NZ engineered bike (built in China)

[Forest]

I was reading the whaleoil blog (which is generally shitty but occasionally entertaining). There was an interesting post on it today:

http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/?q=node/6807

I’ve had a busy day today, hence the lack of posting.

I have been helping my mate load his engineering workshop into a container to send to China.

He is a clever guy and has invented some cool stuff. His latest design is a new 80cc motorcroos bike, in particluar the engine which is his complete design.

He has just got order for 500 bikes and a licencing deal with the largest motocycle company in China for his innovative engine.

The engine generates 30% more power for the same size as other engines. That is massive. The design is also scalable.

So why is he going to China? Simple really, it has become impossible for him to continue in business here. He is going to setup his manufacturing line up there for a number of reasons, cost particulary for labour, it is also close to his largest customer.

So tomorrow that is it, another Kiwi and his family bolt from Clarkistan to set up elsewhere taking his factory, his expertise, his money and the jobs he provided.

Anyone here know anything about this project? I think it is great the inventor is getting his design into production and would like to know more about it.

[Magua]

The price of labour. I think this would not be just a New Zealand "Clarkistan" issue, but a Western one. Would he have been any better off trying to start such a business in Australia, Britian, etc?

[Forest]

The price of labour. I think this would not be just a New Zealand "Clarkistan" issue, but a Western one. Would he have been any better off trying to start such a business in Australia, Britian, etc?

I completely agree. The whaleoil blogger can't help taking pot-shots at Labour (some of which are deserved, some of which are not).

But I'd love to know more about the project and the inventor. Does anyone know some more about it?

[Ocean1]

The price of labour. I think this would not be just a New Zealand "Clarkistan" issue, but a Western one. Would he have been any better off trying to start such a business in Australia, Britian, etc?

Considerably.

Both Aus and the UK have numerous wee incentives a start-up business can take advantage of. That's evidenced by the disparity in the relative loss of small scale high tech manufacturing in those countries compared to here.

[CHOPPA]

anyone got any more info on the actual engine? sounds too good to be true....