Yamaha Wins a Second Consecutive Indian Design Mark (I Mark)

The CYGNUS RAY scooter bestowed India’s prestigious design award for 2013

April 16, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is proud to announce that the stylishly designed “CYGNUS RAY” scooter manufactured and marketed by group company India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. (IYM) is the recipient of the prestigious India Design Mark (I Mark)* awarded by the India Design Council. Following last year’s award for the YZF-R15, this is Yamaha Motor’s second consecutive I Mark award.

The India Design Council is affiliated with India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry and is made up of eminent people in academia, design and industry organizations. Its India Design Mark (I Mark) awards program was initiated in cooperation with the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, and in line with the same standards set by Japan’s Good Design Award (G Mark). Open application and judging for the first I Mark awards was in 2012, and in the award’s second year, 2013, the Yamaha CYGNUS RAY was one of 39 I Mark recipients.

As the Indian economy grows and more young women play an increasingly large role in society, there has been a growing demand for compact, easy-to-use, stylishly designed women-oriented scooters. Launched in September 2012, the CYGNUS RAY was developed to meet these needs and is the Yamaha brand’s first scooter model for the Indian market.

Its innovative styling is based on a design concept of being “Sophisticated & Dynamic,” and the model is full of fine touches that women appreciate, such as a seat designed with easy leg reach to the ground and good comfort in tandem riding in mind, convenient and practical storage space and easy-to-operate center and side stands.

“CYGNUS RAY” Indian market model

Comment from Seiji Higashihara, Design Manager for the CYGNUS RAY
I feel deeply honored that Yamaha’s first scooter model for the Indian market, the CYGNUS RAY has won the I Mark. And all of the people who worked to help get this model to the customers certainly feel the same way.

The CYGNUS RAY is the product of great efforts and much trial and error to grasp a full understanding of the desires and aspirations of young Indian women who are entering society in increasing numbers as students and workers, and to reflect those feelings in its design. I believe that the I Mark award is Indian society’s recognition of these efforts by Yamaha people. Encouraged by this award, we will continue to work to bring to the Indian market more products with attractive designs like the CYGNUS RAY.

*India Design Mark (I Mark): First held in 2012, this design award is intended to increase design awareness and promote value of design in the industry and society in India and improve the quality of life overall by encouraging and giving recognition to good design. Of the 39 recipients of the India Design Mark in the second awards (2013) were five products from three Japanese companies. Applicants for the I Mark award must satisfy any two of the three requirements: (1) “Made in India” (2) “Designed in India” or (3) “Sold in India.” Furthermore, the product must pass other requirements, including that it is a complete and mass-produced product. (Translated from a report from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion)

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First Full Model Change of the “FINO” Thai Market AT Commuter

Even more stylish design plus greater cost performance with the new fuel-injected engine.

March 25, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces the release of the new “FINO,” an automatic transmission (AT) commuter model with a stylishly designed body that mounts a new 115cc engine equipped with Yamaha’s exclusive “YMJET-FI”* fuel injection system. The model will be released on the Thai market in late March 2013 and is manufactured and marketed by group company Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (TYM).

The Thai motorcycle market has held an annual demand of about two million units, but in 2012 it reached a new record high of 2.13 million units (Yamaha Motor survey) bolstered by a strong economy, and gradual growth is expected to continue.

Originally launched in 2006, the FINO has been popular as a highly fashionable AT commuter model, especially among young people, and in the seven years since, it has reached cumulative sales of approximately 1.5 million units in the Thai market. With the increasing demand in recent years for models with better fuel economy however, a growing number of customers have been hoping for a new FINO equipped with fuel injection.

For this first full model change of the FINO, a development concept of a “Stylish & Smart FINO FI” was adopted to answer the preference in the Thai market for models that offer both good functionality and stylish design. In addition to the lower fuel consumption thanks to the fuel injection system, major evolutions of the FINO’s design and functionality are sure to please existing FINO fans while also aiming to attract new customers.

