The Taiwanese manufacturer is closing three decades in the domestic market.
We looked at what the plan is for the future
Kimco, the Taiwanese scooter manufacturer, is currently celebrating three decades since the beginning of its activity in the local market.
Imported by Ofer-Avnir, started in 1991 with a small 50 cc scooter.
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Today Kimco is a significant player in the local market with its 125 scooter, consistently leading the sales chart here over the years.
In honor of the local birthday, we invited Kobi Gilon, Ofer-Avnir's two-wheeled vice president, for an interview.
How did the market function throughout 2019, the year of the corona?
“The Corona period posed quite a few challenges for the state and the citizens, but in terms of the two-wheeled market it was a pretty good year. The category of small 125 scooters has soared more than ten percent. The unique needs of the people and businesses of the Corona period contributed to this increase. Commerce has moved from online stores and couriers have played an important role in this transition.
Many more businesses have purchased scooters, as well as private individuals. Stores that never thought of offering deliveries, made the adaptation to the new era. In contrast, even people who found themselves without a job found new sources of income, as messengers on various platforms.
Kimco Moby 125 30 year old version.
Photo: Ronen Topelberg
This can be clearly seen in the sales charts. The Kimco Moby 125 is the best-selling dog in Israel. This is a classic tool. It is still preferred today by those who use it as a source of livelihood and shows the importance of this segment in our market. "
So the scooters climbed at the expense of the motorcycles?
“The motorcycles went down a bit. If in the year before the pebbles stood at 64 percent for motorcycles and 36 percent for scooters, in 2020 the ratio changed slightly and stood at 33 versus 67 percent respectively. Not a dramatic change, the motorcycles went down a bit and the scooters went up a bit.
Despite this, the entire field of leisure and territory is growing. The explanation for this is simple, people have remained closed in the country, there are no vacations and no travel, this money they have invested in their leisure. In accordance with this trend, this year we launched the Gus Gus SUV brand, which will operate with us alongside Husqvarna and will offer entry into the field at more affordable prices. ”
A special year for the manufacturer with quite a few innovations.
Kobi Gilon, VP of two-wheelers at Ofer-Avnir
What are your work assumptions for 2021?
“There is no single answer here. If the vaccine is effective and normalcy returns to the streets - this is going to be a very strong year for the two-wheeled field in Israel. On the other hand, even if the economic situation does not return to normal soon, the DOG tools are a cheap and very efficient solution for transportation. It is easier to buy a small scooter than another car for the home. With the state of public transportation and traffic jams at the entrance to Tel Aviv, there is really no other effective solution. "
How does Kimco relate to the Israeli market?
“Kimco is showing a lot of interest in the local market and has an excellent relationship with them. They have launched a number of special versions in honor of the 30th anniversary celebrations. This is going to be a special year for this manufacturer with quite a few innovations. The 30-year-old versions mostly get a different color and light additions. "These versions of the Moby 125, Downtown and
AK
550 come here in a limited number and they tell something about the way we went together with this company."
Did you mention new models, are they expected to arrive here?
"Yes. Three very important and innovative models from this manufacturer, will come here this year. In fact three arrowheads that mark a break into new segments. Kimco will enter the field of three-wheeled scooters for the first time this year. It does so based on the
AK
550 and will actually be the only scooter in this genre, based on a powerful mega-scooter with an engine inside the chassis and power transmission like a motorcycle.
Kimco F9 electric.
Photo: Manufacturer
Another interesting tool will be the
DT X
360. This is an easy adventure version of Downtown that Israelis are already familiar with.
With dual-use tires, design with a space scent and various accessories.
The third and perhaps most important is the
F
9, a fully electric scooter that can reach 110 km / h, cover a range of 120 km between charges, and reach full charge within two hours.
It also looks again and very special and it is starting a new era for Kimco scooters.
In addition, a new sports scooter will arrive this year and these will actually mark the new era in Kimco.
In the world and with us. ”
