Powered by Remy Motor, Lightning Motorcycles First Electric Bike to Break 200mph

PENDLETON, Ind., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Using a Remy propulsion electric motor, Lightning Motorcycles, LLC. blasts through the land speed record for production electric bikes by 30mph to be crowned the first electric bike in the world to exceed 200mph. In an August 14 SCTA*-sanctioned run at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, Lightning -- the 2010 land speed record holder -- achieved 206.079 mph, topping its 2010 speed of 176mph. Lightning retains its claim as the fastest electric bike in the world in its class and will eternally own the achievement of being the first electric motorcycle to break 200mph in its class. The bike was ridden by Paul Thede, principal of Race Tech and the developer of the Lightning suspension system.

This record speed win coincides with the signing of a long term supply agreement in which Remy International, Inc. will provide Lightning Motorcycles with the Remy HVH250™ electric propulsion motor for use in Lightning Motorcycles' commercial electric motorcycles and its professional racing Lightning Superbikes.  Lightning Motorcycles is a California-based motorcycle engineering firm using competition to spur innovation. In addition to its commercial bikes now sold in North America, Asia and Europe, Lightning is already manufacturing their winning Superbikes with a Remy HVH250 motor for sale.

"Lightning Motorcycles has the drive and talent to keep pushing the electric bike land speed record higher with the Remy HVH250 electric motor. We are very proud to be a part of Lightning's amazing record at Bonneville," said Remy Electric Motors, LLC VP and General Manager Kevin Quinn. "The Remy HVH250 motor is the best on the market. Our team works hard to give our customers the competitive power advantage they need; it is dazzling to see it in triumphant action like this," added Quinn.

"Switching to a Remy electric motor made a powerful difference in our design and performance. Coupled with our experienced team, we knew we had a record-breaking bike on the Salt Flats. Remy has been a tremendous partner in our efforts. We look forward to working with them and their motor on both our racing and commercial bikes," said Lightning Motorcycle CEO Richard Hatfield.  

The compact size and light weight of the Remy HVH250 electric motor is a perfect match for the Lightning Superbike.  The Remy HVH250 provides the superior power density and performance required by Lightning Motorcycles while fitting into the limited space of this small but powerful application. Efficiency and range are also gained through the reduced weight of the lighter Remy electric motor, which decreases overall application weight with no sacrifice in power or durability.

Remy's HVH250 electric propulsion motors have award-winning, patented High Voltage Hairpin stator winding technology within a compact housing that is easily integrated into nearly all hybrid and electric applications from motorcycles to autos, SUVs, trucks, buses and off-road vehicles. The HVH250 electric motor provides customers with world class continuous power and torque density. Based on the success of the HVH250, a new powerful HVH410 is now available for heavy duty applications. Today, there are more than 90,000 efficient, durable Remy motors on the road. With over a billion miles of proven reliability, Remy's compact HVH electric propulsion motors are power-dense, lab-tested and road-proven.  For more details about the HVH Series electric motors, visit the Remy website at: http://www.remyinc.com/hvh.asp.

* SCTA -- Southern California Timing Association

About Remy International, Inc.

Remy International, Inc., headquartered in Pendleton, Indiana, is a leading global manufacturer, remanufacturer and distributor of light duty starters and alternators and Delco Remy brand heavy-duty systems.  Remy International also manufactures and distributes electric propulsion motors designed with leading edge technology and backed by the security of over a billion miles of proven reliability. In business for over 100 years, today Remy International is actively collaborating with companies throughout the world to develop innovations that are transforming the vehicle industry. Recently, Remy was recognized by the United States Department of Energy for its leadership role in the hybrid technologies space and awarded a $60 million grant under the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative.

To learn more, visit the Remy brand website at www.remyinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press announcement contains forecasts, projections, expectations, or opportunities regarding Remy that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results, including, but not limited to, future financial results and liquidity, development of new products and services, the effect of competitive products or pricing, the effect of commodity and raw material prices, the impact of supply chain cost management initiatives, restructuring risks, customs duty claims, litigation uncertainties and warranty claims, conditions in the automotive industry, foreign currency fluctuations, costs related to re-sourcing and outsourcing products, the effect of economic conditions, and other factors identified in Remy International statements.

About Lightning Motors

Lightning Motorcycles is the brainchild of Richard Hatfield and a group of Silicon Valley engineers dedicated to the belief that world class performance is compatible with clean tech transportation.  At Lightning Motorcycles we believe that choosing to ride an electric motorcycle should not be a compromise.  We have honed our understanding of vehicle development as lifetime racers. We seek out competition to refine our technology.  The Lightning SuperBike is equally suited to track days, weekend rides on your favorite back roads or record runs at Bonneville.  Interested investors can contact Richard Hatfield: [email protected]

In addition to the SuperBike, Lightning is producing prototypes of electric commuter bikes, scooters and ATVs. For more information, visit http://www.lightningmotorcycle.com/

Contact:
Ann Shannon, 480.415.9848
[email protected]

SOURCE Remy International, Inc.