In an "Outdoor Recreation Meets Gaming" move, Polaris is to gives gamers virtual off-road vehicle experience through a partnership with Battlefield 2042. Fans will be able to operate a Polaris Sportsman within EA's latest game and enter a giveaway featuring a custom Polaris Sportsman ATV grand prize. The deal makes Polaris the Official Off-Road Vehicle Partner of Battlefield 2042.
Michelin has won a unanimous defense verdict in a $66m motorcycle tire lawsuit in South Carolina. A jury ruled unanimously in favor of Michelin North America, Inc. in a high-profile product liability case involving a 2017 motorcycle accident. The crash resulted in catastrophic injuries to both occupants, including the driver who sustained permanent paralysis. Plaintiffs alleged that the motorcycle tire was defectively manufactured. Michelin stated that "while we sincerely regret this tragic accident and the devastating effects it has had on the family, the evidence presented throughout the eight-day trial showed that the accident resulted from severe under-inflation and improper maintenance of the Michelin tire, not a manufacturing defect."
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released 2020 data detailing how outdoor recreation continues to generate billions in economic output and create millions of American jobs. When it came to adding economic value, motorcycle and ATV riding came in fourth largest among the most popular outdoor activities in the United States.
Brembo CEO Daniele Schillaci is eyeing start-up deals to boost the software content of its premium brakes as software takes bigger role in brakes (Reuters). At EICMA the company, whose customers include Ferrari, Tesla and several Formula One teams, presented 'Sensify', a pioneering braking system that can operate independently on each of a vehicle's four wheels. It includes a digital "brain" that uses data to adapt braking to personal driving styles and changing road conditions. Schillaci, an automotive industry veteran with previous stints at Nissan Motor and Toyota, said mechanics were still predominant in the Sensify system, compared with software content. "But soon the mechanic and software contents will become predominant in braking systems."
H-D has already had to issue a safety recall on certain of its 2021 RA1250S and RA1250 Pan America ADV production models - the seat base may not be fastened properly, which could cause the hand-hold portion of the base to fracture.
Best known for its shock absorbers, Fox Factory Holdings has invested an initial $500,000 in a "signature community investment program" called 'Trail Trust' to "deliver sustainable adventure to all." In what is increasingly being seen as a green credential and off-road sport arms race between major players (and wannabe corporations) in the United States, Fox, "together with nonprofit partners worldwide," Trail Trust will be "promoting the conscientious use of land amongst outdoor enthusiasts and protecting our shared playgrounds. It also requires expanding opportunities within the outdoor sporting industry, diversifying the populations that participate in cycling and power sports - because everyone deserves the thrill of adventure."
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com