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HARDEN TAKING OVER GASGAS N.A. MARKETING Los Angeles-based Torrot GasGas Motos North America announced in June that industry veteran, AMA Hall of Famer and former VP of Global Marketing for Zero Motorcycles Scot Harden has joined its executive management team as chief marketing officer for GasGas Motorcycles and the Torrot line of 100 percent electric smart products. As CMO, Harden reports to Torrot CEO/ founder Ivan Contreras and is responsible for all North American sales and market- ing efforts. These responsibilities include establishing the commercial policies and organizational structure for sales and dealer development, as well as overseeing all mar- keting activities, including advertising, social media, racing, media relations and product development for both the GasGas line of world-class enduro and trials motorcycles and the Torrot EV products. "I am very excited about this oppor- tunity," Harden said. "Torrot is a highly innovative and diverse company with a proven track record for success. They have made serious investments in both GasGas and the Torrot line of EV product and are primed for growth. I look forward to work- ing with Mr. Contreras; Mark Berg, COO of Torrot North America; and Joaquin Perles, director of Business Development, as well as the GasGas/Torrot factory, its staff, dealer network, fans and supporters to help build what is already an exciting, world renowned brand into a fun and prof- itable business." "We are thrilled to have Scot on board as part of the Torrot GasGas team. His background and experience in both the world of off-road motorcycling and the EV business as well make him a perfect fit to lead our growing sales and market- ing team. We are making a major invest- ment in North America in both GasGas and Torrot," Contreras said. "We will be establishing an office and development center in Southern California as a com- mitment to the U.S. market and to better serve our dealers, customers and press. Scot's reputation and relationships within the sport and the industry as well as his entrepreneurial leadership style will give us a great head start. We look forward to a bright future together." This announcement follows quickly after the announcement that Geoff Aaron has joined GasGas as promotions manager and is another clear indication of the companies' commitment and plans for growth in the North American market. The new 2017 GasGas model lineup will be announced in the near future. NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR ITALIAN ELECTRIC BIKE MAKER Italy's Energica Motor Company S.p.A. inaugurated its new 32,000-square-foot fac- tory in Soliera, Modena, in June. More than 120 participants, including institutions, investors, media and strategic partners, attended the opening ceremony. "Today we are proud to be here with so many friends, colleagues and partners to report what we have achieved over the past six months. This period has greatly acceler- ated the story of Energica," said Livia Cevo- lini, CEO, Energica Motor Company. "This factory is apparently a simple manufacturer's space, but for us, this is the place where for the first time an Italian company rises up the automotive industry in its most innovative form: the electric field." The new facility located in Modena, the "Italian Motor Valley," serves as Energica's main headquarters, as well as the production and distribution point for Energica Ego and Energica Eva. The headquarters includes a new show- room, lounge and museum. A Spin8 fast- charging station is available on site. DUCATI REVEALS MULTISTRADA 1200 PIKES PEAK 100TH ANNIVERSARY REPLICA KIT Ducati, the official motorcycle partner of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), is honoring the centennial of this historic race as well as commemorating its six PPIHC victories and current course record by releasing a limited edition Pikes Peak 100th Anniversary Replica Kit. The kit includes a personalized Pikes Peak "100" race number plate, fairing part- ner logos, a numbered crank-case cover badge with the Pikes Peak 100th anniversary logo, Spider Grips PEAK grip specifically developed from the race program and a Pikes Peak Squadra Alpina decal pack. It also comes with a Pikes Peak Squadra Alpina team hat, "History of the Pikes Peak Interna- tional Hill Climb" advance release DVD and a Pikes Peak Squadra Alpina Team Glossy and Poster, signed by the team. Only 400 kits will be available. PSB DIGEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54 AMA Hall of Famer and former Zero Motorcycles executive Scot Harden (right) has been named chief market- ing officer of Torrot GasGas Motos North America. Torrot CEO/founder Ivan Contreras is at left. www.PowersportsBusiness.com