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BIZ BRIEFS
Honda ' s Q4 and full year 22 / 23 financial results ( the 12 months to March 31 , 2023 ) put motorcycle segment revenue at + 33.00 % ( approx . € 20bn ). Worldwide PTW unit shipments of Honda badged machines from its wholly owned and JV / subsidiary factory network were up over + 10 % at over 18m . Sales in Asian markets were up by 10.4 % ( 16.1m units ), Indonesia was + 15.7 % ( approx . 4.5m units ); India was + 16 % ( some 2.4m units ). European sales were + 9.5 % ( 347,000 units ) and North America was + 5 % ( 459,000 units ). Sales in Japan were essentially flat year-on-year at some 246,000 units . Operating profit from Honda ' s motorcycle business segment was up by + 56.9 % at around € 3.35bn , with operating margin of some 16.8 % ( 14.3 % in 21 / 22 ). For 23 / 24 Honda is forecasting growth of around 25 % for European unit sales to over 430,000 .
South Korean steel maker Posco Holdings and Honda have announced that they are " exploring a comprehensive partnership toward the realisation of carbon neutrality ". They will collaborate on areas such as batteries ( procurement of key battery materials such as cathodes / anodes ); recycling ( expanded use of recycled materials to establish a closedloop recycling system ); automotive steel sheet ( ultra-high tensile steel sheet for lighter vehicles and lower manufacturing emissions ) and electric steel sheet ( for the mass production of drive motors for the e-Axle , electric axle drive ).
Kawasaki ' s Q4 and full year 22 / 23 financial results ( the 12 months to March 31 , 2023 ) put motorcycle segment revenue at + 32 % ( approx . € 4bn ) with worldwide unit shipments + 13 % ( 555,000 unts ) within which ' developed market ' shipments were + 13.9 % ( 237,000 units ). The United States saw a 38.4 % increase in unit shipments at around 119,000 units , but Europe was down by -5.5 % at 67,000 units . Sales in Japan and Australia were also down . Units in ' emerging markets ' were up by 12.4 % ( 318,000 ). The Philippines were up (+ 29.8 %/ 209,000 units ), Indonesia was down ( -4.4 %/ 43,000 units ); China was down ( -18.9 %/ 30,000 ). Powersports segment operating profit was + 90.7 % (€ 490m ). ATV / UTV and PWC unit shipments were + 7.4 % ( 87,000 units ). For its 23 / 24 year Kawasaki forecasts 7 % less inventory for its ' developed markets '.
Landport chosen as European Master Distributor for powerful USA made Braille XCEL-Lite lithium batteries
Dutch distributor Landport Batteries has been appointed as the European Master Distributor for the new American designed and manufactured XCEL-Lite range of lithium-ion starter batteries for motorsport applications from Braille Battery , Inc . of Florida . " Boasting over two decades of experience , Braille is a globally recognised market leader in delivering the best starting solutions for all facets of the motorsport and tuning industries . With championship wins in F1 , Nascar , IndyCar , Le Mans , DTM , World Rallycross and WRC , Braille has a proud history of being the preferred battery supplier to high profile race car manufacturers globally . " The company name , Braille , reflects the concept that the advantages of weight reduction in racing are sometimes only felt , not seen . The ' New ' XCEL-Lite range for Europe offers a wide range of capacities and options for all motorsport and tuning starter requirements ". Braille Global Sales Director Oliver Fall told IDN : '' I am delighted with the appointment of Landport B . V . as our distribution partner for Europe . Part of the Louwman Group , Landport is the ideal fit for Braille Battery , having thirty years of experience in being the customers ' choice of battery in many market sectors in Europe . " At Braille Battery , we are very proud of our championship-winning pedigree and pride ourselves in being the preferred battery supplier to high profile race car manufacturers globally .'' For Landport Batteries , Commercial Director Tim de Zwart added : " We too are proud to have been selected for this exclusive co-operation for Europe in this high-end market with Braille Battery . " Proven to be the best manufacturer for lithium starter batteries in the motorsport and tuning markets , it proves that Landport is a real battery specialist , covering all different markets . Together we ' re sure we will make this agreement a big success !" With a capacity range of 10Ah - 50Ah ( 12V ) and various case size options , the XCEL-Lite range is " engineered to meet the requirements of high compression and highly tuned engines ," says Tim . " The Braille XCEL- Lite range is a unique and uniquely
powerful series of high-performance lithium-ion starter batteries that are designed specifically to provide enormous cranking amps while still remaining ultra-lightweight ." " These batteries deliver exceptional starting capacity and provide tremendous weight savings over traditional lead-acid battery technologies ," says Oliver Fall . " In fact , they last up to 3-5 times longer than lead-acid batteries ( AGM ), making them a smart investment for any racing team or high-performance enthusiast - with all the benefits of their lighter weight ." The XCEL-Lite range is designed to fit original equipment replacement sizing , ensuring a hassle-free installation process . They are also engineered to provide excellent resistance to shock and vibration , ensuring reliable performance in even the most demanding conditions . " Braille takes great pride in its handcrafted manufacturing process , which takes place in the USA . This allows it to maintain the highest levels of quality control and ensures that every battery it produces meets its rigorous standards ." Oliver added that " in addition to their impressive performance capabilities , the XCEL-Lite range also features low self-discharge rates , making them an excellent choice for out-of-season storage . This allows users to store their battery for extended periods of time without worrying about it losing its charge ." www . landportbv . com www . braillebattery . com
12 INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE / JULY 2023 www . idnmag . com