Tuesday 13 September 2022

News Briefs


 

Polaris owned US clothing manufacturer Klim has joined the motorcycle airbag market, specifically the airbag vest segment, with its Ai-1 airbag vest based on the market leading "Detect-Protect-Perfect" technology platform developed by French specialist In&motion. Lightweight (1.5kg) and well ventilated, the tech is cunningly concealed in the back protector and fits under any motorcycle jacket. The Ai based tech detects dangerous situations by analysing 1,000 movements per second. The constantly evolving algorithm continuously processes data, and if it detects a crash, the airbag inflates in less than 60 milliseconds. Operation is via Bluetooth with an (IOS or Android) app.

German ADV parts, accessory and apparel specialist Touratech has opened a retail store and additional domestic U.S. distribution center in Brookfield, CT, just outside Danbury, a few miles from the New York border. "The company invested in this expansion to better serve its customers living on the East Coast."

Troy, NI based J.D. Power has acquired the 'We Predict' data and predictive analytics business. The acquisition bolsters J.D. Power automobile repair and warranty data sets and expands vehicle quality and dependability intelligence.

After an absence from the MotoGP Premier Class schedule of more than four decades, the planned 2022 return of Finland to the race schedule has been postponed to 2023. Rights holder Dorna (Madrid, Spain) put the decision down to homologation works at the ' KymiRing', together with the risks caused by the ongoing geopolitical situation in the region. The final 2022 FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar is therefore expected to comprise 20 rounds.

Kenda Tire has returned as the Official Tire of 2022 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield, which takes place July 22-24 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Brembo Q1 revenues of € 857.6m were + 27.0% (+18.7% on an X-rate parity basis) with EBITDA at € 150.8m and net profit of € 71.7m. The company made net investments for the quarter at € 59.9m Net financial debt was at € 456.5m, up € 17.6m compared to 31 March 2021. Executive Chairman Matteo Tiraboschi said that "these are positive results - a satisfying performance given the complex global scenario; we saw growth across all our business segments."


Rumors suggest that a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Raid model could be headed to the next Dakar Rally. The ambitious Indian manufacturer has been in new model overdrive in recent years. An Indian media outlet recently described a prospective new, liquid-cooled 450 cc model as "the upcoming Himalayan 450 Raid". It will expected to feature "next level tech and performance" that will take it closer to models from established Dakar competitors such as Honda, KTM, and others.

Texas based Volcon ePowersports (of 'Grunt' fame) has partnered with Tropicars to expand into 20 additional international markets in the Caribbean. Tropicars is a major distributor of golf cars, utility vehicles, and other products used in the golf, resort, hospitality, and power sports industries.

Electrek reports that Miami-based electric scooter company Fluid FreeRide has paid to have 1 million trees planted. Partnering with 'Trees for the Future', a non-profit, the company says it has been funding the planting of 100 trees for each electric scooter sold.

Jet engine maker Rolls-Royce (R-R) predicts that electric air taxis are coming soon. The president of its electrical division has said that he expects a "fully-electric small aircraft in three to five years. The first commercial application of P-Volt, a battery electric system developed by R-R, will have about 600 kilowatt hours of power, which will enable flying six to eight people as far as 150 km". The system can be used for both electric vertical take-off and landing, or so-called eVTOLs or commuter aircraft. One of R-R customers, Vertical Aerospace Group Ltd., has already booked orders from American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Avalon, one of the major aircraft lease brokers. Avolon says that its VA-X4, a zero-emission four-passenger aircraft, can fly as fast as 200 miles per hour over a range of more than 100 miles.

BRP has launched a new CSR Program and announced that it is to strengthens its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility - "raising the bar with ambitious environmental targets. We are very proud of our CSR25 program, which stretches the boundaries of our commitment to create a stronger future for our employees, our dealers, our customers and all of our stakeholders," declared José Boisjoli, President and CEO.


Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com