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*Kindly note that due to the volume of requests received, we cannot guarantee publishing all press releases and corporate items, but your news are very important to us and we really encourage you to share them.
Gulf Air’s Inaugural Flight to Rome Takes-off
Airline offers special launch promotional fares starting from BD 130
Manama, 30 November 2011 - Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air today launched its services to Rome.
An official delegation led by Gulf Air’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Samer Majali including senior representatives from the airline and a number of regional journalists, flew onboard the airline’s first flight to the Italian capital.
Commenting on the launch of Gulf Air’s 52nd destination, 10th European destination, and second Italian destination, Mr. Majali commented, “I am delighted that we are now connecting Rome and Bahrain directly four times a week. By launching services to Rome, we are expanding our Italian operations after Milan, which we launched in March this year and has proved to be very successful. Now with the addition of Rome, we are connecting the Northern and South Central parts of Italy to the Middle East.”
He continued “Expanding into Europe is part of the strategy we rolled out last year. Launching Rome will offer our customers the best network of destinations through the fastest hub in the region and the most competitive fares in the market today.”
“We’ve received positive feedback on Milan from our customers, and we trust that Rome will see the same success, and that our passengers will get to enjoy everything this great city has to offer” Mr. Majali concluded.
The official delegation from Gulf Air was met at Rome's Fiumicino Airport by representatives of Aeroporti di Roma and the media. Welcoming Gulf Air to Rome, Aeroporti di Roma Director of Aviation Mr. Elia Pistola commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Gulf Air’s inaugural flight to Rome. We see this as an opportunity for the people of Bahrain and Italy to explore the two countries, invest in potential businesses, and strengthen cultural and social ties linking the two nations. We take pride in being the only European country with two Gulf Air destinations, and we hope this leads to opening more Italian routes for the carrier in the future.”
Rome has always been a popular destination among tourists for its history and heritage besides being a shopping destination, not to mention thousands of religious travelers visiting the Vatican City. The economy of Rome is characterized by commercial activities especially tourism-related, banking and fashion.
The direct Rome flights provide the best two-way connectivity to destinations in the GCC, Indian sub-continent, and the Far East via its efficient Bahrain hub.
Non-stop flights to Rome will depart from Bahrain every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, leaving at 2:00 am. Gulf Air will operate an A320.
To celebrate the launch of Rome, special Rome inaugural fares start at BD 130 excluding taxes. The airline is also offering its Falconflyer loyalty programme members double miles for the new route for two months starting from the inaugural date (30 November). Tickets to Rome can be booked at gulfair.com or through the Gulf Air World Wide Contact Centre at 17373737 or via Gulf Air Facebook website.
Airline offers special launch promotional fares starting from BD 130
Manama, 30 November 2011 - Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air today launched its services to Rome.
An official delegation led by Gulf Air’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Samer Majali including senior representatives from the airline and a number of regional journalists, flew onboard the airline’s first flight to the Italian capital.
Commenting on the launch of Gulf Air’s 52nd destination, 10th European destination, and second Italian destination, Mr. Majali commented, “I am delighted that we are now connecting Rome and Bahrain directly four times a week. By launching services to Rome, we are expanding our Italian operations after Milan, which we launched in March this year and has proved to be very successful. Now with the addition of Rome, we are connecting the Northern and South Central parts of Italy to the Middle East.”
He continued “Expanding into Europe is part of the strategy we rolled out last year. Launching Rome will offer our customers the best network of destinations through the fastest hub in the region and the most competitive fares in the market today.”
“We’ve received positive feedback on Milan from our customers, and we trust that Rome will see the same success, and that our passengers will get to enjoy everything this great city has to offer” Mr. Majali concluded.
The official delegation from Gulf Air was met at Rome's Fiumicino Airport by representatives of Aeroporti di Roma and the media. Welcoming Gulf Air to Rome, Aeroporti di Roma Director of Aviation Mr. Elia Pistola commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Gulf Air’s inaugural flight to Rome. We see this as an opportunity for the people of Bahrain and Italy to explore the two countries, invest in potential businesses, and strengthen cultural and social ties linking the two nations. We take pride in being the only European country with two Gulf Air destinations, and we hope this leads to opening more Italian routes for the carrier in the future.”
Rome has always been a popular destination among tourists for its history and heritage besides being a shopping destination, not to mention thousands of religious travelers visiting the Vatican City. The economy of Rome is characterized by commercial activities especially tourism-related, banking and fashion.
