Tag Archives: growing

Motorsport

Aston Martin Doesn’t Want The Valkyrie To Be A Garage Queen

In the world of million-dollar supercars, there is a growing appreciation for those who do more than just park their prized possessions in climate-controlled garages. While owning an automotive masterpiece is undoubtedly a symbol of prestige and luxury, the true essence of these incredible machines lies in their ability to be driven, whether it’s on a daily basis or as hobby cars on the weekends. Aston Martin understands this sentiment and aims to encourage Valkyrie owners to unleash this beast on the road rather than keeping it as a collectible.

“Ultimately, it is up to the customer what they choose to do,” says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s creative boss, in a recent interview with Top Gear. “If they want to buy a Valkyrie and display it in a museum, that’s great. But we want people to hear and see them. We want to see Valkyries driving through tunnels in Instagram feeds. That’s why we make them. We want people to enjoy them.”


News

The Hidden Hero Behind Just-in-Time Car Manufacturing in the UK

Have you ever heard of Priority Freight? Probably not. But this little-known company is playing a vital role in the automotive industry. They are the unsung heroes that come to the rescue when car makers are facing a crisis.

Based in Dover, Priority Freight has a strong presence in the UK with three bases, as well as six bases across mainland Europe. They receive a massive number of inquiries every day, and their impressive turnaround time is just 15 minutes from the moment they receive a call. The majority of their clients are tier one and two Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

“Our focus is on speed and helping our customers save time,” explained Andrew Austin, the commercial director of Priority Freight.

When car manufacturers encounter issues, such as their main transport contractors lacking the flexibility to navigate border crossings or time zones quickly enough, they turn to Priority Freight for assistance.

News

New Scorpion Exo Tech Evo Pro Modular Helmet Is Ready To Hit The Road

Helmet manufacturer Scorpion has been steadily growing its selection of products to cater to all disciplines of motorcycling. Needless to say, the brand got a huge boost when Fabio Quartararo took the win donning a Scorpion Helmet back in 2021. Despite having since moved on to HJC, there’s no denying the positive effect success in racing can have on the brand as a whole.

That being said, Scorpion has shifted its attention to practical riders with its news product, the Exo Tech modular helmet. This lid is now available in three versions: polycarbonate, the top-tier carbon version, and now, a middle-of-the-road offering called the Exo Tech Evo Pro. This modular helmet features a shell constructed out of lightweight TCT fibers, and isn’t as lightweight as the carbon model, but is certainly lighter than the standard polycarbonate version.

The use of TCT fibers in the Exo Tech Evo Pro helmet enhances its ability to effectively absorb and disperse impacts, surpassing the performance of a typical polycarbonate shell. This same advanced material is featured in some of Scorpion’s top-tier race helmets, such as the Exo R1 Air Evo.

New Scorpion Exo Tech Evo Pro Modular Helmet Is Ready To Hit The Road

Additionally, the Exo Tech Evo Pro adheres to the stringent ECE 22.06 standards, ensuring it meets the highest safety requirements. One of its defining features is the 180-degree flip-up chinbar, which boasts P/J homologation. This attribute makes the helmet exceptionally convenient for both touring and commuting purposes, as the chinbar’s design allows it to stay unobtrusive when flipped open, offering riders an effortless transition between open-face and full-face riding configurations.

The Exo Tech Evo Pro also includes several other noteworthy features. For instance, it comes equipped with a Maxvision pinlock lens, which enhances visibility by preventing fogging, ensuring a clear view of the road ahead. The helmet’s micrometric quick-release buckle offers convenient and secure fastening, making it a breeze to put on and take off. Moreover, it’s intercom-ready, compatible with a wide array of popular communication systems available in the market. This feature allows riders to stay connected on their journeys, promoting safety and convenience.

To cater to a broad spectrum of riders, Scorpion has thoughtfully provided the Exo Tech Evo Pro in seven diverse sizes, accommodating everyone from XS to XXL. This thoughtful approach to sizing extends further with the use of two shell sizes. XS to L helmets share one shell size, while XL to XXL helmets share another, ensuring a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing fit while maintaining safety standards.

As for the pricing, the Exo Tech Evo Pro offers excellent value. The solid color options are priced at 399.90 Euros, which is approximately $426 USD, making it an attractive choice for riders seeking quality without breaking the bank. For those looking to add a touch of style, the graphic versions come in at 439.90 Euros, roughly equivalent to $468 USD, offering a range of visual options to suit individual tastes.

News

Pierer Mobility Group Sees Remarkable Growth in First Half of 2023

The Pierer Mobility Group, known for its motorcycle brands KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas, has established itself as one of the fastest-growing companies in the motorcycle industry. With a strong presence in multiple markets worldwide, the group recently released its sales report for the first half of 2023, revealing significant growth, especially in Europe and North America.

