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NEWS
BRIEFS
Central Powersports Distribution of Watertown , SD has completed the latest stage of its transfer of operations , moving all Rieju and GasGas Legacy parts to its new office and warehouse location in Marshall , TX . CPD specializes in importing motorcycles from Europe . In addition to Rieju and Torrot in Spain , CPD imports SWM select models from Italy and the Portuguese AJP line .
Ducati has introduced its first carbonframe electric mountain bike ( e-MTB ), the 2024 Powerstage RR Limited Edition . Based on a Shimano EP801 drive unit , premium features include Öhlins front and rear suspension .
GM and Samsung are to JV a $ 3bn EV battery cell plant investment - likely in Indiana . This follows a January announcement that GM had decided not to move ahead with a fourth such facility in Indiana in partnership with LG . The facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2026 , creating 1,700 manufacturing jobs .
The MIC says that space at the 2024 AIMExpo ( Las Vegas , February 6-8 ) is selling at a " record pace ". As at late June it reports that the " tremendous momentum from this year ' s AIMExpo has given us a boost in planning for 2024 ," with " more than a dozen OEs ( including 10-year exhibitor Suzuki ), three distributors including Tucker Powersports and Parts Unlimited , and over 175 companies already committed . This far out from the show , we ' ve sold more floor space than we ever have during the past decade ."
Goodyear Confirms Avon Chrome Tire to Remain in Production
According to a news release finally issued by new parent company Goodyear , Avon Tyres , " one of the motorcycle industry ' s longest-established tire brands ", will receive a " fresh focus as part of the wider Goodyear group of brands ". Goodyear acquired the prior Avon parent company Cooper Tire last year . Until recently , the only news to have been released was simply that the workforce at the historic Melksham , Wiltshire , England factory was largely being " let go " and that manufacturing at what was one of the world ' s oldest tire factories would finally be brought to an end after more than 100 years - certainly in motorcycle tire manufacturing terms . However , there had been no indication if the brand would continue to exist , or if so , where Avon motorcycle tires would be made in the future , and for which market sectors . Having incorporated Avon " into its family " in 2022 , Goodyear says it is " looking ahead to the future with a reinvigorated approach to the Avon brand . " Now sitting alongside the Dunlop brand in Europe , the incorporation of Avon into Goodyear ' s portfolio gives European bikers an even more comprehensive offering than before , with industry-leading products across all sectors of the motorcycle market . " The new , more focused , Avon range includes the Cobra Chrome tire for cruiser and custom bikes , as well as the popular Roadrider MKII which sits as a
Goodyear says that the Avon Chrome custom motorcycle tire will remain in production ( somewhere !).
complementary offering alongside Dunlop ' s strong sports touring range . " Furthermore , Avon will continue to produce the 3D SUPERSPORT hypersport tire , Spirit ST and Streetrunner sport touring products , Trailrider and Trekrider for adventure use , Safety Mileage MKII and Speedmaster MKII classic designs , and the Viper Stryke for scooters . " This focus on key designs ensures the Avon brand still offers riders its
most popular products , sitting as a strong partner offering alongside the Dunlop range , which covers everything from off-road to hypersport tires and everything in between ." Goodyear ' s long-term strategy for its two famous motorcycle tire brands focuses on further developing its motorcycle centre of excellence in Montlucon , France ," where many of the premium products in the Dunlop range are currently developed alongside World Championship level racing tires for Moto2 and the FIM Endurance
World Championship ." Ben Hoge , General Manager , Motorcycle Europe , Goodyear , stated : " Dunlop and Avon have proud histories and exciting futures . The ranges are highly complementary and meaningfully differentiated , so this gives us the opportunity to offer a wider selection of tires , with one of the youngest product portfolios in the industry , to the trade and riders alike . " As we plan for 2024 and beyond , we will reveal new product lines , technology upgrades and clear market positioning for both brands ." In addition to this continued commitment to motorcycle tires , Goodyear states that the Avon brand " will remain a key part of Goodyear ' s portfolio in the passenger vehicle segment ." For the record - Goodyear says it is " one of the world ' s largest tire companies , employing about 74,000 people and manufacturing its products in 57 facilities in 23 countries around the world , with ' Innovation Centers ' in Akron , Ohio , and Colmar-Berg , Luxembourg ."
Tire production has ended at Avon ' s historic Melksham , Wiltshire , England factory after some 120 years .