The direct Rome flights provide the best two-way connectivity to destinations in the GCC, Indian sub-continent, and the Far East via its efficient Bahrain hub.
Non-stop flights to Rome will depart from Bahrain every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, leaving at 2:00 am. Gulf Air will operate an A320.
To celebrate the launch of Rome, special Rome inaugural fares start at BD 130 excluding taxes. The airline is also offering its Falconflyer loyalty programme members double miles for the new route for two months starting from the inaugural date (30 November). Tickets to Rome can be booked at gulfair.com or through the Gulf Air World Wide Contact Centre at 17373737 or via Gulf Air Facebook website.
Audi Group: Best result in corporate history
Ingolstadt, March 9, 2011 – The Audi Group has concluded the 2010 fiscal year with a record result. “The operating profit of €3.34 billion shows how profitable Audi is. We are growing not only in China, but in many regions around the world. The Audi brand has outpaced the growth of the overall market, especially in the United States,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “We’ve started the year off well and we’re targeting more than 1.2 million deliveries to customers for the total year,” Stadler said.
For Audi, 2010 was the best year for sales in the Company's history. Deliveries of Audi brand automobiles on worldwide markets rose last year by 15 percent to 1,092,411. In response to the high demand the Audi Group considerably expanded production. Audi has started off 2011 equally successfully, selling about 186,850 automobiles worldwide between January and February of this year – 21.6 percent more than during the same period of the previous year. Middle East sales grew by 24 percent to a total of 1,238 units in the first two months of 2011.
Revenue rose during the 2010 financial year by a disproportionately high rate to €35,441 million (29,840 million)* – an increase of 18.8 percent. Operating profit increased significantly by 108.2 percent to €3,340 million (1,604 million) while operating return on sales increased to 9.4 percent (5.4 percent). The Audi Group plans to invest more than €11 billion between 2011 and 2015 – with about €9.5 billion going to the development of new products and to hybrid and electromobility.
AUDI AG has shared the success of the 2010 fiscal year with its employees: each of the roughly 42,500 pay-scale employees at the German sites received a profit-sharing payment averaging €6,513 - the highest payment since this profit-sharing plan came into existence.
* Prior-year figures in parentheses
Long Version
For Audi, 2010 was the best year for sales in the Company's history. Deliveries of Audi brand automobiles on worldwide markets rose last year by 15 percent to 1,092,411. Revenue rose during the 2010 financial year by a disproportionately high rate to €35,441 million (29,840 million)* – an increase of 18.8 percent.
The Audi Group significantly increased its operating profit by 108.2 percent to €3,340 million (1,604 million). The profit before tax, at €3,634 million (1,928 million) was 88.5 percent above that of the previous year. Profit after tax rose by 95.2 percent to €2,630 million (1,347 million).
The Company increased its operating return on sales to 9.4 percent (5.4 percent). Return on investment also reached a new peak, at 24.7 percent (11.5 percent).
Net liquidity increased by 25.5 percent to €13,383 million (10,665 million).
The successful performance of the Audi Group was particularly due to a multitude of new product launches in the past year: the new models range, among others, from the flagship A8 to the A7 Sportback and the Audi A1 – the first Audi premium car in the subcompact segment.
"These new record levels for all key financial indicators underscore the high competitiveness of the Audi brand," said Axel Strotbek, Board Member for Finance and Organization at AUDI AG.
"But we also continue to face major challenges such as the growing volatility of the most important currencies and increasing fluctuation in raw materials prices. We are safeguarded, however. For this reason, the Audi Group is well equipped to build upon the success of 2010," Strotbek said.
Record results for deliveries in more than 40 markets
In the past year Audi handed over 1,092,411 (949,729) automobiles to its customers worldwide. Sales thus rose 15.0 percent compared with the previous year. Deliveries in the Asia-Pacific sales region developed favorably. The brand with the four rings also grew in Western Europe (including Germany), and especially in the United States.
In Germany, in contrast to the significantly declining overall market, deliveries of Audi cars rose slightly to 229,157 (228,844, up 0.1 percent).
In Western Europe (including Germany) Audi outpaced the overall market with 611,905 deliveries to customers (588,309, up 4.0 percent) and confirmed its leadership in the premium segment. In the United Kingdom, the second-largest market in the region behind Germany, deliveries rose to 99,705 cars (90,513, up 10.2 percent). Deliveries in France climbed to 52,520 cars (48,010, up 9.4 percent). In Italy, Audi sold 60,337 automobiles (57,204, up 5.5 percent).
