Vietnam motorcycle sector gets timely boost

By Stephen Moore
Published: July 25th, 2011


Vietnamese motorcycle production grew by 14% in 2010 to reach 3.51 million units making it the world's fourth largest motorcycle market behind only China, India and Indonesia. Further, year-to-date growth of 13.2% has been recorded in 2011. Buoyed by this strong growth, Honda (Hamamatsu, Japan) has committed to building its third motorcycle plant in the country.

Vietnamese motorcycle market continues to fly forward.

The average scooter employs approximately 3-4 kg of polypropylene (PP) and a similar quantity of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) so this additional production capacity in Vietnam is good news for local molders.

Honda began motorcycle production in Vietnam in 1997 and by 2011, reached total annual production capacity of 2 million units. Honda has an overall 50% share of the local market and a 64% share of the market for motorcycles manufactured by foreign-invested manufacturers; there are four of them. Honda's operations in Vietnam are a joint venture with Vietnam Engine Agricultural Machinery Corporation (VEAM).

The addition of the third Honda plant will further increase the company's annual production capacity to 2.5 million units when it becomes operational in the second half of 2012 in Ha Nam Province, approximately 40 kilometers south of Hanoi. The new plant will be built with an investment of $120 million.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Motorcycles have been an integral part of people's daily lives in Vietnam, and further expansion of the market is forecasted as the economy continues to grow. Market watcher IMA Asia (Singapore) forecasts GDP growth to average 7.3% per annum through to 2015 and it could be higher save for weak fiscal and monetary policy that has driven inflation up to 20% per annum and place continued pressure on the Vietnamese Dong. "80% of transactions in Vietnam are conducted with the U.S. dollar," says IMA Asia director Richard Martin. "And three or four time a year, a gap opens up between the official and black market rates forcing the government to devalue." Martin notes that the Dong is the only weak currency in Asia at present.-mpweditorial@ubm.com
http://www.plasticstoday.com/articles/vietnam-motorcycle-sector-gets-timely-boost-07262011a

Mini building a electric sccoter

the mini scooter e, as it is called, was unveiled. the electric scooter
was designed by bmw director of design adrian van hooydonk and will make its debut at the end of the month. the scooter charges through a plug-in system and features a docking station for smartphones which also serves as the key to start the engine. special software on the device then acts as a GPS system for the scooter and also
notifies users when other mini scooter riders are nearby. 3 models of the scooter e will be released with the other two to be seen at the upcoming paris auto show.

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/16/view/11624/mini-scooter-e-concept.html

Electric and Hybrid Motor Cycle

Green Lite Motors first vehicle is a 100MPG, fully-enclosed, hybrid, 3-wheeled, 2-passenger, 85mph vehicle. The vehicle is designed especially for commuters in metropolitan areas.
-One rear wheel and two front wheels.
Power: Gas engine and electric motor. The hybrid configuration leverages both power plants to deliver:
Efficiency in stop and go traffic, and regenerative braking.
Long range and freeway cruising.
-Sport mode for quick performance (gas and electric power together).
-Driver and passenger are protected by a steel roll cage, 4-point safety harnesses, seat backs, and front airbags. Passenger sits behind driver (tandem seating).
-Unique design lets the driver lean the vehicle smoothly into turns for confident cornering, like a motorcycle.
- Vehicle will include heat, A/C, and a sound system.
check out the video of it driving about 2 minutes in-
http://www.greenlitemotors.com/overview3minutevideo.html

Scooter Cannonball Run 2010

One of our own is participating this year...

The details:
Scooter Cannonball Run 2010
What:

The Scooter Cannonball Run is a coast to coast endurance event for scooters up to 252cc. It is a test of both rider and machine that covers over 3000 miles and takes in some of the best motorcycle roads on the North American continent. It will be run as a time/distance/regularity rally where points are awarded based on miles completed and the ability to maintain the standard pace.
Where:

The Scooter Cannonball Run 2010 will travel from Vancouver, BC to Portland ME.
When:

It starts Thursday, September 9th and ends Saturday, September 18th, with 10 days worth of riding across North America in between
Why:

Your reasons are your reasons. Some ride for charity, some to prove they can do it, some to "win" and others just to see the country.

http://www.scootercannonball.com/

Zero Race Updated Day 16

Yes, this is the reality of getting around on 2 wheels- dealing with rain...

However, thought this was an interesting comment from Dr Julianna Priskin © Zero Race GmbH

"But! We were impressed with all the petrol stations we visited, as they all let us charge, and they were all equipped with outside power outlets. This is something we hardly ever saw in Western Europe."

http://194.209.171.61/zero-race/wordpress/?p=489

Moped Music Video

New favorite video and song---
Video for "Throw a Kit" Performed by Hollywood Holt featuring Million Dollar Mano. The video was shot, directed, and edited by Thunder Horse (Taran Allen, Alex Gvojic).

Check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_kIUSr7-is&feature=player_embedded#!

Hollywood Holt is from the Northside of Chicago. He has been rapping for 5 years, and is really excited in sharing his talents with everyone. In addition to perfecting his rap skills, Holt enjoys riding his moped with his moped crew Murder Club.
Holt’s main producer is Mano, though he does work with featured artists, such as Davidthemaker.

Scooter Racing In The Pacific Northwest

Pat's Acres looks like a great track to try---
We found this site---There is still time to check out the last two races of the season.

http://pacificscooterracing.com/

Race 6 Sept. 5th Vancouver, GMR
Race 7 Oct 16th & 17th Portland, PARC