Ex-Ducati man to head
Norton push into US
By Phil West -
General news
24 November 2010 17:00
Norton has announced that it plans to make its first shipments of
new machines to the US from May next year.
The revived British marquee announced today (Weds) that it has
appointed former Ducati US boss Dan Van Epps to head-up its
operations in the States and to guide the firm’s much anticipated
return to the American market.
Van Epps is a former CEO of Ducati North America and, while
based in Bologna, Italy, Ducati’s Director of Overseas Markets.
Norton Boss Stuart Garner said:
“We have been producing the new 961 Commandos for almost
two years, and the orders have been well beyond our most
enthusiastic expectations. We’ve had to ramp-up production
much earlier than anticipated to grow on pace with our customer’s
requests”, noted owner and CEO Stuart Garner. “The exciting news
is that we are now ready to enter the important US market, and
we’ve chosen Dan Van Epps be CEO of Norton Motorcycles USA.
Dan’s depth of experience, and our policy here at Norton to add to
the team only the best motorcycle industry professionals, makes
him a perfect fit”.
Van Epps added: “This is really an exciting opportunity for us,
and we are all confident about our future, however, I am keenly
aware of the magnitude of the responsibility in the introduction
of Norton to the USA”, said Van Epps. “We are fulfilling the dream
and delivering the excitement of a truly iconic all British motorcycle.
Partnering with dealers who likewise understand the significance of
this brand and its rich heritage is critically important and will be the
key to our success”.
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