2015 Currie Technologies Press Kit
Transcription
2015 Currie Technologies Press Kit
2015 Currie Technologies Press Kit (Haibike, eFlow and IZIP eBikes) Components: Backgrounder Staff Biographies 2015 Key Product Descriptions Press Releases Company Backgrounder In 2014, the profile of North American eBike users runs the gamut from recreational users wanting to ride again after a long hiatus, to urban commuters, to hardcore cycling enthusiasts looking to add something a little different to their varied riding experiences. The eBike offerings from Currie Technologies are designed to meet the needs of every category of rider. Currie Technologies, a division of Accell North America, is a pioneer in the U.S. eBike market and sister company to Raleigh and LaPierre, which also manufactures eBikes. Currie is the exclusive distributor of Germany’s Haibike e-bikes, Swiss-designed eFlow, and designs and sells its own eBikes under the brand name IZIP. Currie’s offerings meet every rider’s need with a comprehensive and growing product line, available at all possible price points: • • • Haibike delivers premium and technologically superior eBikes to performanceminded consumers, on and off road eFlow targets transportation solution-seekers with intermediately priced commuter eBikes IZIP offers a wide range of quality electric bicycle solutions for many different riding styles, all at affordable price points Haibike 2014 marked Haibike’s debut in North America with seven models from its Xduro family of electric bikes, including the award-winning Xduro Nduro mountain bike. Pleased with its initial success, in February 2015 Haibike U.S.A nearly doubles its offerings with six additional models, three of which were previously available in Europe, such as the Race drop handlebar road bike, and brand-new models such as a fatbike and a lower price point version of its award-winning Nduro Pro all-mountain bike. Notably, pavement bike offerings increase from two to five models in 2015, and mountain bike offerings have grown from five to eight, covering every discipline from XC to soft terrain. Haibike’s MSRPs range from $4,000 to $9,100. Backed by the service and support of the Electric Bike Competence Center (EBCC), and powered by industry-leading Bosch centerdrive performance systems, Haibike’s full range of sport, performance, road, and mountain electric bikes brings a pioneering new level the U.S in 2015. eFlow 1 Swiss-designed eFlow, a performance commuting eBike, has the distinction of being the first electric bicycle brand ever to receive a prestigious Gold Product Design Award from the iF International Forum of Hanover, Germany (2012). In 2015, eFlow offers two models: the SRAM-outfitted E3 Nitro for $4,200 and the Shimanoequipped E3 Flight for $3,700. The Nitro and Flight feature 500W hub motors, powered by a seat-tube-integrated lithiumion battery. In an increasingly green-laned world, these road warriors offer urban commuters nimble yet solid performance and a range of four pedal assisted or throttlepowered options and top pedal-assist speeds of up to 28mph. IZIP IZIP is the only brand of electric bikes with full category diversification. From commuters, cruisers and cargo bikes to full-suspension, trail and touring models, IZIP covers every riding option for leisure, trails and pavement at affordable price points. In 2015, user interface, frame and component upgrades are implemented throughout the line, increasing ease of use, enhancing rider comfort, and refining product quality. Pricing ranges from $2,150 to $4,500. Moreover, in 2015 IZIP’s lineup grows to nine unique models that guarantee fun for every kind of ride, backed with the marketing and technical support of ANA’s EBCC. 2 Biographies of Key Staff Larry Pizzi President, Currie Technologies Managing Director, Electric Bike Competence Center, North America Since 2005, Larry Pizzi has been the President of Currie Technologies, an Accell North America company. He joined the company in 2002 from Schwinn/GT. Currie, a leading US developer and distributor of electric bicycles, has grown significantly under his leadership. Pizzi is also the managing director of the newly created (April 2014) Electric Bike Competence Center, North America (EBCCNA). The EBCC-NA, modeled after its successful counterpart in Europe (EBCC-EU), provides retailers with best practices in selling systems, technical training, technical support, after-sale service and repair, spare parts distribution and lithium battery pack testing and services. Prior to joining