International Dealer News IDN 136 April/May 2017 | Page 21

Newfren , new year , new catalogue

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Italian brakes specialist Newfren has updated its brake pads programmes with new compounds and applications , offering its distributors and their dealers access to a comprehensive range with coverage for most popular makes and models of cruisers , street bikes and off-roaders – all detailed in their new 2017 , 752 page catalogue download that includes over 300 pages of product and application diagrams , technical drawings and fitment guidance . Founded in the 1950s by Alessandro Barbero , Newfren were innovators and early adopters of a number of new brake technologies , such as bonded friction material , gravity and highpressure die casting , and brake shoes without rivets . The company is still in family ownership with Valter Barbero at the helm , and last year saw them complete a major 24-month investment

Walker gets KTM top job in UK

programme in new manufacturing technology at their 65,000 sq ft facilty / 100,000 sq ft site at Cirie near Turin , where they make their brake pads , shoes , backing plates , clutch plates and parts and brake discs and assemblies . www . newfren . com
The KTM Group has promoted Matt Walker to the position of Managing Director for both KTM Sportmotorcycle UK and Husqvarna Motorcycles UK with immediate effect . Walker , 40 , joined the UK subsidiary of the Austrian company as an Area Sales Manager in 2004 before progressing to become National Sales Manager and then General Manager in 2015 . After leading the company to an increased market share in 2016 , the appointment to Managing Director across both brands at the Silverstone Park-based offices means that Matt will be responsible for driving the parent company ’ s ambitious targets to grow the dealer network in the UK and Ireland . Florian Kecht , Managing Director of KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH , said : “ These are exciting times for KTM and Husqvarna , and the company has set very ambitious targets in its medium-term plan . “ The KTM Group trusts Matt ’ s understanding of the market which - coupled with his sales and marketing expertise and experience with our everevolving brands – means we are confident he is the right person to maximise our potential in the UK and Ireland . Having delivered impressive growth in the role of General Manager in 2016 , we are expecting a very a bright future in what we consider one of the most important motorcycling regions ”. One of Matt ’ s first jobs as MD was to appoint Simon Roots as the new Marketing , Events and Motorsport Manager for KTM Sportmotorcycle UK . Roots , 43 , was previously the editor of Fast Bikes magazine in the UK , which he joined in 2009 after leaving SuperBike magazine .
Matt Walker is a former editor of Fast Bikes magazine in the UK
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - APRIL / MAY 2017 21