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We recently ran a story about how MV Agusta may be in financial trouble after a dismal performance in 2023. We also mentioned that MV’s CEO Timur Sardarov was adamant in not relinquishing control of the company to the giant Pierer Mobility Group (KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas). Well, news just broke that Pierer Mobility has indeed acquired a controlling stake in MV Agusta.

Pierer Mobility Group (PMG) has made clear that they wish to acquire a controlling stake in MV since their initial 25% purchase in 2020. The finalisation of the agreement sees PMG as the controlling shareholder when they issued a call option, increasing their share in MV to 50.1%.

The deal also sees a shakeup in MV’s day-to-day business. Hubert Trunkenpolz replaces Timur Sardarov as the CEO and Chairmon of the Board of Director. (Hubert is the nephew of Hans Trunkenpolz, who co-founded KTM, hence the “T” in brand’s name.) Sardarov will remain with MV in the role of Vice-Chairman. Apart from that, PMG is planning to expand MV’s headquarters at Varese, Italy.

Sadarov said:

“MV Agusta embodies passion and a unique sense of romance that captivated me, a seasoned entrepreneur, from day one. The personal challenge of guiding the company out of crisis and steering it towards success through innovative business strategies, team expansion, and new product developments has been conquered. It is an honor to play a role in shaping MV Agusta’s legacy. Over the past five years, both the company and I have evolved significantly. Our growth together is a testament to the transformative journey we’ve shared. My time with MV Agusta has been a pivotal chapter in my life, filled with mutual joys and challenges. As I continue to serve as a dedicated Vice-Chairman, I am committed to supporting the company and its ongoing success.”

So what now? It is going to really interesting to see what kind of products that this new venture will produce. KTM, for one, has stated unequivocally that they did not wish to produce anymore sportbikes since the RC8’s production ended. As for nakeds, KTM already have their bases covered with the 890 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R. In fact, KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna have covered many segments among them, more so KTM.

Or will PMG continue with putting out the existing lineup of MV Agustas?

Time will tell.

MV Agusta In Dire Straits (Again)?

When Harley-Davidson announced their returning models, two of them has received significant upgrades, namely the 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide and 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Both these models got many of the same styling, suspension and electronics upgrades, that were previously only available on the limited edition (read: expensive) CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide.

But let us talk about the Street Glide first.

Highlights of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide:
  • The heart of the Street Glide is the bigger Milwaukee-Eight 117 (that is 117 cubic inches, or 1917cc to us in the metric world).
  • The new cylinders utilise liquid-cooled heads, along with a new colling system.
  • It is a major upgrade from the previous Milwaukee-Eight 107 (1753cc).
  • The 117ci engine produces 105 hp and 176.3 Nm of torque, which is much healthier than the 86 hp for the 107ci powerplant.

  • Sure, 105 hp from 1.9 liters is not a lot, but consider the engine turning over below 1,500 RPM when cruising at 110 km/h and you will get the idea.
  • However, the 117ci engine does not have the VVT of the CVO’s 121ci (1982cc) engine.
  • Addition of a new infotainment system, with a powerful 200-watt amplifier, powering a pair of fairing-mounted speakers.

  • A huge (ok, gargantuan) 12.3-inch TFT colour touchscreen (the Apple iPad 2’s screen is 12.9-inches for comparison).
  • Riders can select riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Custom), interact with the infotainment system, etc. via the TFT screen as the analog buttons on the handlebar have been deleted.
  • Of course, H-D upgraded the bike’s styling too, to well, make it more contemporary, although the fairing retains the legendary batwing and shark nose profiles.
  • The fuel tank has a new shape.
  • The one-piece seat’s padding is improved for long-distance touring.

How much?

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide sells for USD 25,999 (RM 123,053.27), although the mind-numbing number of taxes will likely drive the price way up.

And my friends wonder why I wish I were rich…

It was a victorious first outing for the Ducati Desmo450 MX in its competitive debut in the Italian Motocross Prestige Championship.

Alessandro Lupino rode the Ducati to the MX1 class pole position on Saturday. Lupino, a former MXGP (Motocross World Championship) Champion converted the pole position to a win in the first moto (first race) on Sunday. Unfortunately, he made a bad start in the second moto (second race) to finish in 7th. The result meant that he could only secure 2nd overall.

There is understandably a lot of vibe surrounding the Ducati Desmo450 MX. The Italian factory was able to “lure” former MXGP legend Antonio “Toni” Cairoli over from his long-time home, KTM to act as the development and test rider.