Currie and getting involved with electric bicycles, Pizzi’s years of experience within the bicycle industry included being the senior vice president and general manager of the bicycle division at Schwinn/GT. He also held senior sales and marketing management roles at Brunswick Bicycle Division, the former owner of Mongoose Bicycles, and sales management roles at Bell Sports, Service Cycle Corporation and Derby Cycle Corporation. Pizzi owned and operated Bike Tech Stores, a successful chain of Specialty Bicycle shops in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1978 to 1990 and has served on the board of the National Bicycle Dealers Association as a director. Pizzi also serves on the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA) board, and most recently as director on the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) eBike committee. Rob Kaplan Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Currie Technologies Rob Kaplan joined Currie Technologies in 2002. Since then, he and his team have helped build Currie into the largest supplier of eBikes in North America. Prior to joining Currie, Kaplan was the executive vice president in charge of Sales and Marketing at Centric Media. While there, oversaw the launch of this Internet-based data storage company. Earlier in his career, Kaplan held sales management roles within the Brunswick Corporation’s bicycle division from July 1996 through May 1999. He began at Brunswick as western regional sales manager, and was then promoted to director of US Sales. Kaplan’s bicycle industry experience also includes sales and sales management roles at Bell Sports, Service Cycle – Cycle Products Corporation and Univega Bicycles. He holds a Masters Degree in International Business from Saint Mary’s College of California. 3 Daniel Shiau Vice President, Research and Development, Currie Technologies Daniel Shiau joined Currie Technologies in 2013 as its vice president of research and development. An experienced and award-winning industrial designer, Shiau had most recently worked for Giant Bicycle Asia in their electric vehicle division, as new product development manager of hybrid power bikes. Prior to this, Shiau worked for Giant Bicycle U.S.A. as a senior industrial designer, and held industrial design and project management positions at Neuhart Donges Neuhart Designers and Foremost Groups. A graduate of both National Cheng-Kung University of Taiwan and the Pasadena Art Center College of Design, Shiau holds a Master of Arts in Industrial Design from the University of California, Los Angeles. He speaks Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese, and English. In his twenty-five year career, Shiau’s bicycle designs have earned numerous awards from endemic and non-endemic forums, including Eurobike, IF Product Design Awards, I.D. Magazine, Shimano Europe, and Industrie Forum Design. 4 Descriptions of Key 2015 Products Xduro AMT Pro 27.5 Category: Offroad The race-ready Xduro AMT Pro, a full-suspension all-mountain rig, features top-of-the-line components, from its 350W Bosch Performance Line mid-motor and 400Wh battery, to its SRAM X01 drive train, Crank Brothers Iodine 650b disc brake wheelset, and Fox CTD Kashima coated fork and shocks with 150mm of travel. The frame, designed specifically as an electric bike, has a 4-bar linkage system and hydroformed tubes. Bosch’s Intuvia LCD multi-function display places control buttons within easy reach on the left grip and toggles between five settings (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo and Off), and the motor only engages when the rider is pedaling. MSRP: $8,100 Xduro Nduro RX *NEW* Category: Offroad New in 2015, the Nduro RX is a highly-engineered full-suspension electric mountain bike with premium component spec, including an aluminum frame and 4-bar linkage system, Shimano Deore drivetrain, DT Swiss E1900 Spline 26” wheels, and Shimano SLX M 675 IceTech hydraulic disc brakes. A Fox 36 Talas suspension fork provides a plush 180mm of shock-cushioning travel. Its pedal-assist only, 350W Bosch Performance Line mid-motor continuously measures torque, pedal rotation, and speed to calculate optimal assistance and deliver a phenomenally responsive ride that’s further enhanced by Bosch’s Intuvia LCD multi-function display. MSRP: $7,000 5 Xduro FS RX Category: Offroad The Xduro FS RX 27.5” is a cross country-focused electric bike with 120mm of full suspension in its 4-bar linkage frame. Equally adept at climbing and descending, it is pedalassist only, powered by the industry-leading Bosch Performance Line mid-motor. Bosch's Intuvia center-mounted LCD interface controls torque, allowing riders to choose between five settings (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo and Off). Components include Shimano M615 hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano’s SLX drivetrain, a Rock Shox Reba RL 120mm fork, DT Swiss 466d wheels, and Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance tires. MSRP: $5,200 Xduro RX 29 Category: Offroad The Xduro RX 29 is a cross-country hardtail pedelec bike (pedal electric assist) with a purpose-built aluminum frame. It sits on terrain-eating DT Swiss 29” wheels and Bosch’s Performance Line mid-motor powers its smooth handling. This, Haibike’s most affordable electric offroad bike, comes with a Shimano SLX-level drivetrain, Tektro Gemini hydraulic disc brakes, and a Rock Shox Recon Silver Air fork with 100mm of travel. Bosch’s Intuvia LCD multi-function display, identical to Haibike’s top-end models, places control buttons within easy reach on the left grip and toggles between five settings (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo and Off). MSRP: $4,000 6 Xduro Fatsix *NEW* Category: Offroad Haibike’s Xduro Fatsix answers the call when the terrain is loose, snowy, icy or rough. Its Schwalbe Jumbo Jim 4” tires and Alex Rims AQ 6 wheels, with the pedelec power of the Bosch’s Performance Line mid-motor behind them, plow through any loose trail and refuses to get stuck. The ride is further enhanced by 100mm of travel from Rock Shox’ Bluto suspension fork, and smooth handling from its aluminum, hydroformed frame. As with all Haibike Xduro offerings, Bosch’s Intuvia display puts control at the rider’s fingertips and offers five settings of pedal assist. MSRP: $5,800 Xduro Superrace Category: Pavement The Superrace is a urban eBike that delivers awesome on-road performance. It features a hydroformed aluminum frame spec’d with SRAM’s X0 drivetrain, carbon fiber Reynolds Assault SLG Disc Brake wheels, and Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes. Its pedal-assist only, 350W Bosch Performance Line mid-motor continuously measures torque, pedal rotation, and speed to calculate optimal assistance and deliver a phenomenally responsive ride that’s further enhanced by Bosch’s Intuvia LCD multi-function display. As with all Haibike pavement bikes, the Superrace is optimized for the U.S. legal standard with top speed of 28mph. MSRP $6,800 7 Xduro Race *NEWLY AVAILABLE IN UNITED STATES IN 2015* Category: Pavement The sleek Xduro Race debuts in North America in 2015. This is the roadie’s electric bicycle, with hallmark ergo drop handlebars, tucked rider position, and racing saddle. Ready to go fast and stop safely, spec componentry for the Race includes Reynolds Assault SLG carbon fiber aerodynamic wheels, Shimano Ultegra components and Tektro TRP hydraulic disc brakes. The Race, a pedelec, features Bosch’s Performance Line 350W mid-motor drive system, which provides power only when the rider is pedaling and delivers a smooth, torque-sensing ride at speeds up to 28mph. The Bosch Intuvia LCD interface toggles easily between five settings (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo and Off). MSRP: $6,700 Xduro Trekking Pro *NEWLY AVAILABLE IN UNITED STATES IN 2015* Category: Pavement The Xduro Trekking Pro, one of Haibike’s most popular offerings in Europe, brings electric road bike versatility to the US Market in 2015. Its commuter-style frame is equally comfortable for daily commuting and weekend explorations in the country. A rear rack and front and rear fenders offer options for cargo and protection from puddles. It’s equipped with pro-level components, including: SRAM’s Dual Drive 9x3 drivetrain, Shimano M615 hydraulic disc brakes, a Rock Shox Paragon TK Poploc fork with 65mm of travel, and Bosch’s Performance Line 350W mid-motor drive system and Bosch Intuvia LCD multifunction display. MSRP: $4,650 8 Xduro Urban *NEWLY AVAILABLE IN UNITED STATES IN 2015* Category: Pavement As the name implies, Urban is an ideal electric bike for city streets. Its industry-leading Bosch drive system offers 350W of pedal-assisted speed, up to 20mph, and its purpose-built aluminum frame and torque-sensing technology ensures smooth riding. The Urban’s Shimano Deore XT 1x10 drivetrain keeps things simple in the shifting department and the M615 hydraulic disc brakes, also by Shimano, provide smooth, predictable stopping power. Bosch’s Intuvia LCD multi-function