Annual Sales of Electric Motorcycles and Scooters in North America Will Multiply Nearly Ten-Fold by 2018, Forecasts Navigant Research

BOULDER, CO – May 17, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The vast majority of electric motorcycles and scooters sold worldwide are sold in China. To date, little demand for these vehicles has existed outside Asia Pacific, with the exception of a few Western European countries such as Germany and Spain. According to a recent report from Navigant Research, that will begin to change in the next several years: sales of e-motorcycles and e-scooters in North America will grow from a little more than 4,000 in 2012 to more than 36,000 in 2018, a nearly ten-fold expansion, the study concludes.

“The market for e-motorcycles and e-scooters will grow as manufacturers provide more robust features, including longer range capability, better performance, and in the case of e-motorcycles, higher speeds,” says Dave Hurst, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “The North American market is still very much in its infancy, but the United States will see strong growth, with a compound annual growth rate of greater than 50 percent through 2018.”

In Asia Pacific, scooters and low-powered motorcycles are widely used as everyday transportation. In North America, by contrast, motorcycles and scooters (including e-motorcycles and e-scooters) are more likely to be used for recreation than as a primary form of transportation. The interest in higher-powered and touring motorcycles is higher in North America than other regions, and so e-motorcycles and e-scooters are often purchased as complements to other forms of transportation.

The report, “Electric Motorcycles and Scooters”, provides a comprehensive examination of the market drivers and barriers, technology issues, governmental incentives and regulations, and key drivers of growth in the e-motorcycles and e-scooters industry. The report includes e-motorcycle and e-scooter sales forecasts through 2018, as well as detailed profiles of key industry players. The report also provides forecasts for lithium ion and lead-acid battery technologies used in e-scooters and e-motorcycles. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, “Electric Motorcycles and Scooters,” is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.

Contacts

Navigant Research
Richard Martin, +1-303-493-5483
richard.martin@navigant.com
or
Laverne Murach, +1-202-481-7336
laverne.murach@navigant.com

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Electric Moto Announces U.S. Government Approval Of Second Patent

CONGERS, NY – May 14, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Electric Moto Corporation, Inc. (OTCMarkets/Pink Sheets: EMOT) announced today that it had received official notification from the U.S. Patent Office that a second application “has been examined and is allowed for issuance as a patent.”

Brian Belton , Director of R&D for EMOT, explained that this is the second of the innovations that United States Alternative Energy, LLC. licensed exclusively to EMOT.

According to Belton, “The patent applications began almost three years ago. EMOT provided the capital for the technology, as well as for the various business services— legal and accounting— that were necessary.”  Belton went on to describe this patent as applicable to the configuration and type of batteries that would be used with electric motors, one of the most significant areas of innovation in the evolution of electric vehicles. “The power system covered by this patent will increase length of battery life, increase longevity between charges, and greatly enhance top end power. These are among the most important factors that separate one electric vehicle from all the others.”

The prior patent was for a device that significantly increased the cooling capacity of the vehicles, which is additionally critical in enhancing the performance and longevity of electric motors and energy systems.

Robert J. Lancellotti , Chairman and Acting CEO of EMOT: “We are pleased to hear of the U.S. Patent Office’s decision. We believe that the patents will help us to complete strategic affiliations with like-minded individuals and companies, and we fully expect to grow Electric Moto Corporation as a result.”

About EMOT

EMOT is a leading technology and lifestyle company dedicated to the development, manufacturing and distribution of zero-emission vehicles and related products. The 72 Volt Dual Sport Gen 1 Electric Motorcycle, and its Gen 2 successor, lead the charge of EMOT’s “Green vehicles,” along with its “pit bike,” commuter motorcycle, scooter, electric bicycle, ATV, three-wheeled enclosed vehicle, and personal watercraft.

Statements contained in this communication that are not based upon current or historical fact are forward-looking in nature. Such forward-looking statements reflect current views of management with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected, or described pursuant to similar expressions.

Contact: Robert J. Lancellotti
Chairman, Acting CEO
ElectricMoto Corporation, Inc.
info@electricmoto.com
845-268-6687

SOURCE: Electric Moto Corporation, Inc.

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Every Day is Earth Day for Motorcyclists

PICKERINGTON, OH – April 19, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – As conservation takes center stage on April 22, 2013 for Earth Day, the American Motorcyclist Association salutes motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders nationwide who do volunteer work on public land.

The AMA also salutes street riders, noting there are many environmental benefits to commuting and traveling on a motorcycle or scooter.

“For motorcyclists, every day is Earth Day,” said Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. “Off-highway riders enjoy the outdoors and respect the land, sometimes even carrying out other people’s trash from remote areas. Street riders — whether on a motorcycle or a scooter — have a positive impact on the environment and their rides result in a more enjoyable, less-congested experience for all road users.”

Every year, thousands of off-highway riders and employees of motorcycle-related companies roll up their sleeves to restore and maintain forest areas by planting trees, cutting brush, picking up trash and donating tens of thousands of man-hours or more to those efforts.

Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. employees alone have restored more than 12 acres of forest land over the past five years at the San Bernardino National Forest in California. AMA member Robert Langley, who recently received the AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award, was hailed by the Washington state Department of Natural Resources as one of its top volunteers statewide in 2012 for donating up to 1,000 hours of work a year.