In the first six months of 2023, the Pierer Mobility Group experienced impressive progress. The group’s revenue increased by a remarkable 20.2 percent, reaching a historic high of €1,387.6 million. The motorcycle segment, in particular, witnessed robust growth with a 19 percent increase. The bicycle segment also followed closely with an impressive 37 percent growth.

Europe contributed approximately 59 percent of the group’s turnover, highlighting its strong presence in this region. North America, including Mexico, accounted for 28 percent of the group’s revenue, demonstrating its substantial market share. The remaining 13 percent came from various markets around the world, showcasing the group’s diverse international footprint.

In terms of motorcycle sales, the Pierer Mobility Group achieved an impressive volume increase of 16.5 percent in the first half of 2023. The group sold a total of 190,293 motorcycles compared to 163,334 the previous year. Sales to dealers in Europe specifically saw a significant surge of 25 percent, totaling 76,767 motorcycles.

Interesting trends in sales locations emerged as nearly 60 percent of the motorcycles were sold outside of Europe. North America stood out with 50,472 units sold, marking a respectable 13 percent increase. In India, the segment experienced a remarkable boost, with 33,029 units sold, representing an astonishing 81 percent increase compared to the previous year. However, growth rates in Latin America, Asia, and Africa showed signs of decline. Overall, Pierer Mobility Group’s performance in the motorcycle segment demonstrates significant success and expansion, particularly in key markets.

In Europe, the Pierer Mobility Group, comprised of KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas, exceeded expectations with a remarkable 20-percent increase in registrations. This growth resulted in a solid market share of 10.2 percent, a notable improvement from the 9.9 percent market share recorded in the first half of 2022. The group’s motorcycles are gaining traction and popularity in the European market, solidifying their position as a key player in the region.

North America remains a critical market for the Pierer Mobility Group, where it has successfully maintained a significant market volume, with approximately 290,000 newly registered motorcycles in the first half of 2022. Amidst tough competition, the KTM Group not only maintained but also expanded its market position. In the US, the group secured a market share of 12.3 percent, while in Canada, its share reached an impressive 16.9 percent.

When considering both the US and Canadian markets together, the KTM Group achieved a combined market share of 12.9 percent, a noteworthy increase from the 10.6 percent market share recorded in the first half of 2022. This growth signifies the group’s ability to hold its ground and strengthen its foothold in North America, establishing its position as a key player in the region’s motorcycle market.

Featured

Gisele Bündchen Purchases $9.2M Equestrian Home in Southwest Ranches, FL

Florida has become a hot spot for real estate, attracting athletes, celebrities, and other influential individuals who are drawn to its pristine properties and year-round beautiful weather. Recently, Brazilian model and actress Gisele Bündchen, who initially moved to Tampa Bay when her ex-husband Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, made headlines in the real estate world by purchasing a stunning property on the outskirts of sunny South Florida. Gisele bought a 7.5-acre equestrian ranch in Southwest Ranches, Florida, for herself and her children.

The remodeled mansion spans approximately 5,200 square feet and boasts nine bedrooms, a first-floor primary suite, a gourmet kitchen, a floating glass staircase, a fireplace, and an open-concept living room. Situated on a spacious plot of land, Gisele and her family plan to share their space with various farm animal friends. The outdoor amenities include a large infinity pool, fountain water features, a lounge area, an outdoor kitchen, a hibachi grill, a pizza oven, a BBQ pit, and a wine fridge for family gatherings. Additionally, the backyard is equipped with soccer facilities, tennis courts, and ten large horse stalls, catering to Gisele and her family’s active lifestyle. The area where Gisele’s new home is located is also home to other celebrities such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Miami Heat star Udonis Johneal Haslem. Reportedly, the home was purchased for $9.1 million, and Gisele Bündchen is excited to enjoy the privacy and serenity of her luxurious ranch home.

For photos of the property, visit the official website.

News

Royal Enfield Plans to Launch its First Electric Motorcycle by 2025

Royal Enfield, a leading motorcycle manufacturer, is on track to release its first electric motorcycle in 2025. This move comes as the brand continues to expand its presence in global markets and aims to preserve the essence of motorcycling in the electric age. While Royal Enfield will still focus on internal combustion offerings, it recognizes the need to cater to the evolving market demands by introducing new models.

To achieve its goal, Royal Enfield has established a dedicated division for electric vehicle operations and has invested heavily in this endeavor. The company has assembled a team of nearly 100 members with expertise in engineering and commercial aspects to develop distinctive and high-performing electric motorcycles. Additionally, Royal Enfield has enlisted Mario Alvisi, a former Ducati employee, as the Chief Growth Officer to strengthen its electric vehicle business.