While clearly inheriting the previous FINO model’s DNA, the design of the new model has evolved to a new level of stylishness with flowing and active body lines and a headlight and taillight with an attractive, jewelry-like look. Furthermore, the new engine with Yamaha’s YMJET-FI fuel injection system, along with other improvements, achieves better fuel economy and more comfortable performance (less vibration, improved engine start-ups). Other features like an “answer-back” function on the first multi-function remote control key ever on a Yamaha model for the ASEAN market boost the new FINO’s product value.

This is another model that will contribute to the aim of “expanding business scale and increasing profitability” laid down in Yamaha Motor’s new medium-term management plan announced in December 2012 and its high level of product quality and competitiveness will surely contribute to expanding Yamaha sales in this market.

*YMJET-FI (Yamaha Mixture Jet-Fuel Injection): A fuel injection system employing an auxiliary air intake passage besides the main passage to provide an “air assist” for more efficient mixing of the air and fuel that helps improve fuel economy in the practical use range.

“FINO” (2013 Thai market model)

Model name:	FINO
Release date:	Late March 2013
Sales target:	240,000 units (first full year after release, in Thailand)

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Honda Announces the New LEAD125 Scooter in Vietnam

HANOI, VIETNAM – March 27, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd. (President: Masayuki Igarashi), a Honda joint venture in Vietnam for production and sales of motorcycles and automobiles, today announced the release of the LEAD125, a liquid-cooled 125cc single-cylinder scooter.

LEAD 125

The LEAD125 is equipped with a liquid-cooled 125cc single-cylinder engine “eSP^*1” with high fuel efficiency incorporating low-friction technology, that have boosted the popularity of the PCX. The idling stop system was also adopted to further improve fuel economy. The model adopts Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI^*2) delivering stable engine performance while also contributing to the high fuel efficiency. Underneath the seat lies a large 37L space able to store two full-face helmets^*3. Meanwhile, LEDs adopted for the tail and position lights make the vehicle highly visible. The fuel lid and seat are opened through use of a rocker switch added to an easy-to-reach combination switch operated by the main key. A wide variety of enhancements improve usability, including the addition of a clock and use of highly visible illuminated pointers in the LCD meters. As a scooter that brings together running performance and utility at a high level, the LEAD125 is suited for a wide variety of uses.

Honda Vietnam will produce 200,000 units of the LEAD125 annually. The vehicles will be sold in Vietnam, and expected to start exporting to Japan in early summer. These activities will make Vietnam the fourth Asian country to provide global production and export, following China, Thailand and India, as it takes on a vital role in Honda’s global business.

1. * Stands for “enhanced Smart Power,” a collective term for engines intended for scooters and having enhanced environmental and dynamic performance as a result of adopting advanced technologies such as fuel efficient technology and the ACG starter.
2. * PGM-FI is a Honda registered trademark.
3. * It may not be able to store depending on the size or shapes.

Overview of Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Establishment	March 1996
Location	Head office (plants): Vinh Phuc Province Sales offices: Hanoi City, Ho Chi Minh City
Capital	US$ 62.90 million
Capitalization ratio	Honda Motor Co., Ltd.: 42% Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.: 28% VEAM (Vietnam Engine and Agricultural Machinery Corporation): 30%
Representative	President: Masayuki Igarashi
Business	Production, sales, and service of motorcycles and automobiles
Production start	Motorcycles: December 1997 Automobiles: July 2006
Annual production capacity	Motorcycles: 2 million units Automobiles: 10 thousand units
Number of motorcycle dealers	634 (as of December 2012)

Yamaha is Recalling 8,700 2009 YW125 (Zuma 125) Scooters

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 12, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -

Vehicle Make – Model – Model Year(s)

• YAMAHA  YW125  2009

Report Receipt Date: FEB 04, 2013

NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V035000

Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 8,700

Manufacturer: YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USA

SUMMARY: Yamaha is recalling certain model year 2009 YW125 (Zuma 125) scooters manufactured between July 2008 and April 2009 due to possible improper clearances in the internal fuel pump components. These improper clearances may cause an inadequate supply of fuel.

CONSEQUENCE: The limited fuel supply could cause engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump with a newly designed fuel pump. The recall is expected to begin February 19, 2013. Owners contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.

NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

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BMW is Recalling Model Year 2013 C600 Sport Maxi-Scooters

 

December 7, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):      BMW / C600 SPORT MAXI-SCOOTER 2013 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC Report Receipt Date: DEC 03, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V556000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY

Potential Number of Units Affected: 266

Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 C600 Sport Maxi-Scooters manufactured August 7, 2012, through November 20, 2012. The fasteners on the front side trim panels may have insufficient strength to retain the panels at high speeds.

Consequence: If the panel separates it could interfere with riding and handling of the scooter and increase the risk of a crash. The panel could also become a hazard for other road users.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will reattach the left and right front side trim panels with stronger “snap-lock” fasteners. The recall is expected to begin in January 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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Release of the New Yamaha “Mio125i” for the Thai Market

JAPAN – October 19, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has developed the new “Mio125i”, an automatic transmission (AT) commuter model that mounts a liquid-cooled 4-stroke 125cc engine equipped with Yamaha’s exclusive YMJET-FI^*1 fuel injection system. The model will be released to the Thai market in mid-October 2012 by group company Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (TYM).

The Thai motorcycle market has an annual demand of about two million units (Yamaha Motor survey, 2011 results) and about 50% of these are AT models. The current Mio125 model, which has been on sale since 2010, has become one of the standards for the Thai AT model market. It has proven popular among younger users for its sporty ride and exterior styling, selling around 180,000 units in Thailand since its introduction. As its successor, the new Mio125i, joins the “Mio115i”, “TTX” and “NOUVO SX” models also introduced into the Thai market this spring as one more embodiment of Yamaha Motor’s medium-term growth strategy^*2 to strengthen product competitiveness, appeal and profitability in the ASEAN motorcycle market.

Inheriting the current model’s excellent running performance and practical functions like storage space capacity, the adoption of the YMJET-FI fuel injection system on the new Mio125i brings better fuel economy and combines with other new features for an even more attractive offering.

Its main features include (1) the YMJET-FI-equipped engine with its excellent cost performance and smooth acceleration characteristics, (2) transmission performance that brings linear and smooth response to throttle input from the rider, (3) a lightweight body 3 kg less than the previous model, which contributes to light, enjoyable handling and (4) special low rolling resistance tires for both good fuel economy and comfort.

Also, its body design theme of “Aggressive, Sharp and Sporty” brings an even more dynamic and sporty look to the exterior styling. TYM will handle the manufacturing of this model.

*1 YMJET-FI (Yamaha Mixture Jet-Fuel Injection): A fuel injection system employing an auxiliary air intake passage besides the main passage to provide an “air assist” for more efficient mixing of the air and fuel that helps improve fuel economy in the practical use range.

*2 Medium-term management plan: One of the four growth strategies in Yamaha Motor’s 3-year (2010-2012) medium term management plan is strengthening product competitiveness, appeal and profitability in the ASEAN motorcycle market. This aims to be accomplished by enhancing product appeal by (1) increasing the ratio of models featuring a fuel injection system and (2) increasing profitability through reducing the cost of fuel injection systems and the benefits of larger scale production.

Mio125i (2012 Thai market model)

Model name:	Mio125i
Release date:	Mid-October 2012
Sales target:	60,000 units (annual, in Thailand)

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Yamaha’s Release of the New “CYGNUS RAY” Scooter Model for the Indian Market

Yamaha’s entry in India’s rapidly growing scooter market

JAPAN – September 14, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has developed the new “CYGNUS RAY” model, a “Stylish-design Scooter” mounting an air-cooled 4-stroke 113cc engine with CVT that boasts excellent reliability and good fuel economy in actual use onto a compact body. The model will be released to the Indian market in late September 2012. The CYGNUS RAY is the first Yamaha model to enter India’s scooter category and is strategically positioned to expand Yamaha’s share of the Indian market.

As India’s continued economic growth brings more female students and working women out into society with a need for personal mobility, the new CYGNUS RAY was designed and engineered to answer the needs of this growing class of young female customers who wanted a scooter that is stylishly designed, compact and easy to use.