With 227,938 deliveries (158,941, up 43.4 percent) the brand with the four rings remained the market leader in the premium segment in China (including Hong Kong) by a wide margin in 2010.
The market performance in India, where Audi started up CKD assembly operations in September 2007, was also very positive. Deliveries rose here by 81.1 percent to 3,003 (1,658) automobiles. Audi currently produces its A4, A6 and Q5 models at its Aurangabad site. The Ingolstadt-based company is systematically expanding the sales and dealer network in the region and will be increasing the number of dealers from the current 13 to 18 by the end of the year.
The brand with the four rings significantly outpaced the growth of the overall market in the United States, and with 101,629 deliveries (82,716, up 22.9 percent), achieved record earnings. The Company's market share of the premium market (Import High Group) grew to 8.6 (7.9) percent.
Deliveries of Lamborghini sports cars, at 1,302 (1,515) units, did not reach the level of the previous year. The decline can be attributed primarily to the end of production of the Murciélago model line in May of last year. The Company presented the successor to that model at the Geneva Auto Show. The Aventador will celebrate its market launch in a few months.
Production significantly increased in 2010
The Audi Group considerably expanded production in response to the high demand. In 2010, 1,150,018 cars (including Lamborghini) left the production halls, 23.4 percent more than during the previous year (932,260). Engine production saw an increase of more than 19 percent, to 1,648,193 (1,384,240) units.
New hires total 1,200; largest investment program in company history
The Audi Group plans to invest more than €11 billion between 2011 and 2015 – with about €9.5 billion going to the development of new products and to hybrid and electromobility. More than €5 billion will be invested in the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm sites in Germany.
The Audi Group is also investing heavily in the expansion of its production capacities in other countries, which is required to achieve the targeted growth. By 2013 the site in Győr, Hungary, will be significantly enlarged. Up to now the site has produced engines as well as the Audi A3 Cabriolet, TT and TT Roadster. The Company is investing €900 million in enlarging the plant so that the A3 sedan can be produced there in the future. Starting in 2013 up to 125,000 cars will be produced at the site. But the course is being set for growth in Asia as well: The Company wants to further expand production capacities in China. The Company also began assembly of Audi models in Jakarta, Indonesia, in January.
Production of Audi's compact Q3 SUV began this year in Martorell, Spain. The car will soon celebrate its world debut.
Audi plans to continue the enlargement of its model range in the coming years at an unslowed pace. "Our attention remains particularly focused on the subject of sustainability. At Audi we believe this includes not only increasing the efficiency of our cars and the development of electric and hybrid models, but also the sustainable handling of resources," Stadler said. The brand with the four rings already offers 54 model and engine variants with CO2 emissions below 140 g/km (225.31 g/mile) – of which 17 emit less than 120 g/km (193.12 g/mile).
Highest employee profit-sharing payment in company history
AUDI AG has shared the success of the 2010 fiscal year with its employees: each of the roughly 42,500 pay-scale employees at the German sites received a profit-sharing payment averaging €6,513. This corresponds to roughly one and a half times the average monthly wage and is the highest payment since this profit-sharing plan came into existence.
"Thanks to the dedication of the entire workforce, we have achieved a very successful business year," said Thomas Sigi, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Human Resources. "Through the employee profit-sharing plan, our employees receive an important acknowledgment of this outstanding performance." Comparable profit-sharing bonuses are also paid at the sites in Belgium and Hungary.
The number of employees at the Audi Group rose by an average for the year of 2.6 percent to 59,513 (58,011). At AUDI AG there were 44,299 (44,344) employees, of which 31,344 (31,409) were in Ingolstadt and 12,955 (12,935) in Neckarsulm.
Outlook for 2011: more than 1.2 million deliveries to customers; operating return on sales at the high level of the previous year
"The signs for 2011 are good, after a year which ended better than we expected back in January 2010. We expect continued growth in the overall economy this year, even if there is a slight weakening in comparison with the previous year," Stadler said. "Nonetheless, we have to remain alert, since the unpredictability of the financial and raw materials markets still carry a risk."
