GasGas Factory News ?
- Thread starter Dirt Dud
- Start date
- Status
poelinca
New member
Debatable.
Gas Gas did something wrong in the finance and marketing department hence the current situation. Just by refueling those mistakes with more money by IRG will only get them in the same mess don't you think ? IRG does not have the experience to run an offroad motorcycle brand/factory, any witch way you put it (they got only cash).
On the other hand Sherco has the experience, and that's what i'm counting on for Gas Gas future. Even if they treat it as KTM treats Husky, it means more money pumped into marketing, development continues, etc...
On the other hand tough, Sherco and Torro do not have the real cash needed to get Gas Gas debt free, they most probably rely on other investments/loans/etc, so if in the long run things might get back to where we are right now. IRG can pump the money, while the other two can only do it up to a point.
Last edited:
Random thoughts and I guess I'll debate some of the "debate-able statements"....
You don't know who IRG is. So how can you say what their capabilities are? They could be a collection of the previous owners/managers of gasgas - Casas, Pibernat, etc.
My understanding is that through the liquidation process - the assets of gasgas will be purchased - and that entity will exit "debt free".
Is IRG the israeli investment group that had infused cash (& managed) the company in the past? GasGas Chairman is/was Yariv Gilat who is associated with Israeli venture capital groups. This seems like the most likely option.
The company had very large debt from development of their four stroke engines (& building new factory). They built 450 motor and a flat head 4 stroke trials motor. Neither of which resulted in any real revenue gain for the company. This was followed by the financial collapse....
If sherco purchases the assets. They will also own the brand - which has good market recognition. How they could leverage that remains to be seen - if they do at all... Given a high commonality of parts between model years of the gasgas - the gasgas spare parts sales would provide a good revenue stream to any purchaser.
jeff
Uh oh. For the US market at least... (if Sherco gets GG)
Who will be the importer now? Given the history of the prior importer, what will happen to the current importer? Or vice versa? Two offroad bike importers? Someone will be looking for a job soon?
On another note: if Sherco and GG are now one, will they continue to make a Sherco 300 and a GG 300 (and all other same displacements)? Do like KTM did with Husky and simply make carbon copy GG's or Sherco's, the only difference being one is priced higher as the "premium brand"? Or maybe Sherco becomes the 4 stroke brand, and GG the 2 stroke brand under the owner's management? Can the new company be profitable selling one line of bikes under the blue banner, and another different brand under the red banner, and not eventually cut into each other's sales volume?
Either way, best of luck to GG as the news continues to unfold...
Who will be the importer now? Given the history of the prior importer, what will happen to the current importer? Or vice versa? Two offroad bike importers? Someone will be looking for a job soon?
On another note: if Sherco and GG are now one, will they continue to make a Sherco 300 and a GG 300 (and all other same displacements)? Do like KTM did with Husky and simply make carbon copy GG's or Sherco's, the only difference being one is priced higher as the "premium brand"? Or maybe Sherco becomes the 4 stroke brand, and GG the 2 stroke brand under the owner's management? Can the new company be profitable selling one line of bikes under the blue banner, and another different brand under the red banner, and not eventually cut into each other's sales volume?
Either way, best of luck to GG as the news continues to unfold...
twowheels
New member
Sherco's CEO is on record in Enduro Illustrated as saying that he would only be interested in GasGas when they were ready to produce bikes, and that he had no interest in assuming their debt. Sherco also has a second line of trials bikes already (Scorpa) ... do they need a third?
JP4
New member
Let's pretend like Sherco is the successful bidder.
I really can't imagine Sherco continuing with the GG brand. I'd imagine that they would kill it and use the new space for Sherco production. They're in the neighborhood, and reportedly need the production capacity. The Sherco dude said he might be interested in GG if no debt. That seems to be the case.
Why would Sherco make red clone bikes with different badges? I don't believe the GG brand, given recent history, is that valuable. There seems little point in Sherco competing with itself. An orange bike in a white dress might work for the Austrian brand given their current market share. But, the same strategy doesn't work for a couple of small Euro brands, one of which has been out of production for almost a year.
I'm thinking that some consolidation among the Euro enduro boutique brands - Beta, GasGas, Sherco, TM - is inevitable. Maybe this is the first step in that. I also wonder where AJP, and some of the new Chinese entrants (SWM et al) figure into that?