The engine achieves good fuel economy in the practical-use speed range, a power output characterized by smooth start-up acceleration and good pickup and more. The body has fresh, innovative styling based on a design concept of being “Sophisticated & Dynamic,” and is full of fine touches that women will appreciate, like a seat designed with easy leg reach to the ground and ease of mounting in mind, ample storage space and easy to operate center and side stands.

This model will be manufactured and marketed by Yamaha Motor group company India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. (IYM).

Model name:	CYGNUS RAY
Release date:	Late September 2012
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price:	46,000 Indian rupees ($847 USD)
Sales target:	120,000 units (first full year)

Market and Product Background

The Indian motorcycle market has a current annual demand of approximately 13 million units (Yamaha Motor survey, 2011 results) and, with factors like continuously strong consumer spending and population growth, this demand is expected to surpass China’s within 2012 to make India the world’s largest motorcycle market.

Within this market, the scooter category, which accounted for about 11% of total demand at approximately 900,000 units in 2006, has grown rapidly to reach about 18% of total demand at roughly 2.4 million units in 2011.

Most recently, the market has seen a cooling down of consumer confidence and more due to factors like the rising price of gasoline and continuing high interest rates on loans. While this has caused a slowing of market growth overall, continued growth in the scooter category is still expected as the growing number of women entering society with a need for personal mobility increases the pool of potential scooter users.

In India’s scooter market, the main model types are larger-bodied models with a sense of weight and volume targeting male users and models intended to be shared in use among the whole family. But, there were growing calls for an easy to use, compact model that fit the needs of a growing number of female users. The new CYGNUS RAY has been designed and engineered with this market background in mind and also with the aim of targeting young women for whom design and fresh new appeal are important.

On July 23, 2012, IYM announced the signing of popular young Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone to be the brand ambassador for Yamaha scooters in India. Ms. Deepika’s “cool beauty” image fits perfectly with the CYGNUS RAY’s stylish image and plans call for the actress to appear in TV commercials, on posters and in a variety of other advertisements and promotions. Through these efforts, expectations are high that her association with Yamaha will make big contributions in terms of increasing brand appeal among her adoring young fans.

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Vespa USA Asks Consumers To Create Digital Self Portrait Of “La Vespa Vita” With New Online Community

Community-powered digital lifestyle destination launched

NEW YORK, NY – August 21, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Vespa USA, the North American importer of the Piaggio Group’s iconic Vespa scooter brand, is introducing www.lavespavita.com, a new community-powered online destination for individuals who have a passion for living “La Vespa Vita” (The Vespa Life).  From street fashion trends to innovative product design, the new site is a call to action for both brand advocates and new fans to contribute and share their own Vespa-inspired content using the most popular social media platforms.

Users can submit photos that capture their interpretation of the Vespa Lifestyle via Flickr or Instagram by using the hashtag #VESPAVITA.  Snapshots and short captions of a person’s style statement can be submitted via Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #VESPASTYLE.  A third option is to become a contributor by submitting content for the La Vespa Vita blog at www.lavespavita.com/blog.

“For more than six decades, Vespa motor scooters have inspired style mavens, trendsetters and forward-thinking individuals with the perfect mix of timeless design, classic elegance and practical benefits,” said Melissa R. MacCaull, vice president, marketing, Piaggio Group Americas.  “Now we’re turning the content keys over to our community of enthusiasts and can’t wait to watch a digital self-portrait of the Vespa lifestyle come to life.”

New Microsite Powered By a Community of Vespa-Inspired Individuals  

First conceived as a post-World War II utility transportation vehicle for Italian families,Vespa motor scooters soon came to epitomize Italian style and design and were immortalized in print and on film.  Today, Vespa still stands for individuality, freedom and a zest for life, and it’s these qualities that www.lavespavita.com wants to share through curated and consumer-generated content.