Audi has started off 2011 successfully, selling about 186,850 automobiles worldwide between January and February of this year – 21.6 percent more than during the same period of the previous year. The European markets have been exhibiting strong momentum; sales here grew by 17.5 percent to around 106,600 units (90,686). In the German domestic market alone, Audi delivered 32,290 cars to customers in the first two months of the year and thereby achieved a significant increase of 18.3 percent compared with the previous year (27,304).
Between January and February, 41,122 Chinese customers (31,906) chose Audi – 28.9 percent more than during the same period in 2010. The brand also continued to grow sharply in the United States. Deliveries here climbed by 22.3 percent to 15,565 (12,726) compared with the same period last year.
"We want to deliver more than 1.2 million Audi cars to customers worldwide during the current year, and thus build upon the success of the record year in 2010 without interruption," Stadler emphasized. "We are growing sustainably and are targeting an operating return on sales at the same high level as the previous year," Strotbek added.
* Prior-year figures in parentheses
Ingolstadt, March 9, 2011 – The Audi Group has concluded the 2010 fiscal year with a record result. “The operating profit of €3.34 billion shows how profitable Audi is. We are growing not only in China, but in many regions around the world. The Audi brand has outpaced the growth of the overall market, especially in the United States,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “We’ve started the year off well and we’re targeting more than 1.2 million deliveries to customers for the total year,” Stadler said.
For Audi, 2010 was the best year for sales in the Company's history. Deliveries of Audi brand automobiles on worldwide markets rose last year by 15 percent to 1,092,411. In response to the high demand the Audi Group considerably expanded production. Audi has started off 2011 equally successfully, selling about 186,850 automobiles worldwide between January and February of this year – 21.6 percent more than during the same period of the previous year. Middle East sales grew by 24 percent to a total of 1,238 units in the first two months of 2011.
Revenue rose during the 2010 financial year by a disproportionately high rate to €35,441 million (29,840 million)* – an increase of 18.8 percent. Operating profit increased significantly by 108.2 percent to €3,340 million (1,604 million) while operating return on sales increased to 9.4 percent (5.4 percent). The Audi Group plans to invest more than €11 billion between 2011 and 2015 – with about €9.5 billion going to the development of new products and to hybrid and electromobility.
AUDI AG has shared the success of the 2010 fiscal year with its employees: each of the roughly 42,500 pay-scale employees at the German sites received a profit-sharing payment averaging €6,513 - the highest payment since this profit-sharing plan came into existence.
* Prior-year figures in parentheses
Long Version
For Audi, 2010 was the best year for sales in the Company's history. Deliveries of Audi brand automobiles on worldwide markets rose last year by 15 percent to 1,092,411. Revenue rose during the 2010 financial year by a disproportionately high rate to €35,441 million (29,840 million)* – an increase of 18.8 percent.
The Audi Group significantly increased its operating profit by 108.2 percent to €3,340 million (1,604 million). The profit before tax, at €3,634 million (1,928 million) was 88.5 percent above that of the previous year. Profit after tax rose by 95.2 percent to €2,630 million (1,347 million).
The Company increased its operating return on sales to 9.4 percent (5.4 percent). Return on investment also reached a new peak, at 24.7 percent (11.5 percent).
Net liquidity increased by 25.5 percent to €13,383 million (10,665 million).
The successful performance of the Audi Group was particularly due to a multitude of new product launches in the past year: the new models range, among others, from the flagship A8 to the A7 Sportback and the Audi A1 – the first Audi premium car in the subcompact segment.
"These new record levels for all key financial indicators underscore the high competitiveness of the Audi brand," said Axel Strotbek, Board Member for Finance and Organization at AUDI AG.
"But we also continue to face major challenges such as the growing volatility of the most important currencies and increasing fluctuation in raw materials prices. We are safeguarded, however. For this reason, the Audi Group is well equipped to build upon the success of 2010," Strotbek said.
Record results for deliveries in more than 40 markets
In the past year Audi handed over 1,092,411 (949,729) automobiles to its customers worldwide. Sales thus rose 15.0 percent compared with the previous year. Deliveries in the Asia-Pacific sales region developed favorably. The brand with the four rings also grew in Western Europe (including Germany), and especially in the United States.
In Germany, in contrast to the significantly declining overall market, deliveries of Audi cars rose slightly to 229,157 (228,844, up 0.1 percent).
