Press Release –
The grounds of the historic Biltmore Estate served as a grand setting for KYMCO USA’s introduction of its 2010 two-wheel and four-wheel product lines. More than two dozen motorsports industry journalists attended the September 22-25 events.
Selected for its excellent combination of scenery and riding opportunities, the 8,000-acre estate in the North Carolina mountains is the historic home of George W. Vanderbilt with Biltmore House, the largest privately owned home in the country, as its centerpiece. Overnight accommodations and hospitality were provided by KYMCO USA at the nearby Grand Bohemian luxury hotel.
The journalists had access to nearly the company’s entire U.S. product line – and KYMCO USA will be offering 17 two-wheel models and 11 four-wheel models for 2010.
Completely new for the U.S. market are the Like 50, a scooter with vintage Euro styling, and the Maxxer 375 4×4, which blurs the line between sport and utility ATVs. KYMCO is also introducing new versions of existing models, including Limited Editions of the UXV 500 4×4, MXU 375 4×4 IRS and MXU 500 4×4 IRS.
For the Biltmore Estate event, KYMCO created separate schedules for journalists based on whether they review for two-wheel or four-wheel enthusiasts.
Activities held September 22-23 for the two-wheel journalists included scooter rides and photo/video opportunities on the Biltmore Estate grounds, as well as an afternoon ride along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Larger and mid-size models were used for the Parkway ride, while several of KYMCO’s popular 50cc scooter models were available for side-by-side comparison rides over a closed course on the grounds.
During their own two days in Asheville, September 24-25, editors reviewing KYMCO USA’s four-wheel lineup had access to 70+ miles of trails that make up the Biltmore’s own Land Rover Experience Driving School course. Winding through a largely agricultural part of the estate not typically open to guests, the course passes through vineyards, fords streams and provides steep descents, side-hill traverses and uphill climbs that offer views of nothing but sky.
In addition to the magazine reviewers, representatives of leading industry-insider and dealer publications also attended.
The complete KYMCO USA executive team was on hand to meet with the journalists, organize in test rides, and answer questions on the spot. KYMCO USA president and CEO Eric Bondy was available for one-on-one interviews, and at the introductory press conference, he introduced a special guest from the parent company KYMCO in Taiwan, Senior Vice President Mr. Kou-Chang Su, for his perspective.
KYMCO’s Expanding Four-Wheel Product Line
On the four-wheel side, the big news for 2010 is the Maxxer 375 IRS 4×4. A true cross-over sport-utility with independent rear suspension, the Maxxer is powered by an air-cooled 366.9cc SOHC engine delivering 26hp. Weighing in at 452 pounds, the Maxxer 375 is outfitted with KYMCO’s proven automatic CVT transmission, maintenance free sealed shaft final drive, shift on the fly 2WD and 4WD, independent dual A-arm suspension front and back, hydraulic dual discs in front with a single disc in back, and 12-inch alloy wheels helping achieve 10 inches of ground clearance.
The Maxxer 375 will be available in black, red, blue and white with special graphics package options designed to appeal mainly to female riders.
In a first, KYMCO USA has introduced 2010 LE (Limited Edition) models of the UXV 500 4×4, MXU 375 4×4 IRS and MXU 500 4×4 IRS. The MXU 500 and MXU 375 LE models come standard with a 2,500lb winch, KYMCO 12-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and KYMCO by KOLPIN rear contoured cargo box, gear grips and side-view mirror hand guards. The UXV 500 LE comes with a 3,000lb. winch, KYMCO 12-inch alloy wheels, KYMCO by Seizmik soft enclosure with full windshield, and KYMCO by KOLPIN gear rail package and gas pack. All three LE models feature a distinctive black-on-black color scheme.
About KYMCO USA – KYMCO’s roots in the motorsports industry go back to its founding in 1963 as the Kwang Yang Motor Company, Ltd., with headquarters in Taiwan. Long a leader in quality, fuel economy, and versatility, today KYMCO manufactures motor scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs at five plants in Asia, including the main facility in the city of Kaohsiung.
KYMCO is the largest scooter manufacturer in Taiwan and currently exports to 88 countries worldwide. All KYMCO plants use the latest technology for the engineering and production of reliable engine, chassis, and other components. Since 2004, KYMCO has been officially accredited for ISO-9001 quality in manufacturing. KYMCO is committed to maximum customer satisfaction and constant innovation, making use of the most advanced CAD/CAE tools to bring superior engineering and design to their products.
The company’s partner in the United States is KYMCO USA with headquarters, marketing and distribution centered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. KYMCO USA is dedicated to building the brand’s reputation and market share through superior value, frequent new product introductions, strategic industry partnerships, and excellence in dealer network support. KYMCO USA has a reputation and expertise gained through over 30 years in the U.S. motorsports industry.
