Canadian company Taiga (TSX: TAIG) says that it has begun delivery of Orca Carbon Electric Watercraft units in Florida. "The impressive boating culture, paired with high public awareness of EVs, positions Florida as a premiere market for the Taiga Orca," said Sam Bruneau, CEO. The Orca Carbon was recently awarded Popular Science Best of What's New 2022, is a nominee for Boat of the Year 2022 by Boating Magazine, and was recognized to TIME's List of Best Inventions of 2022 alongside its Nomad electric snowmobile.
In Japan, Yamaha Motor and its wholly owned subsidiary Yamaha Motor Powered Products Co., Ltd. (YMPC) has announced plans for a "partial transfer" of its power products business (multi-purpose engines, generators and snow blowers) to Earth Power Products Co., Ltd. (EPP) - wholly owned subsidiary of Japanese auto parts maker Meiko Seiki Co., Ltd.
Volcon has announced a collaboration with BFGoodrich Tires for its off-road racing program, including integration of BFG's ActiveAir suspension technology in the Volcon race vehicle. ActiveAir is a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) that makes real-time adjustments "with the aim of enhancing the off-road performance and increasing the battery range of Volcon's future UTV products."
Having recently announced its acquisition of Spectro Oils, Swiss oil brand MOTOREX (Bucher AG) has announced Andreas Vetter as its new head of powersports, replacing Ronald Kabella.
In the United States, Honda has announced what it describes as "approachable" and "beginner friendly" Dual Sport models (ADV) - the all-new "value focused" XR150L and shorter seat height CRF300L.
Tucker Powersports has struck an exclusive distribution agreement with Atturo Tire. Atturo recently announced its first product for off-road UTVs - the Atturo Trail Blade SXS line. The tires feature steel belted construction, integrated rim protection and modern, race-inspired designs. A Trail Hazard protection plan covers flat tire repair or replacement costs for up to 24 months.
Italian comeback brand Moto Morini has announced its entrance into the American market with an Irvine, California headquarters to be headed up by Chris McGee as COO. Founded by Alfonso Morini in Bologna in 1937, Moto Morini first started to sell in USA in 1965, at the peak of its race success and popularity. The year after acquiring Ducati, Cagiva (the Castiglioni brothers) additionally bought Moto Morini in 1986; the following year Cagiva also bought Husqvarna. None of this ended well. It never does. An attempted relaunch in 2005 crashed and burned and the business entered bankruptcy in 2010. Production was restarted by the liquidator, the company subsequently sold in 2011 and relocated to the greater Milan area in 2013. Ownership changed again in 2015, then again 2018 when it became part of the Zhongsheng Vehicle Group. As one of the many Asian manufacturers hoovering up legacy western brands, ZVG's aim has been to consolidate and reinforce Moto Morini's premium positioning by making significant investments into current and new models. Different engine sizes have reduced dependency on CFMoto engines and fueled the objective of widening the Morini range and increase its presence on the market. So far, so good. Late model Morinis are garnering good reviews and have an increasingly positive reputation, the recent X-Cape ADV being particularly well received.
KTM has announced that its 2023 Adventure Rally (24-28 of July) will be staged in Norway.
Construction was slated to commence in January for Michigan's largest Automotive Country Club. Motorsports Gateway Howell will be a 273-acre automotive district that fronts the north side of Interstate 96 and to the east of Highway D19. Phase 1 of the district will include a 2.2-mile performance driving circuit, members clubhouse, paddock, member rentable garages, track-fronting private garage condos and a public nature trail. The first section of the performance driving circuit is scheduled to be ready for use in the summer of 2023. A limited number of memberships (150) will be offered for 2023. The circuit will be constructed following FIA safety standards.
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com