When it comes to street riding, a typical motorcycle can provide fuel mileage that exceeds that of most fuel-efficient automobiles. Many motorcycles return more than 50 miles per gallon, and many scooters can deliver nearly twice that. In addition to using less fuel, motorcycles require less oil and other chemicals to operate. And the recent introduction of electric motorcycles provides an added benefit for the environment.

Motorcycles take up less space than cars and trucks both during operation, and when parked. They reduce traffic congestion and, in so doing, help increase the efficiency of traffic flow on the road.

Significantly fewer raw materials are utilized to produce motorcycles and scooters compared to cars and trucks. By some measures, it requires thousands of pounds less metal and plastic per vehicle to produce a motorcycle. The environmental benefits are realized both during production, as well as at the end of the vehicle’s useful life.

Because motorcycles and scooters are so much more compact and lighter than cars and trucks, they cause far less wear and tear on the highways, reducing the cost and environmental impact of infrastructure repairs. In addition, because of their size, many more motorcycles can be transported from factory to consumer using the same or less energy.

“When you add it all up, there is no question: If everyone rode motorcycles, the planet would be a greener, less congested place,” Dingman said. “And just as important, more of us would experience the thrill and freedom that motorcycles provide. Riding is not just easy on your bank account and the planet, riding is a fun, and often a social activity that simply makes life more enjoyable.”

Those interested in coming along for the ride are encouraged to visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Riding > Getting Started for more information about the benefits of motorcycling.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

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AIMExpo Announces Powersports Business as Official Education Partner

Powersports Business to manage Powersports Business Institute @ AIMExpo

IRVINE, CA – April 16, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), in conjunction with publisher EPG Media and its Powersports Business (PSB) franchise, announced today that Powersports Business will manage the education program at the inaugural AIMExpo.

Powersports Business has a long and successful history of providing powersports dealers with educational seminars and events that are geared toward improving a dealership’s bottom line. For the industry-centric Powersports Business Institute @ AIMExpo, Powersports Business editors will develop educational tracks that will provide dealers with a range of curriculum that adds value to their experience at AIMExpo.

“We’re looking forward to working with AIMExpo to provide dealers with a comprehensive educational program through the Powersports Business Institute @ AIMExpo,” said Amy Collins, Powersports Business Group Publisher. “Our editorial content not only reaches dealers in print and online, but in person as well. We have a history of providing dealers with educational topics that inspire growth, and it’s an honor to have that responsibility at the inaugural AIMExpo.”

Powersports Business will also be involved with education initiatives during AIMExpo’s consumer days and will tap into the resources of its sister publications Rider and Thunder Press to facilitate consumer-oriented educational sessions that will be ongoing on the show floor.

“We’re excited to be partnering with EPG Media and its multiple publications and electronic media to bring an innovative and robust educational program to AIMExpo,” said Kerry Graeber, Marketing Director, Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group. “Our research has indicated that there is real demand for a new approach to trade, dealer and consumer education and together with Powersports Business we are going to ensure that we are responding to this very clear request from the industry.”

Graeber added that Powersports Business is the ideal partner to help build the industry standard in powersports education. “We’re looking forward to bringing this initiative forward with PSB,” said Graeber. “PSB is synonymous with quality education and is in sync with dealer needs.”

AIMExpo will be held Oct. 16-20, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit the AIMExpoUSA.com website, and keep up to date on the continued progress by visiting AIMExpo’s social media pages. “Like” the AIMExpo page on Facebook, and “Follow” on Twitter: @AIMExpo.

About American International Motorcycle Expo

The American International Motorcycle Expo’s purpose is to serve as the catalyst to bring together industry, press, dealers and consumers in a single arena that creates a grand stage for motorcycling in the U.S. and North America, and delivers an efficient and energetic market-timed expo platform for B2B and B2C in the motorcycle industry. AIMExpo is the single most important show of its type in the North American market and will have international impact within the motorcycling community.

About Marketplace Events

AIMExpo is produced by Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group, the newest division of recognized industry leader Marketplace Events. MPE connects enthusiasts with experts, products and services in dynamic face-to-face environments. From 14 offices in North America the 115-person MPE staff produces 34 consumer shows annually attracting 15,000 exhibitors, million attendees and another 1.5 million unique web visitors. www.marketplaceevents.com

About Powersports Business

Powersports Business, a publication of EPG Media, through its industry-leading multi-media brand, delivers authoritative, timely information, best practices and key business metrics that help powersports professionals succeed. Powersports Business communicates market intelligence to help its customers run stronger, more profitable businesses through its magazine, e-newsletter, digital offerings and events. EPG also publishes Thunder Press and Rider magazines. www.powersportsbusiness.com

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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)

BMW Group U.S. Reports February 2013 Sales

BMW Motorcycle sales down 2.7 percent

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ – March 1, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -

BMW Motorrad Sales: BMW Motorrad USA reported sales of 842 motorcycles in February, a decrease of 2.7 percent from the total of 865 motorcycles sold in February 2012.

February’s performance included growth from the F 700 GS, up 24.3 percent with sales of 51 units compared to 41 a year ago while the recently introduced F 800 GT and C 650 GT maxi scooter contributed strongly with 38 and 60 units respectively.

Motorcycle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, February 2013

	February 2013	February 2012	%	YTD Feb. 2013	YTD Feb. 2012	%
BMW Motorcycles	842	865	-2.7	1,439	1,409	2.1

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 115 MINI passenger car dealers, and 34 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:  www.bmwgroupna.com

SOURCE: BMW of North America, LLC

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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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