Spanish motorcycle manufacturer RIEJU has acquired the intellectual and industrial property used to build GasGas enduro models that will now be manufactured and marketed under the RIEJU brand.
The platform owned by Torrot Electric Europe launched the range of GasGas two-stroke models in 2017 and the Ranger in 2019. During this period Torrot sold 4500 units in more than 50 countries before PIERER Mobility AG (formally KTM Industries AG) acquired a 60% stake in GasGas.
PIERER Mobility AG has since turfed the existing GasGas platform with Joachim Sauer, KTM Senior Product Manager Offroad, confirming future GasGas models will be based on the KTM platform.
The investment made by RIEJU will see the GasGas 300 two-stroke as we know it today manufactured under the RIEJU brand at its plant in Figueres, Spain. Distribution of new bikes will start in June. However, there is currently no Australian distributor for RIEJU. Whether or not former Australian GasGas importer, Urban Moto Imports, picks up the brand is unclear at this stage.
Rumours are circulating that suggest RIEJU is currently updating the platform to modernise a few key aspects including relocating the starter motor.
From this agreement and reinforcing its position in the off-road sector, RIEJU, S.A. will expand its current range of engines with larger displacement models.
Jordi Riera, CEO of RIEJU, S.A. said “This agreement allows RIEJU an immediate presence in the off-road competition segment with larger capacity machines than usual for Rieju, as well as a significant expansion of our client portfolio, and important openings to new markets.
“We are very excited for this new adventure and the enormous challenge that this entails. We have enormous experience in our design, manufacture and distribution structure, so we are convinced that this project will be a success for our company.
José Antonio Lombardía Managing Director of Torrot Electric commented “We are very satisfied with this agreement since it represents continuity for our local industry. We have valued the offer of RIEJU over other candidates for its long history, its high production capacity and quality and because it allows us to preserve the manufacturing of these motorcycles specialist and support auxiliary suppliers in our territory.”
RIEJU was founded in 1934 and currently manufactures more than 12,000 motorcycles annually in its facilities in Figueres near Barcelona and exports 85% of its production to more than 40 countries. It’s known for producing small-to-mid capacity scooters, trailbikes and roadbikes.