In Western Europe (including Germany) Audi outpaced the overall market with 611,905 deliveries to customers (588,309, up 4.0 percent) and confirmed its leadership in the premium segment. In the United Kingdom, the second-largest market in the region behind Germany, deliveries rose to 99,705 cars (90,513, up 10.2 percent). Deliveries in France climbed to 52,520 cars (48,010, up 9.4 percent). In Italy, Audi sold 60,337 automobiles (57,204, up 5.5 percent).
With 227,938 deliveries (158,941, up 43.4 percent) the brand with the four rings remained the market leader in the premium segment in China (including Hong Kong) by a wide margin in 2010.
The market performance in India, where Audi started up CKD assembly operations in September 2007, was also very positive. Deliveries rose here by 81.1 percent to 3,003 (1,658) automobiles. Audi currently produces its A4, A6 and Q5 models at its Aurangabad site. The Ingolstadt-based company is systematically expanding the sales and dealer network in the region and will be increasing the number of dealers from the current 13 to 18 by the end of the year.
The brand with the four rings significantly outpaced the growth of the overall market in the United States, and with 101,629 deliveries (82,716, up 22.9 percent), achieved record earnings. The Company's market share of the premium market (Import High Group) grew to 8.6 (7.9) percent.
Deliveries of Lamborghini sports cars, at 1,302 (1,515) units, did not reach the level of the previous year. The decline can be attributed primarily to the end of production of the Murciélago model line in May of last year. The Company presented the successor to that model at the Geneva Auto Show. The Aventador will celebrate its market launch in a few months.
Production significantly increased in 2010
The Audi Group considerably expanded production in response to the high demand. In 2010, 1,150,018 cars (including Lamborghini) left the production halls, 23.4 percent more than during the previous year (932,260). Engine production saw an increase of more than 19 percent, to 1,648,193 (1,384,240) units.
New hires total 1,200; largest investment program in company history
The Audi Group plans to invest more than €11 billion between 2011 and 2015 – with about €9.5 billion going to the development of new products and to hybrid and electromobility. More than €5 billion will be invested in the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm sites in Germany.
The Audi Group is also investing heavily in the expansion of its production capacities in other countries, which is required to achieve the targeted growth. By 2013 the site in Győr, Hungary, will be significantly enlarged. Up to now the site has produced engines as well as the Audi A3 Cabriolet, TT and TT Roadster. The Company is investing €900 million in enlarging the plant so that the A3 sedan can be produced there in the future. Starting in 2013 up to 125,000 cars will be produced at the site. But the course is being set for growth in Asia as well: The Company wants to further expand production capacities in China. The Company also began assembly of Audi models in Jakarta, Indonesia, in January.
Production of Audi's compact Q3 SUV began this year in Martorell, Spain. The car will soon celebrate its world debut.
Audi plans to continue the enlargement of its model range in the coming years at an unslowed pace. "Our attention remains particularly focused on the subject of sustainability. At Audi we believe this includes not only increasing the efficiency of our cars and the development of electric and hybrid models, but also the sustainable handling of resources," Stadler said. The brand with the four rings already offers 54 model and engine variants with CO2 emissions below 140 g/km (225.31 g/mile) – of which 17 emit less than 120 g/km (193.12 g/mile).
Highest employee profit-sharing payment in company history
AUDI AG has shared the success of the 2010 fiscal year with its employees: each of the roughly 42,500 pay-scale employees at the German sites received a profit-sharing payment averaging €6,513. This corresponds to roughly one and a half times the average monthly wage and is the highest payment since this profit-sharing plan came into existence.
"Thanks to the dedication of the entire workforce, we have achieved a very successful business year," said Thomas Sigi, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Human Resources. "Through the employee profit-sharing plan, our employees receive an important acknowledgment of this outstanding performance." Comparable profit-sharing bonuses are also paid at the sites in Belgium and Hungary.
The number of employees at the Audi Group rose by an average for the year of 2.6 percent to 59,513 (58,011). At AUDI AG there were 44,299 (44,344) employees, of which 31,344 (31,409) were in Ingolstadt and 12,955 (12,935) in Neckarsulm.
Outlook for 2011: more than 1.2 million deliveries to customers; operating return on sales at the high level of the previous year
"The signs for 2011 are good, after a year which ended better than we expected back in January 2010. We expect continued growth in the overall economy this year, even if there is a slight weakening in comparison with the previous year," Stadler said. "Nonetheless, we have to remain alert, since the unpredictability of the financial and raw materials markets still carry a risk."
