Kodewa Performance Motorcycles has unveiled its Lotus C-01 superbike, sporting a 200 hp V-twin and a curb weight of 181 kg. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
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+ Paice LLC of Baltimore has filed suit against Ford Motor Co., claiming infringement upon its hybrid and electric vehicle patents. More at The Detroit News.
+ Porsche has recalled all 785 copies of the 2014 911 GT3 to correct a fire hazard, directing owners not to drive them until the problem is identified. More at NBC News.
+ Troy-based supplier NS International will invest up to $6 million in the former Magna International Inc. offices on Wilshire Drive. More at Crain’s Detroit Business.
+ Bernie Ecclestone has won his multi-million pound British court case with German media company Constantin Medien. More at the UK Guardian.
+ General Motors could post a 10 percent sales gain in China this year, says Matt Tsien, president of the company’s China operations. More at Bloomberg.com.
+ Ford Motor Co. has parted ways with TV presenter and pitchman Mike Rowe, former host of Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel. More at Advertising Age.
+ Incoming PSA Peugeot Citroen CEO Carlos Tavares says the company will execute a sharp turnaround with backing from Chinese partner Dongfeng. More at Reuters.
+ Chrysler’s Ram Truck brand says the new EcoDiesel version of the 1500 pickup sold out its first 8,000-unit production run in three days. More at MLive.
+ USAC 1973 Sprint Car champion and Midwestern racing legend Rollie Beale has passed away at 84. More at Racer.
+ Kodewa Performance Motorcycles has debuted the Lotus C-01 superbike, projecting a production run of 100 units. More at Motorcyclist.
For the previous Executive Briefing from February 17, click here.
I would be curious to know if Mike Rowe dropped Ford or if Ford dropped Mike Rowe.
And that Lotus motorcycle is a real looker, however I would probably have to cash in my 401K if I were to actually buy one.
From Rowe’s statements I gather that Ford dropped him. Since the TV show was killed, Rowe has taken some extreme, controversial, and vocal political positions that are not really compatible with being a corporate spokesperson. I don’t believe Ford fired him for that, exactly–more like he knew that ship had already sailed when he decided to go political.
I’m not sure what to make of the bike. On one hand it’s styling is sporty rather than cruiserish, yet on the other it seems to have a ridiculously long wheelbase and steering rake. I guess it would be like a lazy handling cruiser that gives you a backache and sore wrists…
Just read the specs on the magazine site. Definitely one of the dumbest bikes I’ve ever seen.
Curiously perhaps, luxurious ride is one of the manufacturer’s talking points.