Latest news with #Kenda
WIRED
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- WIRED
Aventon's Affordable Level 3 Is a Great Starter Electric Bike
I love step-through ebike frames, not just because it allows my much-shorter wife to borrow the bike when she's wearing a skirt, but also because when a bike is this heavy (67 lbs), it makes it much easier to balance and hop on and off of. I never felt sketchy hitting an intersection or trying to keep my bike upright when I had a saddle bag full of groceries. The gearing and drivetrain is entry-level Shimano Altus stuff and includes an 8-speed trigger-controlled transmission. It also comes with decent Kenda tires that provide plenty of grip, even on slippery Portland roads. There is a built-in 4G connection that allows you to GPS track the bike—nice for thefts and also in case you, like me, forget where you parked your bike at the Portland Timbers game. The 500W motor was more than powerful enough to get me over hills, even with gear or food in tow. Even for my large, 210-pound body, the range proved more than enough for long commuting rides. I took it over 20 miles across town in a single session, over big hills, and still ended at my destination with over 20 percent battery. If I hadn't ran the bike at full speed the entire way, and had pedaled more on the flats instead of using the thumb throttle, I would easily have made it with half my battery left. Good for Most Photograph: Parker Hall Most folks aren't riding 40 miles a day on their ebikes. They're just riding a few, and this bike is more than capable of doing that. The included charging brick easily charges the bike in a few hours, you will only really need to charge once a week if you're doing a shorter commute or just riding a bit around town. There aren't a lot of downsides to this model, but the main one is the gearing. I just wish that the top gear allowed me to keep up with the 20-mile-per-hour speed limit on the motor with more ease; I sometimes felt like I was pedaling like a crazed hamster when trying to go max speed. At lower speeds and assistance rates, the gearing works just fine, so you're better off riding slower when you want to pedal, and using the thumb throttle to go full speed. I generally prefer mid-drive ebikes for this reason; they use the actual drivetrain of your bike to deliver the power, rather than a motor on the hub of the rear wheel, so things pair better together. That said, it's nice to have the option of a thumb throttle when you're feeling lazy and just want a glorified electric scooter to take you home, which isn't offered by mid-drive ebikes. For daily commuting, trips to the farmers market, and occasional long weekend rides, the Aventon Level 3 is a great choice. The price is right, the specs are solid, and it's a confidence-inducing ride that has every feature most folks will need. Just snag a good helmet and a solid bike lock. These bikes look more expensive than they are.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
From Swamps to Highways: Python Huntress Amy Siewe & Renowned Tire Maker Kenda Unite to Safeguard Florida's Ecosystem
REYNOLDSBURG, OH, UNITED STATES, May 23, 2025 / / -- As crazy as it sounds, Florida has a Burmese python population invasion, and more than 500,000 of these apex predators have destroyed the state's ecosystem. With nearly 98% of local mammal species wiped out. Through her partnership with leading tire manufacturer Kenda, and in support of National Trailer Safety Week (June 1–7, 2025), wildlife conservation advocate Amy Siewe emphasizes the critical role that the right tires and wheels play in tackling Florida's toughest terrain and shares her top tips for safe towing. Just like python hunting, towing requires precision and planning; the smallest mistake could lead to delays or worse. Amy also shares how she traded her 9-to-5 career in real estate to become a full-time Python Huntress. Amy has years of experience hauling boats, trailers, and heavy gear through unpredictable backcountry and makes her advice a must for anyone hitting the road for adventure. Having captured over 600 Burmese pythons—including a massive 17-foot, 110-pound snake—she knows firsthand that reliability and performance are non-negotiable when the mission is intense. For more information, please visit Kim Besst Kenda email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Los Angeles Times
19-04-2025
- Automotive
- Los Angeles Times
A Taiwanese Powerhouse Expanding Its Global Footprint
Founded in 1962, Kenda Tires has evolved from a small Taiwanese manufacturer into a global leader in specialty and automotive tires. Over six decades, the company has established a strong presence across multiple industries, including bicycles, motorcycles, passenger cars, lawn and garden, golf car and trailer, and All Terrain Vehicles. With its commitment to quality, innovation, and strategic expansion, Kenda has successfully positioned itself as a major player in the U.S. market. Kenda's U.S. operations began in earnest in the 1990s, following Chairman Jimmy Yang's vision of vertical integration. The company set up distribution centers, assembly plants, and wheel manufacturing facilities to enhance efficiency and control supply chain operations. Today, the United States accounts for over 40% of Kenda's total global sales, making it the company's largest single market. Kenda's early foresight in expanding to the U.S. has given it a competitive edge in an industry where trade policies and logistics can significantly impact business operations. By maintaining both U.S. and Asian manufacturing capabilities, Kenda has built a flexible and resilient supply chain that allows it to adapt swiftly to changing market demands and trade regulations. 'Kenda started as a specialty tire manufacturer,' says Jimmy Yang, Chairman of Kenda Tires. 