Economy takes toll on Long Beach motorcycle show -
The motorcycle industry has been in a major slump this year, but the local convocation of biker bigwigs, flashy steel and looky-loos will go on this weekend -- on a diminished scale.
The International Motorcycle Shows, which for 29 years has traveled the country showing off its latest and greatest technology and products, makes its annual stop at the Long Beach Convention Center.
But the show will have nearly 9% fewer exhibitors and will be missing some of the industry's major players.
Piaggio, which owns the Aprilia, Vespa, Moto Guzzi and Piaggio brands, won't have a display, opting instead "to put more dollars into helping our dealers move inventory with direct-to-consumer programs," said Gary Pietruszewski, vice president of sales for Piaggio Group Americas.
Also AWOL are Austrian manufacturer KTM, Taiwanese scooter maker Kymco, bankrupt electric scooter company Vectrix and Buell, the 26-year-old sport bike brand that owner Harley-Davidson Inc. shut down in October.
Source: Economy takes toll on Long Beach motorcycle show -
The International Motorcycle Shows, which for 29 years has traveled the country showing off its latest and greatest technology and products, makes its annual stop at the Long Beach Convention Center.
But the show will have nearly 9% fewer exhibitors and will be missing some of the industry's major players.
Piaggio, which owns the Aprilia, Vespa, Moto Guzzi and Piaggio brands, won't have a display, opting instead "to put more dollars into helping our dealers move inventory with direct-to-consumer programs," said Gary Pietruszewski, vice president of sales for Piaggio Group Americas.
Also AWOL are Austrian manufacturer KTM, Taiwanese scooter maker Kymco, bankrupt electric scooter company Vectrix and Buell, the 26-year-old sport bike brand that owner Harley-Davidson Inc. shut down in October.
Source: Economy takes toll on Long Beach motorcycle show -
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