Site content includes: 

• Vespa Mosaic – Colorful photos from Vespa enthusiasts and fans that celebrate the spirit of Vespa.  Visitors can upload their favorites via Flickr or Instagram by using the hashtag #VESPAVITA;
• Vespa Style Book – A user-generated Look Book of Vespa-inspired or ahead-of-the-curve style that defines la dolce vita.  Visitors can submit a photo of  themselves and their favorite original look (with or without a Vespa) for consideration via Twitter or Instagram by using the hashtag #VESPASTYLE;
• La Vespa Vita Blog – A dynamic blog with community members’ submitted posts that present the trends, personalities, history, culture and adventures of life associated with the distinctive lifestyle statement that is Vespa.   Fans and enthusiasts can submit a post at www.lavespavita.com/blog and fresh content will be added two to three times a week;
• Vespa Model Lineup – Snapshots of the 2012 model lineup starting with the classic LX 50 and LX 150 ie, perfect for urban commuting, followed by the 1970′s retro-inspired S 50 and S 150 ie, the powerful and sporty GTS 300 ie and GTS 300 ie Super and the vintage-inspired LXV 150 ie and GTV 300 ie;
• Win $1000 in Vespa Gear – Visitors are given an opportunity to enter to win $1000 in Vespa gear on www.lavespavita.com and a new Facebook app at www.facebook.com/vespausa through November 30, 2012.

To learn more about how to contribute to La Vespa Vita’s Mosaic, Blog and Style Book, please visit www.lavespavita.com.

For information about Vespa, in the USA visit the new www.vespausa.com, in Canada visit the www.vespa-canada.ca.  To get the latest news and updates from Vespa USA, like them on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/vespausa.com) and follow them on twitter (https://twitter.com/vespausa).

About The Piaggio Group:
Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and based in Pontedera in Pisa, Italy, the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. With more than 7,000 employees, an annual production of 653,000 vehicles in 2011, five R&D centers, seven production facilities in Europe and Asia and world-wide commercial operations, the Piaggio Group has a strong and increasing leadership in the European two-wheeler market.  The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands.  The Group also manufactures three- and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges.

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ePunk Announces Record Q2 and Six Month Financial Results

Reported quarterly sales up 134% and gross profit up 76% sequentially

SAN CLEMENTE, CA – June 27, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – ePunk, Inc. (PINK SHEETS: PUNK), a distributor of power sports products, accessories and related services through CountyImports.com, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended March 31, 2012, as filed late, on June 27, 2012, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, revenues and gross profit totaled $531,268 and $60,794, respectively, representing an increase in revenue of $304,562 or 134% and an increase in gross profit of $26,252 or 76% compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011, and an increase in revenue of $382,970 or 258% and an increase in gross profit of $41,265 or 211% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. During the six months ended March 31, 2012 revenues and gross profit totaled $757,974 and $95,336, respectively. Our gross margin has fluctuated from 13.2% to 15.2% to 11.4% in each of the past three quarters ending September 30, 2011, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012, respectively.

Our revenue consists of sales of scooters, ATV’s, UTV’s, motorcycles and parts and accessories through our website properties CountyImports.com, CountyImportParts.com, BidPunks.com, ViperSportUSA.com, CountyCruisers.com, PCHRides.com and through our storefront, Pacific Coast House of Rides located in Dana Point, California. We expect our gross margin to increase as our sales increase.

Excluding stock compensation, operating expenses increased from $90,639 to $119,195 to $131,787 in each of the past three quarters ending September 30, 2011, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012, respectively. The same operating costs as a percentage of revenue have steadily decreased from 61.1% to 52.6% to 24.8% in each of the past three quarters ending September 30, 2011, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012, respectively.

As the Company continues to establish operating efficiencies, we expect to see cash based operating costs as a percentage of revenue continue to decline.

As a result of the foregoing, our net loss for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 was $144,178, or $0.005 per diluted share and $234,761, or $0.008 per diluted share, respectively.  Weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were 30,048,534.

Jesse Gonzales, CEO of ePunk, stated that “We are pleased to report continued improving financial performance in the second quarter, and that we have brought our financial reports to current status. We remain committed to achieving more effective administrative processes that will enable us to maintain better shareholder transparency going forward, and which will serve our business well both operationally and in terms of implementation of sound corporate governance policies.”