display places control buttons within easy reach on the left grip and toggles easily between five settings (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo and Off). MSRP: $4,450 E3 Nitro *UPGRADED FOR 2015* Category: Pavement The Nitro, eFlow’s premium offering, is a commuter’s eBike with the strength and suspension to handle urban streets, along with a 500W gearless high speed rear hub motor delivering speeds of 20-28mph. Spec parts include SRAM Apex 2x10 drivetrain, Tektro Auriga E-Sub hydraulic disc brakes, and an adjustable front RST alloy Headshox fork. The removable lithium ion battery pack, which is integrated into the seatpost, has 30% larger capacity in 2015, giving it a range of 30-45 miles. Power is controlled via eFlow’s LCD multifunction display console with pedal assist and throttle control options. MSRP: $4,200 9 E3 Peak DS *NEW* Category: Trail and Sport Bikes IZIP’s first dual-suspension electric mountain bike features its proprietary torque-sensing Centerdrive motor and the choice of pedal assist or throttle control. In throttle-only mode, the motor propels it at 6mph, and with hard pedaling in high power pedal assist mode, the Peak DS will attain 28 mph. The key feature of the Peak DS is its 4-link off-road aluminum frame, which connects to X-Fusion’s Velvet RL fork and O2 RLX rear shock. This bike delivers fully adjustable and tuned suspension for all riders and trail conditions. Spec also includes SRAM X9 trigger shift, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and 650b Alex wheels. MSRP: $4,500 E3 Sumo *NEW* Category: Trail and Sport Bikes IZIP’s Sumo is a beefy, fat-tired bike designed to handle soft and loose riding surfaces and inspire confidence in any rider. It features an aluminum frame, alloy fork and alloy disc wheels that dress out with Kenda “Juggernaut” 4” tires. The high torque Centerdrive 350W motor helps power the bike over sand, snow, and rough trails at speeds ranging from 6mph using throttle only, to 28mph with hard pedaling in high power pedal assist mode. As winter approaches, the E3 Sumo is ready to enter the market at the peak season for all-weather fat-tired eBikes. MSRP: $3,650 10 E3 Dash *UPGRADED FOR 2015* Category: Pavement Bikes Dash, the darling of the 2014 IZIP line, returns in 2015 with a new aluminum frame, an improved LCD multi-function display, and upgraded SRAM X7 trigger shift and Shimano M75 disc brakes. This electric bike, which is similar to popular competitor models but available at a more attractive price point, is designed to go fast, with an aggressive riding position and its rear hub 500W gearless high-speed motor. The Dash seamlessly switches between full throttle and pedal assist modes and speeds of 6mph to 28mph, thanks to a user-friendly handlebar-mounted button. MSRP: $2,990 E3 Metro *UPGRADED FOR 2015* Category: Leisure and Utility Bikes In 2015, IZIP’s popular electric cargo bike, the Metro, boasts an upgraded 48-volt battery that runs cooler at a higher peak torque. Coupled with its rear hub 500W geared motor, bamboo-paneled rear carrier, and front porteur rack rated to carry up to 35lbs, this is a bike that defines “grocery getter” in style. Its rugged aluminum frame features a low-step design, integrated battery pack for easy removal and recharging, and is e-system equipped with both throttle control and hybrid pedal assist systems. A custom multi-function LCD display allows easy power adjustment while hauling rider and cargo at speeds up to 20mph. MSRP: $2,950 11 Path+ *UPGRADED FOR 2015* Category: Leisure and Utility Bikes The Path+ is IZIP’s “get anywhere”, city-style electric bicycle. While it functions brilliantly as a commuter bike with flat bars, a rear rack for cargo, commuter tires, disc brakes, and fenders, its silent and powerful 500W rear hub motor and ease of use simply inspires riders to plan additional trips. In 2015, the Path+ features an upgraded aluminum frame, improved LCD multi-function display with power adjustment features, and new components. The gearless high-speed motor is powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and delivers speed up to 20mph. MSRP: $2,400 12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Accell North America Broadens E-bike Offerings in 2015 Haibike, Lapierre, eFlow, Raleigh, and IZIP offerings are 28 total e-bikes with 13 new models KENT, Wash. – Aug. 26, 2014 – In the weeks preceding the Interbike International Bicycle Expo Sept. 8 – 12, 2014, Accell North America (ANA) announces a significant expansion of its electric