Delaware, USA based Global Market Insights, Inc., has stated that the "worldwide battery electric vehicles market was valued at US $150 billion in 2018 and will surpass US $425 billion by 2025 - an annual growth rate of 16% from 2019 to 2025."
In further signs of the global corporate re-alignment taking place as the automotive industry eyes an electric future, fierce rivals BMW Group and Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz) have embarked on a long-term development cooperation for automated driving. The initial goal is to "develop technologies for driver assistance systems, highly automated driving on highways, and automated parking (all up to SAE Level 4)" with market launch in series production vehicles scheduled for 2024.
Swedish apparel specialist Jofama has sold its Halvarssons and Lindstrands brands. They have been designing "versatile riding apparel for motorbike riding: jackets, trousers, underwear, footwear, bags and gloves" for 70 years.
Zero Motorcycles, the world's leading manufacturer of full-sized all-electric motorcycles, has beaten off stiff competition to win the title of 'Motorcycle News (MCN) Electric Bike of the Year' in the UK. Judges called the SR/F "the genesis of a new generation of electric bikes", adding "it is a real-life road bike that works, not some long-promised unicorn." The SR/F features the new Zero Z-Force motor that delivers 190 Nm of torque and a top speed of 124 mph from a 14.4 kWh battery.
Harley-Davidson is the latest Powered Two-Wheeler (PTW) manufacturer to join BMW, Ducati, Kawasaki, Kymco, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha as a participant in the MCIA SECURED anti-theft initiative in the UK. The scheme gives motorcycle buyers important information about standard fit security items by allowing them to make accurate comparisons between models of interest. Every Harley model has been given a four-star rating.
Marietta, GA. based Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, is pledging up to $500,000 in Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) grant funds for 2019 to support ventures protecting outdoor recreation. Yamaha is actively seeking organizations who can utilize the available funds and encourages interested parties to learn more about the program at YamahaOAI.com. As part of this effort, Yamaha has already awarded more than $130,000 in funding and equipment to 13 organizations in the current funding cycle.
British "luxury" helmet manufacturer Hedon is to supply BMW with classic and custom-inspired helmets. The London-based company is known for its eclectic mix of retro-styled open and full-face lids. Despite that retro aesthetic, Hedon says its helmets are made with modern materials and features, including fibreglass/carbon fibre shells, anti-bacterial fabrics and multi-channel ventilation systems.
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek