Latest news with #LiveWire
Business Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Business Times
Harley Davidson nears financing unit deal with Pimco, KKR
[NEW YORK] Harley-Davidson is in advanced talks to sell a stake in its financing unit as well as its existing motorcycle loan portfolio in a deal worth US$5 billion to Pacific Investment Management Company (Pimco) and KKR, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. The firms' private credit arms are in discussions to purchase an interest in the bike maker's Harley-Davidson Financial Services, or HDFS, the sources said. HDFS, which was put up for sale earlier this year, helps the company's dealers finance their inventory and lends to consumers for the purchase of Harley-Davidson and LiveWire motorcycles. The US$5 billion price tag would include the iconic bike maker's existing book of motorcycle loans, the sources said, adding that Pimco and KKR are also seeking to purchase the debt the firm originates in the future. A deal could be announced within weeks, they added. Conversations are ongoing and details and size of the deal may change. Spokespeople for Pimco and KKR declined to comment, while a representative for Harley-Davidson did not respond to requests for comment. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The potential sale comes as Harley-Davidson grapples with lacklustre sales growth and stiff competition from rivals, including Honda Motor and BMW. The motorcycle maker is set to report results on Jul 30. Its shares are down around 22 per cent year-to-date. Harley Davidson's chief executive officer Jochen Zeitz said in May that 'the HDFS transaction is continuing to progress with multiple interested parties'. The company said earlier this year that it has retained an executive search firm to find a replacement for Zeitz, who intends to retire. Private credit firms have been growing their footprint in the US$5.2 trillion asset based market, which encompasses everything from auto loans to residential mortgages and can often receive investment-grade ratings. Some of them have been buying up stakes in the companies that originate those consumer loans while also purchasing the debt they originate. For instance, Carlyle Group has done so in the past by acquiring minority stakes in firms such as Sungage Financial, which provides financing for residential solar cells. Often times, these firms may look to repackage those loans into securities of varying risk and size. Harley-Davidson is no stranger to that asset-backed bond market, having previously repackaged its motorcycle loans into notes, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. BLOOMBERG
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet Annie: The billionaire heiress who picked K-Pop over power suits
Ever wondered what it's like to walk away from guaranteed wealth to chase your dreams? Annie from All Day Project knows exactly what that feels like. As the daughter of Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yoo-kyung, she could have easily stepped into a cushy corporate role worth millions. Instead, she chose the uncertain, demanding world of K-pop. During Mnet's 'Live Wire,' Annie opened up about her unconventional journey. "Rather than feeling burdened, I want to show more musically and performance-wise to change that perception in a positive direction," she explained when asked about being called "the chairman's daughter." The 10-Year Battle for Her Dreams Annie's path to stardom wasn't handed to her on a silver platter. She spent 10 years convincing her family to let her pursue music. The compromise? She had to get into an Ivy League university first. So she did - Columbia University, proving she could excel academically while never giving up on her musical aspirations. This wasn't about rebellion; it was about proving her commitment. In a country where academic achievement matters enormously, Annie satisfied her family's expectations while keeping her dreams alive. Her mother's love for Big Bang (she memorized every accessory in the "Fantastic Baby" music video) eventually helped bridge the gap between family expectations and entertainment industry dreams. Living Between Two Worlds Today, Annie navigates a unique duality. She's simultaneously a chaebol heiress and a struggling idol trying to prove herself. "Wherever I go, people talk about being 'the chairman's daughter,' and naturally, it's something I have to handle," she admitted with refreshing honesty. Unlike typical idol stories, Annie doesn't hide her privilege or manufacture struggles. She acknowledges her advantages while working twice as hard to earn respect through talent. Her All Day Project teammates - Woochan with his "Show Me The Money 6" background, Tarzan with American hip-hop influences, Youngseo as a former YouTube creator, and Bailey as a lifelong choreographer - each bring different stories, making their group feel authentically diverse. Redefining Success on Her Terms Annie's approach offers a new template for privileged youth entering competitive industries. Instead of expecting special treatment, she's asking for the chance to be judged by her artistic contributions rather than her family's wealth. Her mature handling of public scrutiny shows she's not running from her background but using it as motivation to work harder. In an industry where manufactured personas dominate, Annie's straightforward honesty feels revolutionary. She's proving that authenticity trumps carefully crafted backstories, creating a more relatable narrative for young audiences who appreciate genuine over manufactured struggle.
