zx9r
Expert Class
Posts: 227
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posted January 28, 2002 12:56 PM
very interesting.......
Kawasaki Denies Sportbike Clone Rumor
by Dirck Edge
Responding quickly to a rumor published by MotorcycleNews of England on its website, and repeated on at least one U.S.-based website, Kawasaki issued
a press release denying that there will be re-badging of Suzuki products in the "SuperSport" category. Specifically, MCN reported that next year's Kawasaki
ZX-7R would likely be a Suzuki GSX-R750 with new body work. Kawasaki vows to protect its independent brand and heritage.
The following press release from Kawasaki also gives some additional information about the nature of the relationship with Suzuki.
IRVINE, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2002)---Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.(KMC), the consumer products marketing arm of Japan-based
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.(KHI), will soon provide additional information on the announced alliance between KHI and
Suzuki Motor Corp. to its U.S. dealer network. The alliance-created to allow the two brands to share certain production platforms,
related sourcing, and engage in selected product co-development-was announced last August and will begin to take form by the
middle of this year.
According to Bob Shepard, KMC Executive Vice President, the alliance planning is "moving along as was anticipated and will,
when all details are finalized, be recognized as a significant contributor to the dealer group's growth opportunities beginning in
2002."
Shepard indicated that the initial benefit of the alliance-which is similar to business models employed in the automotive
industry-will be in the dealers' ability to offer a broadened product line, specifically in regards to off-road and dual-purpose
motorcycles, and the fast-growing all-terrain vehicle segment. He said Kawasaki dealers will be able to offer consumers branded
youth and sport ATVs, as well as additional small and mid-sized motorcycles.
"There has been speculation from uninformed sources regarding the extent to which the alliance will affect other segments, and this
is unfortunate. When the announcement was first made in Japan, the two companies were very clear that certain models-such as
super sports motorcycles-would not fall under the alliance umbrella," said Shepard. He reiterated that and stressed the importance
of this strategic business relationship for both brands as they compete in an increasingly global environment.
It is expected that Suzuki will issue similar details of the arrangement to its U.S. dealer group in conjunction with Kawasaki's
impending notification. Their announcement will detail the product expansions to the Suzuki line that the alliance generates.
Kawasaki will continue to build on the existing equity in its brand and its individual model name recognition, and will focus on
offering consumers the widest-possible choice in product selection. This will, according to Shepard, be a key component in
enhancing profitability for Kawasaki dealers in the future. At the same time, he said, consumers will ultimately be in a position to
make the best purchase decisions, and will be able to strengthen their relationships with Kawasaki dealerships which will be
positioned to better serve buyers' needs.
The two brands are expected to combine some development efforts to take advantage of efficiencies that otherwise would be
absorbed independently, and would necessarily extend the time in bringing new products to market. This is seen as a benefit to
consumers who will be able to purchase a broader range of new and updated units that maintain the uniqueness inherent to each
brand.
"Kawasaki has a proud heritage and this alliance gives us the support needed to continue to build on it as we move forward," said
Shepard. "The entire arrangement is predicated on allowing the brands to maintain their respective character and simultaneously
increase the impact they have in an increasingly competitive marketplace," he concluded.
The exact timing for Kawasaki's notification to its dealer network will be based on finalization of specific program elements still
under consideration.
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted January 28, 2002 01:45 PM
MCN pulled the article
Since this "unoin" was first touted as just relating to a stanardation of parts (i.e. turn signal switches and such) and now has possibly advanced to the swapping of some dirt bikes... I don't trust ANYTHING they say right now.
Many dealers I've spoken with seem to say the same. Some real "high up" KMC executives have been makin' the rounds to the dealers, IN PERSON, to ensure then that "great things are coming" but very vague on what they are. All this was BEFORE the MCN article.
So sportbike technology won't be shared? I guess that means that we'll be looking at a 2003 ZX-7R Model P8. Eight years without a single change. It's bad enough that KHI/KMC didn't get the message when the dealer orders for the P7 (and even the P6) dropped off to nothing.
If economics has caused them to do little R&D in the 7R, they might as well do like Honda and just put the 7R out of it's misery.
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There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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