Zero Motorcycles is already sold internationally, not just in the United States. A recent posting on the VisforVoltage reveals that their motorcycles are now being distributed in Australia. They recently received government grants and other funding to expand production in Santa Cruz, with the intent of creating "green jobs" in Santa Cruz Country creating products which are exported around the world.
Zero Motorcycles makes a line of four all electric zero emission motorcycles inspired by dirt bikes. Two models are specifically for off-road use (trail riding, the Zero X, and motocross, the Zero MX) with the other two being intended for street use (the Zero S, and the Dual Sport style Zero DS). Their several years experience building electric motorcycles shows in a well respected quality motorcycle.
According to the VisForVoltage member, who has bought a Dual Sport (Zero DS) model, Zero has appointed a distributor in Australia who has undergone "ADR" testing and achieved the certifications required to distribute the motorcycles in Australia. The S and DS models are available and will be licensable for street use, while the X and MX models are available and not being licensable are for off-road use.
Entering the Zero Motorcycles website using the URL http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/au/ reveals a contact page with Austrailian email addresses.
Earlier this year Zero Motorcycles received $5.6 million investment from Invus, to expand sales and production. Then in September, Zero Motorcycles announced $2 million has been raised for development of a new electric powertrain. They received a $177,906 grant from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District. That's combined with a $900,000 grant from the Canifornia Energy Commission, and matching grants from the City of Santa Cruz for a $2 million total in grants. Zero is planning to start a production facility in Santa Cruz and the grants are in part because of the local job growth potential.
In short, Zero is using their stimulus and investment money to create production jobs in the SF Bay Area that turn into products being exported to, say, Australia as in this case.
See Also:
Zero Motorcycles unveils their 2010 lineup of electric motorcycles
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