Jason
I really can't imagine Sherco continuing with the GG brand. I'd imagine that they would kill it and use the new space for Sherco production. They're in the neighborhood, and reportedly need the production capacity. The Sherco dude said he might be interested in GG if no debt. That seems to be the case.
Why would Sherco make red clone bikes with different badges? I don't believe the GG brand, given recent history, is that valuable. There seems little point in Sherco competing with itself. An orange bike in a white dress might work for the Austrian brand given their current market share. But, the same strategy doesn't work for a couple of small Euro brands, one of which has been out of production for almost a year.
I'm thinking that some consolidation among the Euro enduro boutique brands - Beta, GasGas, Sherco, TM - is inevitable. Maybe this is the first step in that. I also wonder where AJP, and some of the new Chinese entrants (SWM et al) figure into that?
Jason
Mark Berg - CPD
Site Sponsor
Dang you guys are on top of it.
Rod and I received emails earlier this week plus I had a phone conversation with our export manager on Wednesday. In the email and on the phone he asked that we keep this strictly confidential for now but alas you guys seem to find the sources way before we are allowed to discuss anything with our dealers or the public.
I can confirm that Sherco is one of the companies that has placed a final bid. In my opinion its a toss up between Sherco and the investment group of which I cant state names in the group. Knowing the Spaniards after many years of working with them, my gut tells me they are leaning towards the Investment group. Why? Because Sherco has supposedely laid out a plan that includes letting go of 30 employee's or %30 of the workforce due to the short term collapse(much like the Israeli's were trying to do already this spring without success). The Spanish labor council is scared to even approach their labor force at GG with this proposal.....EVEN though in the back of their minds they realize that the other proposals stating they will continue to keep the entire labor force isn't economically viable. They are lying to themselves if they think they can afford the same payroll with half the production, eventually people WILL have to be laid off. Plus the investment group is Spanish and well, if your a Spanish brand, are you going to lean towards a Spanish company or French?
Don't get me wrong, I know the people at Sherco, and have a high respect for them since meeting them in 2012. I do believe they could keep the two entities separate, and I believe GasGas could flourish again. Sherco at its current stage builds half of what GasGas produced in 2011. GasGas trial and enduro machines have been around since 1990's so there is a long history of parts, aftermarket sales and large passionate following for the Spanish brand so it would be foolish to buy the company only to let that go. With all the failed attempts in the US, it still has a loyal base and other countries are still very drawn to GasGas.
In the meantime, GasGas Motos US has been hanging on under the radar. Geoff Aaron is still contracted with us for the remainder of the endurocross season (he took 5th two weeks ago). He has to miss this weekends race due to a prior redbull contracted exhibit but will contest the last 3 races and I plan to be at all 3 to support him. Rod Overstreet is still an exceptional professional sales manager just waiting for the final decisions so he can get back to life as normal. Plus we still have dealers inquiring about the brand so there is life to the brand yet! We are still getting parts from the factory and other sources that we can find and will continue to find solutions.
We have sadly lost most of our support riders as it is the season now to get ready for next year, and most can't wait to see what can or will happen. We hope when the dust settles they will look towards a GG again.
There were so many more changes and plans for GG before this collapse in the spring, it would be disappointing to never get the opportunity to make them happen, but I am confident GG will be building bikes again soon.
I would state that I will let you all know more when I find out, but you guys find out so quickly, maybe I should just ask you to let me know when more details come about?
Rod and I received emails earlier this week plus I had a phone conversation with our export manager on Wednesday. In the email and on the phone he asked that we keep this strictly confidential for now but alas you guys seem to find the sources way before we are allowed to discuss anything with our dealers or the public.
I can confirm that Sherco is one of the companies that has placed a final bid. In my opinion its a toss up between Sherco and the investment group of which I cant state names in the group. Knowing the Spaniards after many years of working with them, my gut tells me they are leaning towards the Investment group. Why? Because Sherco has supposedely laid out a plan that includes letting go of 30 employee's or %30 of the workforce due to the short term collapse(much like the Israeli's were trying to do already this spring without success). The Spanish labor council is scared to even approach their labor force at GG with this proposal.....EVEN though in the back of their minds they realize that the other proposals stating they will continue to keep the entire labor force isn't economically viable. They are lying to themselves if they think they can afford the same payroll with half the production, eventually people WILL have to be laid off. Plus the investment group is Spanish and well, if your a Spanish brand, are you going to lean towards a Spanish company or French?
