Motorcycles and news

“We believe Cleveland County and the greater Charlotte area are a perfect fit for Indian Motorcycle Company and we’re proud to call this area home,” said Indian Chairman, Stephen Julius. “We are in the heart of our nation’s powersports industry, with access to design, engineering and mechanical talent, world-class suppliers, motorsport education centers and year-round motorcycle riding weather. In addition, this area provides us with economic advantages, including a low overall cost of doing business, which was aided by a strong incentive package provided by Cleveland County and by the State of North Carolina.”

The announcement of the factory site marks the official re-launch of Indian Motorcycle Company, America’s oldest and most iconic motorcycle brand, founded in 1901. In preparation for Indian’s re-launch, management has spent considerable time over the last two years researching the American motorcycle market and learning from the successes and failures of other market entrants. In particular, Indian has studied the tremendous growth of Harley-Davidson from near-bankruptcy in the early 1980’s to a multi-billion dollar success story today. However, Indian is intent on slowly carving out its own niche in the large and growing heavyweight cruiser motorcycle market. There is a considerable consumer base for a premium line of motorcycles under the Indian Motorcycle brand, which has an almost cult-like status amongst many consumers. The company will focus on supplying genuine, American made, motorcycles which are beautifully designed, made of the highest quality materials, reliable and supported by a qualified dealer network.

Over the next 12 months, Indian will focus on design, engineering and testing activities, with the objective of introducing the famed Indian Chief motorcycle in the second half of 2007. To head up its product development team, Indian has hired Geoffrey Burgess, a world-renowned motorcycle engineer and product development expert. Geoff was most recently the Chief Technology Officer at Global Motorsports Group (”GMG”), owner of Custom Chrome, a provider of parts and accessories to the American V-twin motorcycle market. Prior to GMG, Geoff was head of product development at S&S Cycle, Inc., a leading V-twin engine manufacturing company, where he drove product innovation and process improvement to new levels. Prior to joining S&S, Geoff was the first employee and Chief Engineer at the Victory Motorcycle division of Polaris Industries, Inc., in Roseau, Minnesota. Geoff has also served in various senior engineering capacities at General Motors, Bombardier Recreational Products (Valcourt, Quebec), BSA-Triumph Motorcycles and Norton-Villiers Motorcycle Group. “Having Geoff on our team is a big win for Indian(R),” commented Indian President, David Wright. “His breadth and depth of knowledge of the American motorcycle market is impressive and his technical capabilities unsurpassed. He has outstanding powertrain and chassis design and development experience which we will put to good use. He is the perfect person for this role.”

Mr. Burgess commented, “I know that the executive management of Indian understand the importance of product development, engineering and testing to current industry OEM standards. I have been very impressed with their thoughtful and long-term approach to this exciting opportunity.”

Indian is presently seeking to expand its team of engine and chassis engineers, technicians and CAD designers. “Our team will focus on design, quality, craftsmanship and service,” commented Mr. Wright. “Indian remains among the most powerful brands in the U.S. motorcycle market, and our team is committed to re-building the extraordinary legend of Indian(R).” In the first half of 2007, Indian will begin the process of developing a small but highly qualified network of motorcycle dealers who understand and appreciate the heritage of Indian and recognize the growth potential of this opportunity.

Chris-Craft today announced it will be expanding its operations by opening a second production facility in Kings Mountain, N.C. Kings Mountain is located in Cleveland County, just west of Charlotte, N.C. The new facility is 215,000 square feet and sits on 85 acres. The company will transfer its production of yachts from 33 to 40 feet to the new facility. Currently, these models are built in Sarasota, where the company is headquartered.