bicycle segment. The 2015 line-up, which debuts at OutDoor Demo and the indoor portion of the show, is comprised of 28 Models, 13 of them new, from Accell brands Haibike, Lapierre, eFlow, Raleigh, and IZIP. “2014 was a breakthrough year for electric bicycles,” says Larry Pizzi, managing director of ANA’s Electric Bike Competence Center, and president of Currie Technologies. “We’re answering the call as consumers and retailers embrace e-bikes like never before.” Citing improvements to the look and feel of ebikes, as well as major enhancements to drive system technologies and lithium-ion batteries, Pizzi explains that today’s e-bikes have increasing appeal to consumers in every segment, from commuters to fitness riders and mountain bikers to roadies. ANA’s Currie Technologies, one of the oldest and most established U.S. developers and distributors of e-bikes offers Haibike, eFlow, and IZIP, with well-known brands Lapierre and Raleigh rounding out the group’s e-bike offerings. Together, the five brands offer specialty bicycle dealers a complete and relevant product line across all price points: • • • • • Haibike delivers premium and technologically advanced e-bikes to performanceminded consumers, for both on and off road use Lapierre offers high-performance off road e-bikes designed to expand boundaries, allowing riders to ride longer, farther, faster and climb higher eFlow targets transportation solution-seekers with intermediately priced performance commuter e-bikes Raleigh delivers high-quality pedal assist bikes at an affordable price range for riders looking for an off-road adventure, comfortable spin around town, or city commute IZIP offers a broad selection of quality electric bicycle for every riding style and every terrain, all at affordable price points ANA retailers also enjoy comprehensive support from the company’s Electric Bike Competence Center, which opened in 2014. The EBCC North America, modeled after its successful counterpart in Europe, provides retailers with best practices in selling systems, technical training, technical support, after-sale service and repair, spare parts distribution and lithium battery pack testing and services. ANA’s 2015 electric bicycle models are characterized by increased model and segment choice, interface upgrades, drive train system improvements, and component upgrades. Notable changes to the ANA e-bike lineup in 2015 include: • • • • • From Haibike: The Xduro Race ($6,700), a drop-bar aluminum road bike featuring Shimano Ultegra components; the Xduro Fatsix ($5,800), a fatwheel bike for snow and sand; and Xduro Urban ($4,450), a city bike with precision handling. From Lapierre: The Overvolt FS900 ($5,500) and Overvolt HT900 ($4,500), which are off-road e-bikes equipped with Bosch’s Performance Line mid-motor drive system From eFlow: Upgraded versions of the E3 Nitro ($4,000) and E3 Flight ($3,500). Both feature 500-watt hub motors delivering four pedal-assisted or throttle-powered options. From Raleigh: The new Tekoa IE ($3,300), Detour IE ($2,500), and Venture IE ($2,400), bikes for cross-country, commuting, and comfort, respectively. From IZIP: The Peak DS ($4,500), a dual suspension model with a 350-watt mid motor; the Sumo ($3,650), a fat-tired bike for plowing through soft terrain; and the Compact ($2,150), featuring a patented Dahon folding aluminum frame. Raleigh and Lapierre e-bike models are only available through authorized Raleigh and Lapierre retailers who support the lines. ANA’s Raleigh sales team will handle sales of these brands. Haibike, eFlow and IZIP e-bike models are available to any specialty bicycle dealer not competing directly with existing ANA retailers, and to authorized Raleigh and Lapierre retailers as well. The existing Currie Technologies sales team manages sales. During Interbike, specialty bicycle retailers and members of the media will have the opportunity to test ride numerous different models and learn more about the 2015 e-bike offerings from Accell North America. Photo credit: Dennis Stratmann for Haibike. ABOUT ACCELL NORTH AMERICA: Accell North America is committed to leading cycling innovation in product, brand and specialty business practices to grow specialty bicycle retail in North America. ANA is the North American business entity of Accell Group, Europe’s leading bicycle company. ANA, located in Kent, Wash., is completely focused on growing the specialty bike business by providing excellence in customer service, product innovation, profitability and brand marketing on the