Don't get me wrong, I know the people at Sherco, and have a high respect for them since meeting them in 2012. I do believe they could keep the two entities separate, and I believe GasGas could flourish again. Sherco at its current stage builds half of what GasGas produced in 2011. GasGas trial and enduro machines have been around since 1990's so there is a long history of parts, aftermarket sales and large passionate following for the Spanish brand so it would be foolish to buy the company only to let that go. With all the failed attempts in the US, it still has a loyal base and other countries are still very drawn to GasGas.
In the meantime, GasGas Motos US has been hanging on under the radar. Geoff Aaron is still contracted with us for the remainder of the endurocross season (he took 5th two weeks ago). He has to miss this weekends race due to a prior redbull contracted exhibit but will contest the last 3 races and I plan to be at all 3 to support him. Rod Overstreet is still an exceptional professional sales manager just waiting for the final decisions so he can get back to life as normal. Plus we still have dealers inquiring about the brand so there is life to the brand yet! We are still getting parts from the factory and other sources that we can find and will continue to find solutions.
We have sadly lost most of our support riders as it is the season now to get ready for next year, and most can't wait to see what can or will happen. We hope when the dust settles they will look towards a GG again.
There were so many more changes and plans for GG before this collapse in the spring, it would be disappointing to never get the opportunity to make them happen, but I am confident GG will be building bikes again soon.
I would state that I will let you all know more when I find out, but you guys find out so quickly, maybe I should just ask you to let me know when more details come about?
Rod Overstreet
Platinum Level Site Supporter
Greetings from Biketoberfest Daytona / AIME Orlando!
Wow...Quite honestly, you guys spend waaaaaay too much time worrying about something you cannot control, and speculating on the unknown. Folks...I can appreciate your concern to a certain extent but guess what? It's a dirt bike, not life and death. Relax and go do something fun.
So here is how I spent my day...worrying if I had waded out too far and was getting my lens wet. But really...the Atlantic is still warm as bath water, and its Oct 17th! (Berg, you left too soon!!!)
BTW...If your ever down in Cocoa Beach, I highly recommend Capt. Jays Oceanside Seafood. Order the stuffed shrimp, it is unbelievable. Also, stick around until sunset and you will see the ocean turn the most beautiful color of green. Pretty amazing.
Rod Overstreet
Platinum Level Site Supporter
Totally understandable. I don't blame you one bit.i wish a deal would be made soon. As much as I want to get a gg I'm afraid of picking one up and not being able to get parts in the long term
Rod Overstreet
Platinum Level Site Supporter
To back up my associate, honestly the number of dealer inquiries I have received these last months or so, has been overwhelming. Considering the situation this brand finds itself in, one would expect a large number of bottom feeders to rise to the top for a nibble, but what we have seen are several top level, financially secure, multi-line dealers, raising their hand and are now waiting in the wings to see how this drama plays out and finally ends. This on top of those dealers I personally recruited just before GG announced their financial situation, then put their intentions on hold. So yes, as we continue to tell our friends in Europe, the brand is far from dead. The question is...will the new owners support and supply the demand?
The determining factor in bringing in the dealers I want on board, will be if the new owners of Gas Gas are willing to invest long term. Marketing, (damage control), after-sales support and yes, R&D for new product (which means higher quality and lighter weight instead of BNG, in addition to many other things needed to help bring GG into the 21 century.
Lastly, speaking of support riders who have jumped ship to other brands for 2016, nobody should be shocked at this, or take it personally. Thru good times and bad regardless of brand, racers will always go for the better deal if its offered and who can blame them? After 33 years in this industry, I can honestly say that brand loyalty among racers is an extremely rare trait. The good news is though, when one racer leaves, there are 10 more standing in line that are just as fast, waiting for a ride, and there are several very fast guys (and girls) that have expressed an intent, trust me.
Once again, time will tell and lets all hope that wait will soon end. In the meantime, go ride and focus on the fun factor!
Last edited:
FDB
New member
I personally bought a newer model EC300 and now a txt300 too during this uncertain period. Dont know what the issue is with buying a Gasser. I have no trouble finding parts. Even if the worst is to come, im sure there will always be bearings and seals and orings and pistons and and and available. Hell. I have bought many parts from guys who crashed thier bikes etc over the years and im sure that will continue. My next bike in a year or two? Gasgas Again. No doubt about it.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk
JP4
New member
Greetings from Biketoberfest Daytona / AIME Orlando!
