ROGER ETCELL has joined Bonhams motorcycle department as a consultant specialising in Japanese and modern machines. After leaving Honda as head of the motorcycle division, Etcell opened his own motorcycle retail business in north London to become Honda’s first ever solus retailer. He later also took on Ducati and Triumph franchises. More recently, he was a director at Silverstone race circuit before setting up his own consultancy with clients including the RAC, Ford and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. His company also organised the annual London - Brighton Veteran Car Run.
LUCAS HARRIS has joined the International Dirt Bike Show, recently acquired by Mortons Media, as a sales executive. Harris, 23, the son of Lester Harris of Harris Performance, will work alongside Mortons’ exhibitions manager Nick Mowbray. A competitor in motocross, enduro and trials since he was 12 years old, Harris previously worked at Jim Aim Motorcycles, the Halstead, Essex, KTM dealer.
BENNETTS INSURANCE, part of the BGL Group, has appointed BEN BLAKE (below right) as senior commercial development manager with MICHAEL FASULO (below left) reporting to him as commercial development manager. Bennetts says the appointments are pivotal to achieving ambitious growth targets set for the next three years. Blake joins from LesFurets. com, BGL’s French insurance price comparison site, where he was responsible for developing the finance function and managing commercial delivery. Fasulo joins from BGL’s Fusion Contact Centre division, where he was product operations and referrals team leader. Both will report to Matthew Long, associate director, commercial delivery.
ONTHEMOVE New in Honda hot seat
Nick Campolucci takes over at Honda as head of motorcycles on 18 March. His appointment follows the retirement last month of Steve Martindale, general manager of the motorcycle division. Previously head of dealer development for cars, motorcycles and power equipment, Campolucci joined Honda from Goodyear in 2000 as area sales manager for Wales and the Midlands. He was made head of dealer development in December 2011. Since then he has been responsible for franchising, standards, profitability and retail experience throughout Honda’s dealer network. Announcing the appointment, Honda said Campolucci’s range of experience, coupled to a strong background in motorcycles, makes him the ideal choice to lead the UK motorcycle operation. Campolucci’s replacement as dealer development manager is expected to be announced shortly. Steve Martindale had been with Honda
for 18 years, the last six of them as general manager of the motorcycle division. He had only recently resumed full time duties after suffering a heart attack last year. In a message to the Honda dealer
network, Martindale said: “Following my ill health last year I have found it increasingly difficult to cope with the stresses and energy required as general manager of Honda UK motorcycles. Therefore I have decided to take an extended break from business to recover and to prepare for new challenges outside Honda. Having been in the position for six years I wanted to thank each and every one of you for the support and camaraderie I have enjoyed. Many friendships have been formed in this, the most enjoyable job I have ever had. “There’s no doubt that we have been
through a number of changes in those six years, and I’m proud to say that Honda dealers are very well placed to face a challenging future. The Dealer Association, composite, and a strong Honda motorcycle team are my favourite achievements. This, combined with the best products Honda has produced, in my opinion the best in the industry, means the time is right for me to hand over to someone with the energy and ideas needed for the future. I’m sure I will still see many of you at events such as BSB and so it just remains for me to say thank you and all the best for the future.”
New man in the Honda hot seat, Nick Campolucci, head of motorcycles.
Steve Martindale retires after 18 years at Honda, including six as head of motorcycles.
MotoGB distributes LML scooters Harglo goes electric
MotoGB is the new distributor for Indian scooter brand LML. The Chorley, Lancashire, company, which already acts as a distributor for SYM, Benelli, Keeway, Daelim, MV Agusta and Cagiva, takes over from EP Barrus, the previous distributor of the retro-style Indian scooter based on the original PX Vespa that LML at one time made as joint venture partners with Piaggio. MotoGB is initially importing a six-model range of four-stroke and two-stroke models, five with twistgrip gear change, plus a new 125 with automatic transmission. All six have a dealer margin of 20 per cent plus five per cent settlement and come with stocking plans of up to 360 days with up to 180 days free of charges. All the scooters come with MotoGB’s Options package offering buyers a choice
of free or subsidised insurance and zero interest (£99 deposit/24 months) or 4.9 per cent (£99 deposit/36 months) finance packages. Alternatively, there is a free rider pack comprising helmet, jacket and gloves. If none of the options are taken up by the buyer, the dealer receives a registration bonus of £150 on top of the normal margin. MotoGB anticipates the new four-stroke Star 125 automatic
(right) will be one of the top sellers and an initial shipment of 200 machines is now going out to dealers. The Star Auto has an on-the-road price of £2499 against £2399 for the manual change version. Other four-strokes, all with manual change, are the Star 150 at £2699 and Star 200 at £2899. Prices are on-the-road. Two two-strokes complete the new LML line-up, the Star 125
JOBSCENE
Looking for experienced personnel? See page 55
retailing at £2199 and the Star 150 at £2499. Like the four- strokes, all have electronic ignition and electric/kick start and come with a two-year parts and labour warranty. Dealer selling aids include point-of-sale material, including new brochure, a free micro website link and a web portal for parts and warranty.
Harglo Performance has been appointed UK importer for Kuberg children’s electric motorcycles. Harglo, part of the Watsonian Squire group, has a long history with junior motorcycles and was a distributor for Malaguti prior to the Italian factory closing last year. Launched at this year’s EXPO,
retail
prices for the range start at £750 for the Start (2-5 years old). This is followed by the Trial E (5-10 years old) and the Cross, said to be the market’s first electric motocross bike for 5 to 12-year-olds. All three models are powered by inexpensive 12v sealed lead acid batteries and feature front suspension, steel frames and custom- made swing arms. A parent speed control is fitted on all models. Kuberg is based in the Czech Republic
and Harglo plans to sell 400 bikes this year through dealers with exclusive sales territories. First shipment is due this month. Harglo says that electric power is gaining popularity for children’s bikes, the obvious benefits being no noise or fumes, no kick starting, gears or hot exhausts, and low maintenance costs.
4 MARCH 2013
Business news
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