Brammo and Polaris

[Brammofan]

Please submit links to stories here. My internet connection is messed up.

[Richard230]

Here is a link to this story:  http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2011/polaris-invests-in-brammo

Polaris is the big time. If they are investing in Brammo and plan to enter the electric vehicle business, that is really big news. These guys don't do anything half-way.   

[Richard230]

I seem to recall that Polaris also has an interest in Zero. I think they have a member of their company on the Zero board of directors. If my recollection is correct, they seem to be covering all the production electric motorcycle bases.

[Gavin]

http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/polaris-bets-big-on-brammo-could-deal-bring-electric-indians/#continued

Weeeeeeee, 1000 dealerships....off to find the dealer nearest me

Gavin

[Brammofan]

I seem to recall that Polaris also has an interest in Zero. I think they have a member of their company on the Zero board of directors. If my recollection is correct, they seem to be covering all the production electric motorcycle bases.

Actually, that news item came from Zero, and I think they were incorrect.  Polaris does not, as far as I know, have any investment in Zero.

[WanderLust]

http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/polaris-bets-big-on-brammo-could-deal-bring-electric-indians/#continued

Weeeeeeee, 1000 dealerships....off to find the dealer nearest me

Gavin

For some reason that link didn't work.
Here's the one that did work for me.
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/polaris-bets-big-on-brammo-could-deal-bring-electric-indians/

[Brammofan]

Thanks, Richard.  Here's a few more links:
http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/26/brammo-grabs-28-million-from-polaris-industries-to-power-development-of-electric-vehicles/
http://www.stayontheblack.com/an-electric-victory-polaris-announces-investment-in-brammo/
http://brammofan.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/brammo-and-polaris-ev-stars/
http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2011/10/brammo-partners-with-polaris/
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/polaris-invests-brammo-series-b/

LOTS more.

[WanderLust]

OOOoooo OOOOoooo
does that mean, they don't need HD anymore?
Polaris may be a so much better last mile customer vehicle so to speak...

[protomech]

Short version: Polaris (and possibly several other VC firms) invests $28 million in Brammo.

http://www.financialpost.com/markets/news/Polaris+Announces+Investment+Brammo/5609026/story.html

By investing in Brammo, Polaris obtains access to their proprietary electric vehicle powertrain technology, as well as exposure to the rapidly growing electric motorcycle market.

"This is a terrific scenario for Brammo’s customers, as we bring Polaris' legendary engineering, manufacturing, and customer service expertise to bear on our products." -- Craig Bramscher

http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/26/brammo-grabs-28-million-from-polaris-industries-to-power-development-of-electric-vehicles/

Back in 2008, Brammo raised its first chunk of outside investment, an $11 million round led by Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital and Best Buy Venture Capital. Today, the electric vehicle technology company has added another significant piece of change to its vault, announcing the close of the final tranche of a $28 million series B round of financing.

Gigaom first reported the company’s close of the initial $12.5 million portion of its series B back in September 2010. Today marks the official close. For those still confused, Brammo has raised just under $40 million to date.

The VC companies are in it for the long haul. Suppose Brammo sold 200 Enertias @ $12k ea, and 300 @ $8k ea. Suppose the 1000 Empulse preorders turn into sales @ $12k average. That's $17M in sales.

Glad Brammo picked up some funding. Let's hope it allows them to get the bikes out all the faster.

[05Sultan]

Oh My! This is so much better than a HD or BMW hook up! When is Brammo going to do an IPO? I can buy stock and then sell half of it a month later and pay for Empulse #1065 before it goes out the factory door! . So how about a fairing,flat finish, plug-and-play batt-packs, and USB ports for comms and ride tunes?
WWWWHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

[Gavin]

I seem to recall that Polaris also has an interest in Zero. I think they have a member of their company on the Zero board of directors. If my recollection is correct, they seem to be covering all the production electric motorcycle bases.

Even if Polaris did have a member on the BOD, well it would be easy enough to withdraw from that position...which I would expect to happen...IF there was one...

Gavin

[Brammofan]

does that mean, they don't need HD anymore?
Polaris may be a so much better last mile customer vehicle so to speak...

This is a hot topic, for sure. Polaris has a broader offering than just the cruisers of course. 

[Brammofan]

I'm getting more and more psyched about this as time goes by.  It's reminding me a lot of how Tesla (and the credibility of the 4 wheel EV segment as a whole) benefited when Toyota invested in the company.  Before that happened, Tesla was a boutique brand with a vague future.  Afterwards, it was a serious manufacturer with real promise.  Not sure when the Model S was announced, but it was pretty close to the same time as this deal. 

Aside from the "we want our bikes" angle, the whole idea of the leading manufacturer of snowmobiles and ATVs investing (rather heavily) in Brammo and its electric drivetrain tech, well, that's a major turning point.

[Gavin]

Team R&S Powersports...2.4 miles from my house...

Will check them out when I get back from Vegas

Gavin

[Brammofan]

Given that this deal was announced today, I would say that it is unlikely you will see a Brammo bike at your local Polaris dealer for at least a few weeks.  But ... it can't hurt to show up, ask to see one, and express dismay that it's not there.  Extra points if you have your wallet out, and put it into your back pocket while weeping quietly.