Wow...Quite honestly, you guys spend waaaaaay too much time worrying about something you cannot control, and speculating on the unknown. Folks...I can appreciate your concern to a certain extent but guess what? It's a dirt bike, not life and death. Relax and go do something fun.
I'm in no way, shape or form, worried about the GG situation.
Raced my new Sherco today. -3C overnight with snow. Long-loop enduro today, so road transfers, and high of maybe 4C (36F?). Snow in the morning. Cold, wet ride. Tough day ... but fun, fun, fun ...
A day at the beach would have been nice too. Thanks for the pics Rod.
I thought Oct 18 was going to be the big announcement day for the court in Spain to choose the new owner/buyer? Is another date in mind now?
And yes, this is a matter of life and death, Rod. There is a squad of alien assassins pointing phasers at my head this very moment, demanding answers to the GG situation so they may arrange the purchase of 30,000 enduro bikes so they may start their war for conquest of the galaxy with their brethren from the 8th planet of the Dingleberry Constellation, 3rd arm of the Vega System, 1st Imperial House of Poobah. Lives are at stake, Rod. Worlds, even.
And yes, this is a matter of life and death, Rod. There is a squad of alien assassins pointing phasers at my head this very moment, demanding answers to the GG situation so they may arrange the purchase of 30,000 enduro bikes so they may start their war for conquest of the galaxy with their brethren from the 8th planet of the Dingleberry Constellation, 3rd arm of the Vega System, 1st Imperial House of Poobah. Lives are at stake, Rod. Worlds, even.
Rod Overstreet
Platinum Level Site Supporter
Thanks, I needed that!
Just when you least expect it...
I had just left the airport this afternoon after spending the weekend down at the AIME in Orlando. Had a great time but had gotten my fair share of "So...what is happening with Gas Gas?" from all of my industry buddies, leaving me a little down since I really had nothing to give them, other than "We just have to wait" ....I am so sick of telling people that.
Anyway....
Grabbed a coffee at Mickey D's then pointed the mighty Red Gas Gas van north on I-65, when a truck pulling a trailer latched onto my rear bumper, and started blowing it's horn. The truck then pulls alongside and I look over to see a bunch of guys in the cab, all waving, pointing at the Gas Gas logo's on the van and giving me the thumbs up as they drove away. White dodge diesel with Indiana plates, FMF and Fox stickers in the back glass. That was the shot in the arm I needed today.
Whomever those Hoosiers were...thanks guys!
Just when you least expect it...
I had just left the airport this afternoon after spending the weekend down at the AIME in Orlando. Had a great time but had gotten my fair share of "So...what is happening with Gas Gas?" from all of my industry buddies, leaving me a little down since I really had nothing to give them, other than "We just have to wait" ....I am so sick of telling people that.
Anyway....
Grabbed a coffee at Mickey D's then pointed the mighty Red Gas Gas van north on I-65, when a truck pulling a trailer latched onto my rear bumper, and started blowing it's horn. The truck then pulls alongside and I look over to see a bunch of guys in the cab, all waving, pointing at the Gas Gas logo's on the van and giving me the thumbs up as they drove away. White dodge diesel with Indiana plates, FMF and Fox stickers in the back glass. That was the shot in the arm I needed today.
Whomever those Hoosiers were...thanks guys!
Sweet! I'm stopped almost every ride by folks that want to talk about the GasGas!
Friend of mine (local gasgas dealer) visit the factory last week.
They informed him that the new investors offer is accepted and in about 2 weeks the dealers will be informed about the new situation.
Until than, he can order spare parts with prices according the (old) aggreements.
But it has no sense. He has seen with his own eyes that the factory is almost completely out of stock.
Fingers crossed and hoping for the best!
They informed him that the new investors offer is accepted and in about 2 weeks the dealers will be informed about the new situation.
Until than, he can order spare parts with prices according the (old) aggreements.
But it has no sense. He has seen with his own eyes that the factory is almost completely out of stock.
Fingers crossed and hoping for the best!
Google translation of latest news report from Girona, Spain - released yesterday.
https://translate.google.com/transl...esenten-ofertes-unitat/749205.html&edit-text=
jeff
https://translate.google.com/transl...esenten-ofertes-unitat/749205.html&edit-text=
jeff
- Status