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Wire
LiveWire® S2 Electric Motorcycles Now Available for Training at Bartels' Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy in Marina del Rey
MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LiveWire Group, Inc. ('LiveWire'), a leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced a major step forward in rider education: Bartels' Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy in Marina del Rey has become the first new rider program in the United States to offer certified training on LiveWire's all-electric S2 motorcycles. Students now learn to ride on the S2 Mulholland™ and the S2 Alpinista™, both of which have been specially outfitted for motorcycle training. This first-of-its-kind program removes the complexity of learning clutch and gear operation, allowing students to focus on balance, braking, and control from the onset of instruction. LiveWire's electric motorcycles deliver smooth, intuitive acceleration and confident braking—all with the quiet assurance of an electric powertrain. 'This partnership is about breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of riders. By integrating LiveWire motorcycles into rider training, Bartels' is redefining what it means to learn to ride—making it more accessible, more intuitive, and better aligned with the future of motorcycling,' said Karim Donnez, CEO of LiveWire. Redefining the First Ride LiveWire's clutch-free learning experience removes a common barrier for new riders, allowing them to focus on braking, cornering, and throttle control—building confidence faster and with fewer distractions. To support safety and skill development, all S2 training bikes are equipped with custom frame protection kits developed by LiveWire and installed by Bartels' Harley-Davidson. Each motorcycle also features software calibrated for new riders, including softened throttle response, adjusted regenerative braking, and enhanced traction control. This setup ensures a safe, controlled, and confidence-building experience—without compromising the performance and design that defines LiveWire. Certified Instruction, Real-World Credentials Students at Bartels' Harley-Davidson receive expert instruction from trainers certified by both the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) and the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy. Upon successful completion of the New Rider Course, graduates earn a Basic RiderCourse (BRC) completion card (DL 389 certificate), providing a clear path to becoming a licensed motorcyclist*. A National Vision for EV Rider Education This milestone in Marina del Rey is just the beginning. LiveWire plans to expand electric motorcycle training to additional Riding Academy locations across the country, supporting the brand's mission to lead the transformation of motorcycling through electrification and make EV riding more accessible to a broader range of new riders. Now Enrolling in Marina del Rey LiveWire S2 rider training is now available at Bartels' Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy in Marina del Rey, CA. New riders are invited to enroll and experience the future of motorcycling today. To sign up or learn more, visit: About LiveWire LiveWire has a dedicated focus on the electric motorcycle sector. LiveWire's majority shareholder is Harley-Davidson, Inc. LiveWire comes from the lineage of Harley-Davidson and is capitalizing on a decade of its learnings in the EV sector. LiveWire plans to develop the technology of the future and invest in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorcycling. *Important Licensing Information Graduates will receive a DL 389 Certificate of Completion, which waives the riding skills portion of the motorcycle endorsement process in California. To obtain a valid motorcycle endorsement (Class M1 or M2), graduates must present the DL 389 at a California DMV and pass the written knowledge exam. Please note: The DL 389 is not a motorcycle license and does not authorize riding on public roads. Riders must complete all DMV requirements and be issued a motorcycle endorsement on their California driver's license before legally operating a motorcycle.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
LiveWire® S2 Electric Motorcycles Now Available for Training at Bartels' Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy in Marina del Rey
MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 23, 2025-- LiveWire Group, Inc. ('LiveWire'), a leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced a major step forward in rider education: Bartels' Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy in Marina del Rey has become the first new rider program in the United States to offer certified training on LiveWire's all-electric S2 motorcycles. Students now learn to ride on the S2 Mulholland™ and the S2 Alpinista™, both of which have been specially outfitted for motorcycle training. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: LiveWire New Rider Electric Motorcycle Training This first-of-its-kind program removes the complexity of learning clutch and gear operation, allowing students to focus on balance, braking, and control from the onset of instruction. LiveWire's electric motorcycles deliver smooth, intuitive acceleration and confident braking—all with the quiet assurance of an electric powertrain. 