UBCO Announces Global Partnership with REEF Technology

UBCO has announced a partnership with REEF Technology Inc. to support its global expansion progress and transform customer engagement. REEF is the largest operator in the world of multi-purpose, neighborhood spaces with a proximity network of over 8,000 locations that enable the delivery of new goods, services and curated customer experiences, including urban kitchens, vertical farms, rideshare and last-mile.

This partnership will launch UBCO Hubs at select REEF locations in the U.K. The parties are also exploring opportunities to expand into the U.S. With the first site live in London, UBCO’s Hubs will offer test rides, technical support and free coffee from bespoke designed shipping containers.

With global appeal, UBCO Hubs are being designed with a two-pronged approach: offering scalable, efficient test rides on a local basis while being positioned among food delivery outlets with strong rideshare and last-mile delivery needs. The partnership follows UBCO’s ongoing success with Domino’s Pizza in New Zealand.

“We are excited to work with REEF to make the sustainable benefits of our electric adventure vehicles more globally available,” said Neil Tierney, chief customer officer for UBCO. “As well as more locations, this innovative model will transform the way we engage with customers by making us more accessible as a living member of local consumer and business communities. In addition, the container model offers far more flexibility and lower infrastructure costs than fixed shopfronts. This partnership is a testament to the foundation UBCO has built in New Zealand, with sights set on conquering global demand.”

“As consumer interest in electrified vehicles and sustainable transportation alternatives grow, UBCO has established itself as an industry leader with its reliable and practical vehicles,” said Nick Lonergan, vice president of strategic partnerships for REEF. “We are looking forward to enabling everyday adventure seekers everywhere to embark on intrepid journeys that simultaneously and positively impact the environment and their communities.”

UBCO is continuing to build on its stellar 2021 year where it secured upwards of USD $30 million in fresh capital funding global expansion. This was from leading investors across New Zealand, Asia and the U.S. — most notably TPK Holdings and Jubilee Glory Investments, Nuance Connected Capital, Seven Peaks Ventures, Alt Group and continued support from Global From Day 1, Snowball Effect and Enterprise Angels. Its progress and export growth has been further accelerated by long-term support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.