In a strategic move, Royal Enfield’s parent company, Eicher Motors, has invested in Stark Future, a Spanish electric mobility firm. This partnership aims to bring together the strengths of both companies and foster beneficial collaborations. While Royal Enfield will rely on imports for certain components like battery cells, it plans to manufacture most essential components in-house or through partnerships with supply chain providers. The company has already onboarded several new suppliers and is exploring additional opportunities.

Motorsport

Volvo S60, V60, V90 Discontinued in UK Due to Declining Interest in Sedans and Wagons

Volvo has made changes to its lineup in the UK by removing the S60, V60, and V90 models. The automaker cites the decreasing demand for sedans and wagons, while noting the increasing interest in its SUVs.

According to Autocar, the absence of these models was discovered on Volvo’s online configurator. Volvo confirmed the removal and explained that customers have shown strong interest in the upcoming EX30 and EX90 models. Volvo stated in a response to Autocar that it will continue to transform its product offerings, focusing on electrification, new platforms, and the transition towards manufacturing fully electric vehicles.


News

Harley CEO Says X440 Bookings In India Are Surpassing Expectations

There is an increasing interest in small to mid-displacement motorcycles, especially outside the US market. In Europe and Asia, the majority of motorcycles on the road are smaller than the typical 1,000cc-plus machines seen in the US. Riders in these regions use their bikes for more than just leisure activities.

In the Asian market, particularly in India, motorcycles with displacements larger than 250cc are considered enthusiast machines. This is why bikes like the newly launched Triumph Speed and Scrambler 400, as well as the Harley-Davidson X440, have become incredibly popular, even though only pre-bookings for these models have opened. The Harley-Davidson X440, in particular, is significant for Indian Harley fans because the brand hasn’t had a stable presence in India in recent years, with Harley-Davidson pulling out of the country in 2020.

However, the Harley-Davidson X440 signifies a renewed commitment by the company in the Indian market. It’s a model developed in collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, one of the established motorcycle manufacturers in India. The Harley X440’s design is ideal for the Indian market as it eliminates the heavyweight nature of the brand’s bigger cruisers, offering a lighter, more agile, and easier-to-ride platform for enthusiasts and commuters to use on a daily basis.

According to Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz, the reception of the new X440 in the Indian market has been extremely positive. He stated, “We’ve been extremely pleased with the reception that the X440 has received since the launch, with pre-orders exceeding our initial expectations.” Zeitz also expressed his belief in the long-term potential of the Indian market, not just for the X440 but for Harley-Davidson overall. He said, “Now I look at India as a long-term opportunity… it’s a huge market overall.”

While Zeitz didn’t provide further details about the brand’s plans for the Indian market, a patent filing by Hero MotoCorp for the Nightster 440 name suggests that the X440 is just the beginning of a new series of small-displacement Harley models. These models are expected to be popular not only in India but also in other Asian markets.

Motorsport

Bentley Used Biofuel In Its Cars At Goodwood, No Engine Mods Required

Bentley has recently joined the ranks of companies exploring sustainable fuel alternatives. At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the luxury automaker showcased six vehicles that successfully completed 32 hill climb runs using biofuel.

No modifications were necessary for Bentley’s vehicles to run on biofuel, as it can directly replace regular gasoline. This includes the 1920 EXP2, the oldest surviving model in the company’s lineup.


News

Ola Electric To Launch Affordable S1 Air Electric Scooter On July 28, 2023

The demand for electric scooters in the Indian market is rapidly growing, as electric power replaces internal combustion engines for personal urban mobility. Popular electric scooters in India include the Ather 450X, Vida V1, and the Ola S1 from Ola Electric.

Ola Electric is a major player in the EV two-wheeler scene and has disrupted the market with its affordable yet technologically advanced models. Other manufacturers like Hero MotoCorp and Ather have responded with their own affordable electric scooters. Ola Electric continues to prioritize affordable electric mobility for Indian commuters and has announced the launch of the more accessible Ola S1 Air scooter on July 28, 2023.

The Ola S1 Air is a lite-version of the standard Ola S1, offering a more utilitarian and basic riding experience. However, it provides tech-savvy commuters with an enticing option at a lower price point. The scooter is powered by a rear hub motor with a peak power output of 4.5 kilowatts, making it accessible to riders of all backgrounds. Its top speed is limited to 55 miles per hour, making it suitable for urban settings rather than highways or open roads.

The Ola S1 Air is equipped with impressive features for urban commuting, including a spacious under-seat storage compartment with 34 liters of capacity. It also features a newly designed grab handle for easy access and extra safety for pillion riders. In terms of technology, the scooter comes with a digital key for remote unlocking, a fully digital instrument cluster, and even a music player with a speaker.

Ola Electric has extensively tested the S1 Air, covering over 500,000 kilometers to ensure its durability on India’s challenging road conditions. The company is dedicated to customer satisfaction and safety, addressing previous issues with the Ola S1’s front suspension.