With the current global threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), many industry leaders are taking preventative action to stop the spread of the virus.
Motorcycle Industry Council
“We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation very closely and applying health and safety guidelines. We continue to serve our members and the industry without interruption. We are confident the manufacturers are working closely with their respective dealers to effectively manage the current situation.
“With the 2020 AIMExpo more than six months away, MIC event staff are still operating as normal with regards to the planning and execution of the show. Staff will continue to monitor events and keep the powersports community informed.”
American Motorcyclist Association
The American Motorcyclist Association strongly encourages AMA-chartered organizers to comply with all restrictions imposed by federal, state and local authorities affecting all applicable AMA-sanctioned activity.
In addition, the AMA asks all members and other motorcyclists, whether participating in individual or group activity, to follow best practices published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The AMA will continue to work with chartered organizers and other partners to monitor the situation and issue further guidance as necessary.
Ducati
Since the beginning of the health emergency in Italy, on Feb. 24, Ducati has adopted an important series of measures to limit the probability of the virus spreading at its plant in Borgo Panigale, in a very timely manner and in advance of later arrangements. The most important was the measurement of the temperature at each person entering the plant, access was limited to necessary personnel, a strong urge to work from home, meetings with reduction of participants and distance between them and cafeteria with special procedures and revision of shifts to reduce close contact between people.
Despite all this, Ducati had already decided to suspend production from March 13 to March 18 included, in order to implement a series of protocols and actions on the production lines, to further increase the safety level of workers and to introduce a multi-shift work program to halve the number of people on the assembly line at the same time.
The postponement of the reopening to March 25 was necessary to ensure full compliance with the new guidelines (shared protocol, issued on March 14), which will require a few more days of work and modifications to the structures.
All activities related to the development of new products and market support continue, in compliance with the rules of conduct against the spread of the virus, making extensive use of work from home technology.
KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas
PIERER Mobility Group, manufacturer in Mattighofen of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas, will pause operation and production from March 30 through April 10.
This measure is triggered by a possible impending interruption in the supply chain from northern Italy. Many suppliers are located in this region, which is badly affected by the Coronavirus. With this measure, KTM avoids a possible uncontrolled business interruption and anticipates parts of the company vacation in the summer to stabilize the supply chain in the long term. Not affected by these measurements is the worldwide distribution and the supply of spare parts.
The availability of all models is guaranteed for the upcoming start of the season in the worldwide dealer network.
The current development of the Corona crisis requires a daily reassessment of the situation. The published guidance for the financial year 2020 is thus canceled.
MV Agusta
MV Agusta has decided in agreement with the guidelines issued by Confindustria Lombardia, to keep its Schiranna plant, in Northern Italy, open. This in order to guarantee production continuity, yet with reduced personnel.
Measures to reduce the presence of staff within the premises have immediately been adopted, such as the closure of non-essential departments, “smart working,” unused holiday allowances and CIG (Cassa Integrazione) once the official decision will be announced.
For those employees who will continue coming to work, the company has introduced a number of measures to prevent and contain the spreading of the COVID-19 epidemic, such as the supply of face masks, gloves, sanitizing gel and detergents for the sanitation of work spaces and surfaces in addition to limiting access to common areas. Safety distances between workers are being respected in all areas of the plant, also thanks to the temporary reduction of the number of personnel on site.
Up to the present moment, the company has no evidence of employees with symptoms connected to COVID-19. Normal production activity will therefore continue, yet with all due precautions, except for new government provisions.
Outside Distributing
Outside Distributing has implemented strict policies for cleaning and protective gear and allowed many of their staff to work from home in an effort to put health and safety first. This helps to ensure Outside Distributing can continue to deliver parts across North America throughout this pandemic.
“The impact on the economy and businesses is going to be tremendous. Although not every industry has to suffer, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, some industries offer a valuable solution during these times and we feel powersports is in that category,” said Andrew Hepburn, CEO, Outside Distributing.
Outside Distributing sees that being “stuck at home” doesn’t mean you have to be bored. The World Health Organization has recommended avoiding gatherings, populated public spaces and is encouraging social distancing. So, why not get outside and hit the trails/road to enjoy what mother nature has to offer you while avoiding large groups or putting yourself and others at risk?
Powersports is something you can enjoy with your immediate family and avoid contact with others while riding in less populated areas. It’s important for any industry to see what value they can offer their customers in tough times like these.
American Flat Track
American Flat Track has decided to postpone its March 28 Atlanta Short Track and April 4 Charlotte Half-Mile events until further notice.
The health and safety of everyone involved in the sport continues to remain AFT’s top priority, and it is for this reason that AFT will continue to assess the situation ahead of the remaining events within the CDC’s recommended eight-week window of caution. Because of this, ticket sales for the May 2 Texas Half-Mile and May 9 So-Cal Half-Mile have been postponed until further notice. As more information is available within the coming weeks, specific announcements regarding those two events will follow.
Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 and expanding restrictions on domestic and international travel, and in accordance with national state and local governments prohibiting large group gatherings, the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season has been postponed until further notice.
The following Supercross events have been cancelled:
- March 14 in Indianapolis, IN at Lucas Oil Stadium
- March 21 in Detroit, MI at Ford Field
- March 28 in Seattle, WA at CenturyLink Field
- April 4 in Denver, CO at Empower Field at Mile High
- *Includes Sunday Supercross Futures Cancellation
- April 18 in Foxborough, MA at Gillette Stadium
- *Includes Sunday Supercross Futures Cancellation
Thank you to those who responded to our inquiry and we will continue to update this post with new responses as we receive them. We encourage everyone to stay safe and practice CDC guidelines to protect yourself against this virus.
If you would like to include an update in this story about how your business is handling the coronavirus situation, please email [email protected].
