Caterham Group expands into bikes
The Caterham Group has made its first foray into the motorcycle business with the official launch of a new motorcycle division, dubbed Caterham Bikes, at the International Motorcycle Exhibition (EICMA) in Milan yesterday accompanied by the unveiling of three prototype motorcycles that are slated to go into production in 2014.
With the iconic Caterham Seven sports car often referred to as a motorcycle on four wheels, Caterham feels that the brand’s foray into actually making motorcycles is a natural path to take and it comes hot on the heels of last month’s launch of the Caterham Moto2 race team.
The new division is the latest addition in the rapidly growing Caterham family that has been expanding since the acquisition of Caterham Cars in April 2011 by Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun. In addition to Caterham Bikes, the Caterham Group currently consists of Caterham F1 Team, Caterham Racing (GP2), Caterham Technology & Innovation, Caterham Composites and the aforementioned Moto2 race team.
Fernandes, Co-Chairman of Caterham Group, said, “Our vision for Caterham Group has taken another step forward with the launch of Caterham Bikes. Expanding our interests into the two-wheeled market is another natural progression for us and is a good opportunity to showcase the breadth of knowledge, experience and creativity we have at our disposal across the Group.”
Appointed to spearhead the new division is Al-Ishsal Ishak, who assumes the role of CEO. He was previously Group Head of Ancillary Income of AirAsia. Completing the management team are Chief Designer Alessandro Tartarini, Chief Engineer Zeno Panarari, and ex-MotoGP racer, Andreas Leuthe who will head up the distribution and sales function.
The first product that will commence series production in Spring 2014 is the rugged Brutus 750, which Caterham dubs as the ‘SUV of motorcycles’. It can operate as a street bike or off-roads, and can even be converted into a snowmobile in a four-hour job. Later in the year, a pair of electric-powered bikes, namely the Classic E-Bike (an all-electric, bike with retro styling) and the Carbon E-Bike (a premium electric bike inspired by F1 technology), will follow.
Describing his products, CEO Ishak said, “We are realistic and honest enough to know that we’re not in the business of rivalling the establishment; we’re here to offer an alternative that befits the spirit of Caterham.
“Just as the Caterham Seven is a motoring icon because of its unique design and engineering credibility, Caterham Bikes’ products will be aimed at a niche audience seeking exceptional quality, bespoke design flare and bikes easy enough for anyone to ride,” he added.
Pictures: Official Caterham release.