'This partnership is about breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of riders. By integrating LiveWire motorcycles into rider training, Bartels' is redefining what it means to learn to ride—making it more accessible, more intuitive, and better aligned with the future of motorcycling,' said Karim Donnez, CEO of LiveWire. Redefining the First Ride LiveWire's clutch-free learning experience removes a common barrier for new riders, allowing them to focus on braking, cornering, and throttle control—building confidence faster and with fewer distractions. To support safety and skill development, all S2 training bikes are equipped with custom frame protection kits developed by LiveWire and installed by Bartels' Harley-Davidson. Each motorcycle also features software calibrated for new riders, including softened throttle response, adjusted regenerative braking, and enhanced traction control. This setup ensures a safe, controlled, and confidence-building experience—without compromising the performance and design that defines LiveWire. Certified Instruction, Real-World Credentials Students at Bartels' Harley-Davidson receive expert instruction from trainers certified by both the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) and the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy. Upon successful completion of the New Rider Course, graduates earn a Basic RiderCourse (BRC) completion card (DL 389 certificate), providing a clear path to becoming a licensed motorcyclist*. A National Vision for EV Rider Education This milestone in Marina del Rey is just the beginning. LiveWire plans to expand electric motorcycle training to additional Riding Academy locations across the country, supporting the brand's mission to lead the transformation of motorcycling through electrification and make EV riding more accessible to a broader range of new riders. Now Enrolling in Marina del Rey LiveWire S2 rider training is now available at Bartels' Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy in Marina del Rey, CA. New riders are invited to enroll and experience the future of motorcycling today. To sign up or learn more, visit: About LiveWire LiveWire has a dedicated focus on the electric motorcycle sector. LiveWire's majority shareholder is Harley-Davidson, Inc. LiveWire comes from the lineage of Harley-Davidson and is capitalizing on a decade of its learnings in the EV sector. LiveWire plans to develop the technology of the future and invest in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorcycling. *Important Licensing Information Graduates will receive a DL 389 Certificate of Completion, which waives the riding skills portion of the motorcycle endorsement process in California. To obtain a valid motorcycle endorsement (Class M1 or M2), graduates must present the DL 389 at a California DMV and pass the written knowledge exam. Please note: The DL 389 is not a motorcycle license and does not authorize riding on public roads. Riders must complete all DMV requirements and be issued a motorcycle endorsement on their California driver's license before legally operating a motorcycle. View source version on CONTACT: Jon Bekefy [email protected] Media, Images, & Video [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN INDUSTRY KEYWORD: AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURING RETAIL MEN AUTOMOTIVE OTHER TECHNOLOGY EV/ELECTRIC VEHICLES CONSUMER LUXURY TECHNOLOGY ALTERNATIVE VEHICLES/FUELS OTHER RETAIL OTHER EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE TRAINING EDUCATION TRAVEL SOURCE: LiveWire Group, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/23/2025 11:00 AM/DISC: 07/23/2025 11:01 AM
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Powerful stage adaptation of literary classic tours to Stroud
A POWERFUL stage adaptation of a literary classic is touring to Stroud. Jane Eyre: An Autobiography will be performed at the Cotswold Playhouse on Friday, October 10, at 7.30pm. It's being staged to mark the 200th anniversary of the deaths of Maria and Elizabeth Brontë, Charlotte Brontë's older sisters, who died in the spring of 1825. Both girls died of consumption at 10 and 11 years old, when Charlotte was only nine. Shane Morgan, director of the production, said: "There is no doubt whatever that the devastating impact of Maria and Elizabeth's deaths at just 10 and 11 years old respectively was key to the germination of the Jane Eyre whose orphaned heroine endures childhood loss, rejection and isolation as she embarks on her quest for familial love and somewhere to belong." The production is a revival of the 2015 adaptation by award-winning playwright Dougie Blaxland. It is produced by Live Wire and Roughhouse Theatre. The same team won the 2021 National Campaign for the Arts Award. The original production was described as 'a theatrical tour de force from a company with a rare gift for bringing classics to life with loyalty, energy and intrigue'. Movement director Moira Hunt said the story still resonates today. She said: "Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre broke the mould of the Victorian female stereotype through its dramatisation of a woman of independent mind and means who refuses to be subservient in any way to her male counterparts." Alison Campbell, who trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, will reprise her role as Jane Eyre. She said: "The revival of the production to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the death of Maria and Elizabeth Brontë is of great significance in honouring the extraordinary Brontë family as a whole and highlighting the creative genius that emerged in the face of tragedy." More information and tickets are available at the Cotswold Playhouse website.
