Takeshi Hayasaki, President of Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.Motorcycle Industry NewsSuzuki Motor of America, Inc., (SMAI) announces the appointment of Takeshi Hayasaki as President. Hayasaki, a long-serving executive of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has many years of experience in the motorcycle/ATV industry, and began his new position December 16.
The company also announced that Takao Kudo has been named Executive Vice President and will oversee the new After Sales Operations group.Takeshi Hayasaki says: “Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., is well-positioned right now for growth, with a new company focused on the recreational Powersports industry and exciting new models for 2014. I’m eager to work with Suzuki staff and dealers to continue this growth and brand momentum. We are creating opportunities for Suzuki dealers and Suzuki enthusiasts nationwide.”Hayasaki served as Assistant to the President of American Suzuki Motor Corp. from 1996 through 2002, overseeing strong growth in the company’s motorcycle/ATV division.Under Hayasaki leadership Suzuki launched several key models in the USA, such as the 1999 Hayabusa and QuadSport Z400 ATV. He gained a wide range of international experience in sales and marketing, working with Suzuki distributors in Canada, Australia, Europe and Latin America. His broad understanding of sales and marketing as well as vehicle production and distribution will allow him to serve the U.S. market well again.Larry Vandiver (Suzuki’s Motorcycle/ATV Vice President) says: “We’re glad to have Mr. Hayasaki’s business experience and leadership as we plan for continued growth.“The introduction of new products such as the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS and the Burgman 200 ABS shows just part of our growth plan, and Mr. Hayasaki’s experience will help Suzuki Motor of America with these new products and much more.”Suzuki is creating a new After Sales Operations division that will help SMAI better serve consumers. This division unites parts, accessories and service functions under the leadership of Kudo, who most recently served as Export Motorcycle Service Manager, leading Suzuki Motor Corporation’s (SMC) global motorcycle service team.Kudo began working with SMC’s motorcycle service group in 1985, and has visited much of the world, including Australia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, while working to improve Suzuki’s motorcycle, marine and automotive service efficiencies. Mr. Kudo’s global service experience will be instrumental as we launch the new After Sales Operations division.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.