Audi has started off 2011 successfully, selling about 186,850 automobiles worldwide between January and February of this year – 21.6 percent more than during the same period of the previous year. The European markets have been exhibiting strong momentum; sales here grew by 17.5 percent to around 106,600 units (90,686). In the German domestic market alone, Audi delivered 32,290 cars to customers in the first two months of the year and thereby achieved a significant increase of 18.3 percent compared with the previous year (27,304).
Between January and February, 41,122 Chinese customers (31,906) chose Audi – 28.9 percent more than during the same period in 2010. The brand also continued to grow sharply in the United States. Deliveries here climbed by 22.3 percent to 15,565 (12,726) compared with the same period last year.
"We want to deliver more than 1.2 million Audi cars to customers worldwide during the current year, and thus build upon the success of the record year in 2010 without interruption," Stadler emphasized. "We are growing sustainably and are targeting an operating return on sales at the same high level as the previous year," Strotbek added.
* Prior-year figures in parentheses
NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON® BLACKLINE™ IS SOFTAIL® STRIPPED TO THE CORE
Custom Softail Features New Fuel Tank Styling and Split Drag™ Handlebars
MILWAUKEE (January 20, 2011) Lean as wire, hard as iron and dark as a tar road at midnight, the new Blackline motorcycle is a Harley-Davidson Softail model pared to the bone. A rebellious creation of the Custom movement, the Blackline celebrates three fundamental elements of motorcycling: mechanical beauty, internal combustion, and the long black line of the road ahead.
The Blackline balances allegiance with rebellion, discarding previous conventions of colour and chrome for a Custom look that’s honest, functional and attainable. Visual elements of the original bobber movement are combined with the raw, hand-hewn style embraced by today’s young custom builders. The Blackline throws new fuel on a fire that burns across generations, an unquenchable desire to ride.
Lean and Tight
Stripped to the legal limit, the Blackline keeps decorative trim and lighting spare. The rear fender is bobbed high-and-tight over a slim, 144mm tyre that emphasises an authentic hardtail profile. The compact headlight and speedometer are tucked low into the wide, FX front end, and there’s just enough shine to make the black parts look blacker. Black-rimmed laced wheels complete a look that’s tough, tempered and undeniably Harley-Davidson.
The styling spotlight shines on a Big Twin engine dressed in black and silver, and on a fuel tank shaved smooth and low. Aboard the Blackline, the rider hugs the frame on the lowest two-up seat ever offered by Harley-Davidson, and reaches high for new Split Drag™ handlebars that bolt right to the top triple-clamp.
The Softail chassis utilises rear suspension control provided by coil-over shock absorbers mounted horizontally along the frame rails below the powertrain, where they are out of sight. So while the swingarm section replicates the lines of a vintage hardtail frame, the Blackline delivers suspension performance and handling that are thoroughly modern. The internally counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B™ engine is rigid-mounted within the frame, creating a solid connection between rider and power that moves the motorcycle to enhance the emotional riding experience.
Key features of the 2011 Blackline include:
· NEW Powertrain styling
Ø Powertrain is finished in gloss black powdercoat on the rocker box covers, the crankcase, the outer primary cover, and the transmission side cover. The cylinders are silver powdercoat with machined highlights. The derby cover and timing covers are chromed.
Ø Rigid-mounted, counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B™ V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 125 Nm /92 ft. lbs. peak torque at 3250 rpm.
Ø 6-Speed Cruise Drive® Transmission.
· NEW Oval air cleaner cover in brilliant chrome.
· NEW Black Denim powdercoat frame and swingarm.
· NEW Profile Laced Aluminum wheels with black anodized rims. Front wheel is 21 x 2.15 inches; rear wheel is 16 x 3 inches. Dunlop® D402 tires are MH90-21 front and MU85B16 rear.
· NEW FX front end with black powdercoat triple clamps and black painted fork lowers.
· NEW Split Drag™ internally-wired handlebars mount directly to the top triple clamp.
· NEW Asymmetric 18.9 litre Softail fuel tank is clean on the left side, with low profile fuel cap on the right. Die cast “Blackline” trim panel flowing down the center of the tank is just high enough to cover the fuel pump hardware.
· NEW Analog speedometer on a triple-clamp mount that also holds indicator lights. LCD screen on the speedometer includes low-fuel warning and “distance to empty” display function.
· NEW Bobbed rear fender with combination stop/tail/turn lights in black housings, and a new composite license plate holder and light module that mounts on the lower edge of the fender.