regional and national level. ABOUT CURRIE TECHNOLOGIES Currie Technologies®, an Accell Group company, is renowned for their large selection of stylish, premium quality and technologically advanced electric bicycles marketed under the IZIP and eFlow brand names. The company is also the exclusive distributor of Germany’s Haibike electric bikes. Since 1997, Currie has been one of the oldest and most established U.S. developers and distributors of E-Bikes with a network of dealers nationwide, offering a selection of models to meet every riders need for cost-effective transportation alternatives, recreation, exercise and just plain fun. Currie Technologies of Southern California holds various patents on its products including their Electro- Drive™ Propulsion Systems, unique electric drive systems that provide superior performance and durability at a reasonable price. To learn more about Currie Technologies® product lines, please visit www.currietech.com. ### Media Contacts: For Haibike, eFlow and IZIP - Chip Smith, SOAR Communications, 801.656.0472 x1(wk) / 801.597.7515(cell), [email protected] For Raleigh - Marjory Elwell, Verde Brand Communications, 970-259-3555 x130, [email protected] For Lapierre - Lauren Fallert, Verde Brand Communications, 970-259-3555 x123, [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ----- IZIP eBikes to premiere and demo updated and new model lineup at Interbike 2014 SIMI VALLEY, Calif. – August 17th, 2014 – After the success of last season’s models among retailers and consumers alike, IZIP eBikes is excited to debut the new 2015 model lineup at Interbike 2014, where dealers and select members of the public can inspect and test ride the wide range of eBikes on offer from all of Accell North America’s brands at Booth #8038. All of IZIP’s most popular models have been upgraded to ensure even more enjoyment for every kind of rider. The IZIP E3 Dash, a model which proved so popular with urban commuters in the past season that it sold out by mid-summer, has been equipped with numerous technical and design upgrades to make this popular model even sleeker. Two new models, the E3 Sumo and the E3 Peak DS, have also been added to the lineup to expand the brand and offer an eBike for everyone. The IZIP E3 Sumo, pictured above, introduces the first fat tired bike to the IZIP lineup. Featuring ultra-wide tires, a rugged frame, and a 350watt high-torque center-drive motor, the E3 Sumo enables riders to roll smoothly over any terrain, from sand to snow to rough roads. As winter approaches, the E3 Sumo will be poised to enter the market at the peak season for fat-tired eBikes. The IZIP E3 Peak DS, above, will be introduced at Interbike 2014. The E3 Peak model introduced last season will now be joined by the IZIP E3 Peak DS, a fellow off-road eBike that offers a dual suspension system to compliment the E3 Peak’s hard tail frame. The E3 Peak DS is equipped with a torque-sensitive center-drive system that offers pedal assistance to aid everyone in rediscovering the outdoors. The full lineup of IZIP eBikes will be on display at Interbike 2014, from September 10-12, as well as at Interbike’s Outdoor Demo September 8-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada. ® IZIP eBikes 3850A Royal Avenue., Simi Valley, CA 93063 USA Phone: +1 805-915-4900 x401 | currietech.com/izip-electric-bikes | [email protected] ABOUT IZIP eBikes IZIP eBikes has the widest range of eBikes in the industry, making any and every ride better with an eBike! IZIP, established by Currie Technologies, the largest and longest operating eBike company in North America, offers eBikes propelled by industry leading patented Currie Electro-Drive technology. The brand has received numerous awards for design and technology, including the 2014 Taipei iF Design and Innovation Award for the IZIP E3 Metro utility eBike. As an Accell Group company, all IZIP eBikes are backed by the EBCC, or Electric Bike Competence Center, and are distributed by a national network of leading independent bicycle retailers. IZIP eBikes provides dealers and consumers alike a selection of models to meet every riders need for eco-friendly transportation alternatives, recreation, exercise or just plain fun! To learn more about IZIP eBikes please visit www.izipusa.com, or www.currietech.com/izip-electricbikes/. MEDIA CONTACT: Larry Pizzi, President (805) 915-4901 | [email protected] ® IZIP eBikes 3850A Royal Avenue., Simi Valley, CA 93063 USA Phone: +1 805-915-4900 x401 | currietech.com/izip-electric-bikes | [email protected]