for the Championship of the Americas (COTA) at the 5th annual AIMExpo in September – a year that is likely to see a huge V-twin dealer and consumer attendance as a result of the move to the Midwest and decision by both Indian Motorcycle and Harley- Davidson to become exhibitors. The most prestigious show in North America when it comes to the world custom bike building scene, the Championship of the Americas is the only official AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building affiliate in the Americas. In addition to all the great prizes and the excellent industry network opportunities, the winner of the FreeStyle class gets $7,500 in expenses to ship him and his bike to Cologne, Germany, for the 2018 (October) AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building at the prestigious ‘INTERMOT Customized’ Expo. Staged during the INTERMOT expo, arguably the most important motorcycle industry exhibition in the world, the winner gets the VIP treatment as a member of ‘TEAM USA’ and of the COTA/AMD crew at the event and a shot at bringing home the ultimate accolade as World Champion Custom Bike Builder. The AMD World Championship at ‘INTERMOT Customized’ is estimated to have been viewed by over 160,000 show visitors; INTERMOT regularly attracts over 210,000 industry and consumer visitors from all over Jordan Dickinson (Union Speed Cycle) of Minneapolis took the FreeStyle win and with it the Champion of the Americas prize for 2016 that scoops him bike air freight and personal travel expenses to represent USA at the October 2018 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building at ‘INTERMOT Customized' in Cologne, Germany Germany, Europe and worldwide – some 116 countries in 2016. The Championship of the Americas is based on AMD World Championship rules. There are 4 classes: FreeStyle, Retro Custom, Street Custom and Performance Custom, which provide different platforms for builders to decide the style and brand to design their entry around. In addition, this year will feature an online component, the Trending Awards, for the best Bobber, Cafe Racer, Chopper and Tracker entries. All the rules and forms are available online, or call Bob Kay on 817-312- 0380. Columbus is shaping up to be the biggest and best AIMExpo yet with the Championship of the Americas smack dab in the middle of the Custom Culture Area, surrounded by the likes of Factory Harley-Davidson, S&S, Biker’s Choice, TC Bros, Andrews Cams, Red Line Oil, JRI Shocks, AD Farrow, Ace Cafe and Simpson Helmets, with more exhibitors signing up every week. www.aimexpo-usa.com