Business Updates
ePunk continues to maintain focus on expanding www.countyimports.com business emphasizing revenue growth and improvement in gross and operating margins. “Traffic to CountyImports.com has hit record levels in 2012 to date, which is, in our opinion, a reflection on increasing consumer demand for scooters, ATVs and other power sports products we are offering. We are committed to providing our customers with the best quality of product supported by best-in-class service and support, and believe that is the key to building and keeping customer loyalty, as well as to achieving our operating and financial goals,” added Gonzales.

“In addition, ePunk continues to move forward plans to launch the industry’s first power sports auction later this year. We are excited about the opportunity to leverage our online platform and consumer base at County Imports to help successfully launch BidPunk. Despite the fact that the penny stock auction markets have become saturated in the past couple years, and increasingly competitive, we think that the timing is right and the opportunity has never been greater for a penny auction with a truly differentiated and value-added approach to online commerce that will benefit consumer and our wholesale partners alike.”

About ePunk:
Based in Dana Point, California, ePunk, Inc.  is a leading distributor, which through its County Imports brand, offers competitively priced power sports products serving North American to consumers online and through its brick-and-mortar location based in Southern California.  For more information about ePunk, or any of its online businesses: www.BidPunk.com, www.CountyImports.com,  www.CountyImportParts.com, www.CountyCruisers.com, www.PCHRides.com, or www.ViperSportUSA.com, go to www.ePunkinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning our business and possible or assumed future results of operations. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons including: our ability to continue as a going concern, adverse economic changes affecting markets we serve; competition in our markets and industry segments; our timing and the profitability of entering new markets; greater than expected costs, customer acceptance of our products or difficulties related to our integration of the businesses we may acquire; and other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and SEC filings. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, they relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made, and our future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements may not meet these expectations. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this document to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as required by law. There is no assurance that a definitive agreement will be completed.

Contact:
Jesse Gonzales
ePunk, Inc.
949-415-6724

SOURCE: ePunk, Inc.

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Visteon Launches Instrument Cluster on Honda’s New Scooter in Indonesia

Robust mechanical and electrical design distinguishes two-wheeler in growing market

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – June 26, 2012 (Motor Sports Newswire) – Global automotive supplier Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC) recently launched an electronic instrument cluster on Honda’s new scooter model, the VarioTechno 125 PGM-FI, in Indonesia.

The entry-level instrument cluster is the first product manufactured at PT Astra Visteon Indonesia, a joint venture of Visteon and PT Astra Otoparts, Tbk, based in Citeureup, Bogor. The instrument cluster was designed to meet the rigorous demands of the Indonesian landscape, while providing manufacturers a content-rich product that can be customized for different models.

“We are proud to be a part of Honda’s two-wheeler expansion in the Indonesian market,” said Hiroaki Kishita, president director of PT Astra Visteon Indonesia. “With the successful launch of the instrument cluster on the Honda Vario Techno 125 PGM-FI, PT Astra Visteon Indonesia is poised to bring quality products to the world’s third largest motorcycle market, while also meeting growing demand in the passenger vehicle market.”

To address the challenging requirements of two-wheeler mobility in Indonesia, Visteon developed an instrument cluster with robust mechanical and electrical design features to withstand various demands. By incorporating a single, easy-to-read analog speedometer, drivers receive important information quickly from the 2.5-inch digital LCD display, which is considered unique in this economic two-wheeler class. The use of high-impact lighting technology enables the motorist to read instrument indicators easily in all light conditions. These features are further enhanced by the 3-D chaplets and silver painted mask that give the cluster an overall dynamic and sporty appearance.

As an integral part of a series of two-wheeler instrument clusters, Visteon engineering teams in Japan and India customized the product to meet Honda’s requirements for state-of-the-art functionality and styling. Leveraging the flexibility of a common platform, experienced engineers and localized components, Visteon achieved cost efficiencies that resulted in a quality product at a competitive price.

“With the launch of the instrument cluster on the Honda new scooter, Visteon has expanded its manufacturing footprint for electronics products in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets,” said Steve Meszaros, Visteon product group president.

Visteon is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, electronic, interior and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Chelmsford, UK; the company has facilities in 27 countries and employs approximately 25,000 people. Learn more at www.visteon.com.

SOURCE: Visteon Corporation

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