Latest news with #FTNMotion


Scoop
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Motion Strengthens Leadership Team With New Board And Advisory Appointment
Press Release – FTN Motion Jamie France, formerly an advisor to FTN, has joined the companys Board of Directors. France was an early Rocket Lab employee and served as Global Launch Director for the Electron rocket program, leading a team of over 300 engineers and technicians … FTN Motion, makers of the Streetdog electric motorbike, has announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors and a new addition to its Advisory Board, as the company focuses on building a strong, efficient foundation for operations across New Zealand and Australia. The announcement comes as FTN wraps up its first production run of the new Streetdog80 for customers here in Aotearoa. With most bikes nearly out the door, the team is now gearing up to start building in June for its first Australian deliveries. Board Appointments Reinforce Operational Capability Jamie France, formerly an advisor to FTN, has joined the company's Board of Directors. France was an early Rocket Lab employee and served as Global Launch Director for the Electron rocket program, leading a team of over 300 engineers and technicians across New Zealand and the U.S. FTN co-founder Luke Sinclair said France brings valuable experience in building operational structure during periods of growth. 'Jamie has helped build complex operations from the ground up,' said Sinclair. 'We're not chasing hyper-scale – we're focused on building a well-run, efficient company that can deliver consistently to customers across New Zealand and Australia. Jamie understands how to get that right.' Also joining the Board is Jenny Cresswell, the former Head of Strategy and Chief Financial Officer at Hyundai Motors New Zealand. Cresswell's commercial and financial leadership adds depth to FTN's governance as the company works to refine its operations and long-term planning. Advisory Board Welcomes New Voice in Urban Mobility FTN's Advisory Board has also welcomed Mariko Mura Davidson, a product leader with 15 years of experience at the intersection of transport innovation and go-to-market strategy. She currently holds a senior role at Wombi, a U.S.-based e-bike subscription company, and has previously led product initiatives at Ford Motor Company and Microsoft, where she focused on launching technologies that improve urban mobility and reduce environmental impact. Mariko's go-to-market expertise is exactly what we need as we begin selling in Australia,' said Sinclair. 'She brings a sharp understanding of how to position and scale innovative products in new markets. Her experience will be instrumental in establishing the Streetdog as a smart, sustainable choice for urban commuters across New Zealand and Australia. Davidson joins existing advisor Roland Krueger, former CEO of Dyson, who has been working with FTN over the past year. With prior leadership roles at BMW and Infiniti, Krueger brings a strong design and product mindset to the table. Based part-time in New Zealand, he had been following FTN's journey before joining as an advisor.


Scoop
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Motion Strengthens Leadership Team With New Board And Advisory Appointment
FTN Motion, makers of the Streetdog electric motorbike, has announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors and a new addition to its Advisory Board, as the company focuses on building a strong, efficient foundation for operations across New Zealand and Australia. The announcement comes as FTN wraps up its first production run of the new Streetdog80 for customers here in Aotearoa. With most bikes nearly out the door, the team is now gearing up to start building in June for its first Australian deliveries. Board Appointments Reinforce Operational Capability Jamie France, formerly an advisor to FTN, has joined the company's Board of Directors. France was an early Rocket Lab employee and served as Global Launch Director for the Electron rocket program, leading a team of over 300 engineers and technicians across New Zealand and the U.S. FTN co-founder Luke Sinclair said France brings valuable experience in building operational structure during periods of growth. 'Jamie has helped build complex operations from the ground up,' said Sinclair. 'We're not chasing hyper-scale - we're focused on building a well-run, efficient company that can deliver consistently to customers across New Zealand and Australia. Jamie understands how to get that right.' Also joining the Board is Jenny Cresswell, the former Head of Strategy and Chief Financial Officer at Hyundai Motors New Zealand. Cresswell's commercial and financial leadership adds depth to FTN's governance as the company works to refine its operations and long-term planning. Advisory Board Welcomes New Voice in Urban Mobility FTN's Advisory Board has also welcomed Mariko Mura Davidson, a product leader with 15 years of experience at the intersection of transport innovation and go-to-market strategy. She currently holds a senior role at Wombi, a U.S.-based e-bike subscription company, and has previously led product initiatives at Ford Motor Company and Microsoft, where she focused on launching technologies that improve urban mobility and reduce environmental impact. Mariko's go-to-market expertise is exactly what we need as we begin selling in Australia,' said Sinclair. 'She brings a sharp understanding of how to position and scale innovative products in new markets. Her experience will be instrumental in establishing the Streetdog as a smart, sustainable choice for urban commuters across New Zealand and Australia. Davidson joins existing advisor Roland Krueger, former CEO of Dyson, who has been working with FTN over the past year. With prior leadership roles at BMW and Infiniti, Krueger brings a strong design and product mindset to the table. Based part-time in New Zealand, he had been following FTN's journey before joining as an advisor.


Scoop
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
A One-Of-A-Kind Collaboration: FTN Motion Teams Up With Legendary Artist For Custom Electric Motorbike Build
A one-of-a-kind electric motorbike, created in a collaboration between celebrated Pacific artist Fatu Feu'u and New Zealand custom electric motorbike builders FTN Motion, was unveiled over the weekend at the Arts Foundation of New Zealand's annual fundraising auction. The bike, known as a Streetdog, is a striking fusion of cultural storytelling and handcrafted engineering. Built by hand in FTN Motion's workshop in Hamilton, the machine features original artwork by Feu'u, who painted the bike's panels in his own studio before they were carefully assembled onto the finished bike by the FTN team. The result is far more than a motorcycle — it's a moving artwork, layered with meaning, purpose, and personality. Feu'u, a pioneer of contemporary Pacific art, brought his bold visual language and deep cultural knowledge to the project, applying his signature motifs and ancestral references directly to the bike's panels. The collaboration stands as a powerful example of how traditional storytelling can meet modern mobility in entirely new ways. At the heart of this project is the Streetdog — a quiet revolution on two wheels. Every Streetdog is designed and hand-built in New Zealand. Each one is fully custom and made to order, allowing customers to choose their own colours, decals, seat, tyres, and more - resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind, bespoke build. In a world of noise, sameness, and automation, the Streetdog offers something deeply personal: a new kind of highlight in someone's life, built with soul, care, and originality. "Working with Fatu was an incredible honour, and the result is something truly special.' said FTN Motion co-founder Luke Sinclair. 'The Arts Foundation plays a vital role in uplifting New Zealand's creative community. They back bold ideas and exceptional talent through private support, and we're proud to contribute to that mission." The finished bike is more than a collaboration — it's a bold statement of New Zealand creativity and craftsmanship, blending cultural heritage with clean, modern mobility. It's currently on display at FTN Motion's showroom in Britomart, Auckland. About FTN Motion FTN Motion builds electric motorbikes for urban commuters who want a simpler, more enjoyable way to move through the world. Based in Hamilton, New Zealand we design and build custom motorbikes that combine the clean efficiency of electric powertrains with the charm and character of classic motorbike styling. Our bikes are light, easy to ride, and fun — built for people who want to reconnect with the joy of getting from A to B. At FTN, we're not trying to reinvent the wheel — just make it a little more beautiful, and a lot more fun.