'But now, we have a strong foothold in the automotive sector as well. 'Our goal is to continue building Kenda as a world-class brand that is positioned alongside industry leaders.' Kenda's reputation for excellence was recently reaffirmed when it received the Best Practice Award for manufacturing quality at the 26th National Quality Awards in Taiwan. This prestigious award, issued by Taiwan's Executive Council, recognizes companies demonstrating outstanding business performance, efficiency, and innovation. To win the award, Kenda underwent a rigorous two-year evaluation process, proving its ability to maintain high manufacturing standards despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The company's ability to maintain steady output, reduce production inefficiencies and implement quality control measures set it apart from the competition. Kenda's emphasis on process optimization and lean manufacturing has helped it streamline production, ensuring consistent product quality while reducing waste. This focus on efficiency not only enhances its operational capabilities but also allows Kenda to remain cost-competitive in a volatile global market. 'At Kenda, we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence,' says Yang. 'This award is a testament to the dedication of our employees, who have helped us maintain our quality leadership in the tire industry.' While Kenda has long been respected for its manufacturing expertise, Yang recognized early on that branding and marketing would be essential for competing with industry giants. By heavily investing in sports sponsorships, Kenda has boosted its global visibility, supporting college and professional sports teams, motorsports, and individual athletes. Kenda has sponsored pro sports teams and several drift car and motorsports athletes. These efforts have reinforced Kenda's presence in the U.S. market and helped establish it as a premium performance brand. Beyond sports sponsorships, Kenda has focused on localized marketing strategies that resonate with different regional markets. In North America, its branding emphasizes durability and performance, while in Asia and Europe, it highlights technological innovation and fuel efficiency. One of my marketing goals is to build Kenda as a world-class brand,' Yang explains. 'Kenda is not just a Taiwanese brand. It is a global brand, built with world-class quality, marketed through world-class partnerships.' Kenda's transformation from a mid-tier tire manufacturer to an industry leader has been driven by its investment in research and development (R&D). With state-of-the-art technology centers in Akron, Ohio, and Hamburg, Germany, Kenda has pushed forward innovations in materials, fuel efficiency, and automation. Recent breakthroughs include the development of low rolling resistance tires designed for electric and hybrid vehicles, helping improve fuel efficiency. Kenda is also prioritizing sustainable manufacturing, introducing compounds that incorporate reclaimed carbon black, recycled rubber and soybean oil as a replacement for synthetic oils. Beyond materials, Kenda is embracing AI-powered automation to optimize production lines, reducing labor costs while improving manufacturing precision and efficiency. The use of smart manufacturing technologies allows Kenda to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high production capacity, a critical factor as the industry moves toward more sustainable practices. 'With our technical centers in Akron and Hamburg, we are at the forefront of innovation,' says Yang. 'We are designing tires that meet the demands of tomorrow's vehicles while ensuring environmental responsibility.' With its wheel manufacturing capabilities firmly established in the U.S., Kenda is actively evaluating the potential expansion of tire production in the country. Although no specific timeline has been announced, Yang believes the company is well-positioned to leverage its experience in U.S. manufacturing. 'Kenda has been manufacturing wheels in the U.S. since 1998,' says Yang. 'It is very likely that we might have to expand tire manufacturing in the US; with our experience in wheel production and assembly, we have a clear advantage in setting up tire manufacturing here as well.' While many companies have outsourced production, Kenda's long-term strategic planning has always factored in the possibility of bringing more manufacturing stateside. By expanding in the U.S., Kenda aims to enhance supply chain resilience, reduce tariffs, and support just-in-time delivery requirements for customers. 'The easiest way is to purchase and take over a factory. It could be a joint venture or a sole venture', Yang explains. 'We are looking for the right candidate with the right technology.' As geopolitical shifts and trade policies continue to impact global industries, Kenda's commitment to localized manufacturing and supply chain agility ensures it remains well-prepared for future disruptions. As Kenda continues its global expansion, the company remains committed to staying ahead of industry trends, embracing sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and smart technology. Taiwan's industrial sector is also benefiting from this transformation, with companies like Kenda setting new benchmarks in global competitiveness. The company's strategic focus on branding, R&D, vertical integration, and regional expansion has positioned it as one of Taiwan's few globally recognized brands. With manufacturing and R&D centers spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, Kenda is well-prepared for the next era of growth. 'We are building Kenda into a globally trusted brand,' says Yang. 'Through innovation, sustainability, and smart expansion, we are creating long-term value for our customers and investors. The next 20 years will be even more exciting.'