Also, the bike is an effort to diversify into another segment different from the expensive sport-oriented bikes they are synonymous with. We can look forward to a Ducati MX bike, and sure enough, an enduro in the coming years.

Apart from that, the single-cylinder 450cc engine is an interesting development, again, moving away from their multi-cylinder offerings.

It has to be said that Ducati is hot on the heels of another European factory – Triumph – in building dirtbikes. However, the latter’s TF 250-X is a 250cc machine and is now racing in the American Supercross series. It had achieved great results in its opening race, as well. Additionally, the Triumph is already on sale.

As expected, new vehicle sales dipped in February 2024 compared to January 2024.

According to the Automotive Association of Malaysia (AAM), there were 62,833 units sold in February 2024, compared to 65,499 in January 2024. It was a 4% decrease, due to the shorter month and shorter working days following the Chinese New Year holiday.

Of that number, 57,979 were passenger vehicles, while another 4,584 were commercial vehicles. When compared to the same period last year, a total of 56,443 passenger vehicles, and 7,128 commercial vehicles were sold.

Total sales as of February 2024 were 128,332 units, which is 13 percent higher than 113,729 units in the same period in 2023.

In terms of manufacturing, vehicle production rose 3% to 65,611 in February 2024 compared to 63,798 in February 2023.

Of that number, 61,935 units were passenger vehicles (up 3 percent from 59,843 units in the same month last year), while the remaining 3,676 units were commercial vehicles (down 7 percent from the previous 3,955 units).

New vehicle sales are expected to increase in March 2024, following fast deliveries by the company as the financial year will end on March 31, 2024, as well as various Hari Raya Aidilfitri promotional campaigns.

Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Racing Team and Hafizh Syahrin took their inaugural podium finish in the FIM Asia Motorcycle Championship (ARRC) 2024, thereby achieving their hopes, yesterday. The first ARRC 2024 round took place at the Buriram International Circuit, Thailand.

Hafizh who rode a Ducati V4 R in the Asian Superbike 1000cc (ASB1000) class made up for the disappointment of failing to finish in Race 1 on Saturday. He had to withdraw due to technical problems on his motorcycle.

Regardless, he was able to ride consistently in Race 2. He was also able to lead the race at one stage, but was overtaken by Indonesian rider Andi Farid Izdihar (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) to finish the race as the winner.

Andi’s teammate from Thailand, Nakarin Atiratphuvapa crossed the finish line in third place. Yuki Kunii (SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Philippines), and another Malaysian rider, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (TKKR BMW Racing Team) rounded out the top five.

The first race witnessed Azlah Shah’s amazing performance. He had started from 7th place on the grid and was able to overtake every rider in front of him until catching he caught the leader Nakarin who was already quite far ahead. Azlan then overtook Nakarin on the 9th lap and led until the end of the race.

Behind Azlan, Andi was able to overtake Nakarin for second place, while the Malaysian rider, Md. Zaqhwan Zaidi (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) jumped to third place.

FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2024, ASB1000 Overall Standings

(Top 5)

Pelumba Pasukan Mata
1. Andi Farid Izdihar (INA) Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo 45
2. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (MAS) TKKR BMW Racing Team 36
3. Nakarin Atiratphuvapa (THA) Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo 27
4. Md. Zaqhwan Zaidi (MAS) Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo 26
5. Yuki Kunii (JPN) (SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Philippines) 26

 

Eight luxury vehicles estimated to be worth around RM6 million were seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). All vehicles are owned by individuals who are allegedly involved in tobacco, alcohol and cigarette smuggling syndicates.

The vehicles consisted of two Lamborghinis, two Toyotas, and one Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo each.

The vehicles were seized in a special operation around the Klang Valley carried out by MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division, since last Monday in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

“The vehicles were seized from several individuals who held positions as company owners as well as middlemen who bribed officials in an enforcement agency,” according to MACC sources.

The syndicate is suspected of money laundering by using licensed money lending companies, money changers, and ‘ghost company’ business accounts.

The syndicate’s smuggling activities are believed to have caused the loss of tax revenue estimated at more than RM400 million.

They are also suspected of giving more than RM8 million in bribes to several individuals including civil servants to launch smuggling activities.

MACC AML Director, Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed the seizure of the vehicles and the arrested individuals were investigated under Section 17(a) and Section 17(b) of the MACC Act 2009.

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