· NEW Raw forged rear fender supports are finished in Black Denim powdercoat.
· NEW Deep two-piece seat and passenger pillion. Laden rider seat height is 660mm, the lowest two-up seat offered by Harley-Davidson. Gap between the nose of seat and fuel tank exposes the top of the frame.
· NEW 146mm-diameter headlamp in gloss black shell.
· Polished forward foot controls.
· Over/under chrome shotgun exhaust.
· Security Package with Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Security System
Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's website at www.harley-davidson.com.
Custom Softail Features New Fuel Tank Styling and Split Drag™ Handlebars
MILWAUKEE (January 20, 2011) Lean as wire, hard as iron and dark as a tar road at midnight, the new Blackline motorcycle is a Harley-Davidson Softail model pared to the bone. A rebellious creation of the Custom movement, the Blackline celebrates three fundamental elements of motorcycling: mechanical beauty, internal combustion, and the long black line of the road ahead.
The Blackline balances allegiance with rebellion, discarding previous conventions of colour and chrome for a Custom look that’s honest, functional and attainable. Visual elements of the original bobber movement are combined with the raw, hand-hewn style embraced by today’s young custom builders. The Blackline throws new fuel on a fire that burns across generations, an unquenchable desire to ride.
Lean and Tight
Stripped to the legal limit, the Blackline keeps decorative trim and lighting spare. The rear fender is bobbed high-and-tight over a slim, 144mm tyre that emphasises an authentic hardtail profile. The compact headlight and speedometer are tucked low into the wide, FX front end, and there’s just enough shine to make the black parts look blacker. Black-rimmed laced wheels complete a look that’s tough, tempered and undeniably Harley-Davidson.
The styling spotlight shines on a Big Twin engine dressed in black and silver, and on a fuel tank shaved smooth and low. Aboard the Blackline, the rider hugs the frame on the lowest two-up seat ever offered by Harley-Davidson, and reaches high for new Split Drag™ handlebars that bolt right to the top triple-clamp.
The Softail chassis utilises rear suspension control provided by coil-over shock absorbers mounted horizontally along the frame rails below the powertrain, where they are out of sight. So while the swingarm section replicates the lines of a vintage hardtail frame, the Blackline delivers suspension performance and handling that are thoroughly modern. The internally counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B™ engine is rigid-mounted within the frame, creating a solid connection between rider and power that moves the motorcycle to enhance the emotional riding experience.
Key features of the 2011 Blackline include:
· NEW Powertrain styling
Ø Powertrain is finished in gloss black powdercoat on the rocker box covers, the crankcase, the outer primary cover, and the transmission side cover. The cylinders are silver powdercoat with machined highlights. The derby cover and timing covers are chromed.
Ø Rigid-mounted, counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B™ V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 125 Nm /92 ft. lbs. peak torque at 3250 rpm.
Ø 6-Speed Cruise Drive® Transmission.
· NEW Oval air cleaner cover in brilliant chrome.
· NEW Black Denim powdercoat frame and swingarm.
· NEW Profile Laced Aluminum wheels with black anodized rims. Front wheel is 21 x 2.15 inches; rear wheel is 16 x 3 inches. Dunlop® D402 tires are MH90-21 front and MU85B16 rear.
· NEW FX front end with black powdercoat triple clamps and black painted fork lowers.
· NEW Split Drag™ internally-wired handlebars mount directly to the top triple clamp.
· NEW Asymmetric 18.9 litre Softail fuel tank is clean on the left side, with low profile fuel cap on the right. Die cast “Blackline” trim panel flowing down the center of the tank is just high enough to cover the fuel pump hardware.
· NEW Analog speedometer on a triple-clamp mount that also holds indicator lights. LCD screen on the speedometer includes low-fuel warning and “distance to empty” display function.
· NEW Bobbed rear fender with combination stop/tail/turn lights in black housings, and a new composite license plate holder and light module that mounts on the lower edge of the fender.
· NEW Raw forged rear fender supports are finished in Black Denim powdercoat.
· NEW Deep two-piece seat and passenger pillion. Laden rider seat height is 660mm, the lowest two-up seat offered by Harley-Davidson. Gap between the nose of seat and fuel tank exposes the top of the frame.
· NEW 146mm-diameter headlamp in gloss black shell.
· Polished forward foot controls.
· Over/under chrome shotgun exhaust.
· Security Package with Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Security System
Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's website at www.harley-davidson.com.