Update: A press release was issued detailing th management restructure is underway. The press release is attached to the bottom of this article.

A post on Highland Forums with a message from an unnamed source is reporting US Highland has closed it’s doors in Tulsa Oklahoma after funding sources dried up. After the tragic death of company leaders Matts Malmburg, Chase Bales and Damien Roddich, tension between the Swedish parent group and the US group led to the companies demise.

However, US Highland are in negotiations with 3 businesses including an “American motorcycle company” to transfer company assets.

The electric research arm of US Highland called Millenial Research Corp has move to Broken Arrow, OK and will continue operations.

I contacted Kurtis King from US Highland who confirmed the content of the HighlandForums.com post is accurate. He sounds confident this is a temporary setback.

The content of the post can be read after the break…

Yes, the shop is closed. Yes, all employees were laid off. No, it is NOT a permanent situation. As of today, 12-15, there are at least three groups looking to aquire both the company assets and the rights to the name. All three have the money to not only bail out the company, but to position the company where Mats, Chase, and co. would want it to be. Namely, an AMERICAN motorcycle company, controlled from within America. Apparently the Swedish parent group didn’t much care for the American connection in the first place, which is why the company was struggling to aquire funding after the loss of the upper management. With luck, sometime afer the first of the year, these negotiations will bear fruit, and US Highland will once again be poised to take the racing world by the scruff of the neck and say “We’re here, deal with it!” Also, there was no mention of a move away from the Tulsa area. In related news, the sister company, Millenial Research Corp., has moved to a new facility in Broken Arrow, Ok., and seems to have an unlimited future in new-technology electric motors, generators, and wind energy. As I have had applications in with both companies for MONTHS, I, for one, am very happy to hear these developments, and will keep my ear to the ground, reporting any new information as I come across it. Chin up, mates, it ain’t over yet!!!

Press Release:

US Highland Initiates Management Restructure

TULSA, OK–(Marketwire – December 20, 2010) – Southbridge Advisory Group announced it has been engaged by US Highland, Inc. (OTCBB: UHLN) to serve in an advisory capacity assisting US Highland in structuring a new management team with a success record in the motorcycle industry. US Highland, Inc. is a U.S. based designer, power sports technology licensor, and manufacturer of high performance engines and premium quality Motocross, Supermoto, Quad and Enduro motorcycles.
Southbridge will further assist the company in daily operations until the new management team is in place. Southbridge will assist US Highland in their efforts to secure the long-term funding transactions that allow the company to launch their products for distribution.

Discussions are underway with potential key team members to fill the void first created in July of 2010 by the loss of US Highlands three key executives. The executive team will replace the interim management put forward in August of 2010. US Highland’s goal is to minimize further delay in the company’s advancement created from the loss of their management in the July, 2010 air crash.

Southbridge Advisory Group, Inc. is a management firm headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma offering management advisory and merger & acquisition services to small-cap companies in both the public and private sector. Their primary focus is engagement with emerging-growth enterprise or company restructures for further information visit www.southbridgegroup.biz.

About US Highland, Inc.: US Highland, Inc., is a US based designer, power sports technology licensor and manufacturer of high performance, premium quality Motocross, Supermoto, Quad and Enduro motorcycles. The Company is also a leading development and engineering partner for leading OEM’s around the world. For additional information concerning US Highland Inc., visit www.ushighland.com.

If your part of the work from home elite, a housewife, Mr. Mom or don’t have a job be sure to tune into The Price Is Right November 10 to see a US Highland 450 MX in the final showcase. US Highland‘s brand will roost across 5.1 million sets of eyeballs including host / funny man Drew Carey.

Click the break below to see the full press release. Inside said press release is an interesting tidbit about US Highland sales. They have received ”well over 200 online orders since July 1, 2010″.

US Highland, Come On Down!

GLENPOOL, OK–(Marketwire – 11/08/10) – US Highland, Inc. (OTC.BB:UHLN – News), a U.S. based designer, power sports technology licensor and manufacturer of high performance, premium quality Motocross, Supermoto, Quad and Enduro motorcycles, announced today that “The Price Is Right,” America’s longest running game show, will be featuring a Highland Motorcycle on one of its upcoming broadcasts.

The Highland motorcycle will be part of the final “showcase” that contestants will have the opportunity to win. The featured bike will be a 450 MX model, and was filmed on October 18th. The airing date is on November 10th.

George Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing for US Highland, stated, “This is an exceptional event for US Highland and we thank the Price Is Right for extending us this opportunity. Exposure to the 5.1 million daily Price Is Right viewers will create high brand awareness for Highland and help fuel excitement in the sport of motorcycle racing. US Highland has received well over 200 online orders since July 1st, 2010 for its high performance line of motorcycles, exceeding expectations for its 2011 product launch. We expect the November 10th Price Is Right airing to fuel even more orders.”

About US Highland, Inc.: US Highland, Inc. is a US based designer, power sports technology licensor and manufacturer of high performance, premium quality Motocross, Supermoto, Quad and Enduro motorcycles. The Company is also a leading development and engineering partner for leading OEMs around the world. For additional information concerning US Highland, Inc., visit www.ushighland.com.

Forward-looking Statement: This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events of future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluation of such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set forth in the company’s SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Corey Green will ride a US Highland 450 MX in the 2010 X-Games Super X competition in LA this weekend. It is great to see US Highland pushing on after the devastating loss of Malmberg, Bales and Roddich. Super X should bring some great visibility to the US Highland effort.

US Highland will also have a presence off track at the X-Games to show off their extensive line of dirtbikes as well as the Streettracker and Viking road bikes. Check out the press release after the break for more information.

GLENPOOL, Okla., July 26, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — US Highland, Inc. (OTCBB:UHLN), a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of high-performance, premium quality Motocross, Supermoto, Quad and Enduro motorcycles, announced today that the Company will compete in the Super Motocross event at the 16th X-Games in Los Angeles, which takes place July 29, 2010 through August 1, 2010. Corey Green, a professional motocross racer will be competing at the games with the Company’s 450MX motorcycle. In addition, US Highland’s line of high-end high-performance motorcycles will be showcased at the event.

“US Highland’s sponsored rider Corey Green says, “The X- games have always been a dream of mine to participate in and just about everyone that rides a dirt bike as well. I’m excited about the chance to get an opportunity to race there.” Former US Highland President Mats Malmberg had visions of building a bike to compete in the X-Games, and; ” I am honored to help make that dream come true” said Green.

“Every brand of bike puts on a different type of roost,” referring to the plume of dirt thrown by the rear tire, “and we are gonna show them how the highland roost looks,” Green went on to say.

The Company will also be showcasing their line of motorcycles at the games. “The interest we have received from potential dealers, the Press and the motorcycle community has far exceeded our expectations. We are very pleased to be able to demonstrate our U.S. made bikes, “commented Darin Long, Chief Operating Officer of U.S. Highland, Inc.

Martin Lind, Vice President of Operations at U.S. Highland, Inc., continued, “We are very proud of our line-up of high-end motorcycles. Our approach of customizing the bikes to a rider’s profile is unique and something the bigger manufacturers don’t offer. I am also excited that a professional rider of Corey Green’s caliber chose to use our bike for the games.”

About US Highland, Inc.

US Highland, Inc. is a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of high performance, premium quality Motocross, Supermoto, Quad and Enduro motorcycles. The Company is also a leading development and engineering partner for leading OEM’s around the world. For additional information concerning US Highland Inc., visit www.ushighland.com.

Forward-looking Statement:

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events of future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluation of such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set forth in the company’s SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Mats Malmberg (left) and Chase Bales (right) of US Highland in a recent Joseph Noel Interview

Yesterday US Highland President Mats Malmberg, COO Chase Bales and Director of Operations Damian Roddich were killed in while returning to Oklahoma in Bales’ Cessna 421. Malmberg had been working for years to bring Highland to the main stage and had finally looked to have perfected the formula for success.

Bales was truly interested in giving the riders what they want and was often found posting and talking with enthusiasts. No doubt these men will be missed. The riders who have been following US Highland know the impact this will have on US Highland and a company poised to change the motorsports industry. Sincerest condolences go out to the families of these men and to US Highland.

Source: Plug Bike Picture: Joseph Noel

The agreement is “tentative” so nothing is final but we will try to bring you more information. Looks like Highland changed their website a lot recently so have a look.

Hit the break to read the press release.

US Highland (OTC.BB:UHLN – News) announced today that management has reached a tentative agreement with a large global OEM for the license of Highland motor technology and is in joint venture discussions for the manufacture of privately branded motorcycles. These agreements could extend US Highland global sales beyond 20,000 units per year and result in an exponential increase in US Highland’s revenue stream within the next two years.

US Highland, Inc. is a US-based designer and manufacturer of high performance, premium quality Motocross, Supermoto, Quad and Enduro motorcycles. Highland’s remarkably light, robust and powerful engine platform has drawn the attention of several significant global brands. “Highland is in a very strong position with complete engine and fuel injection technology. Our engine and fuel system designs are unique and patent application processes to protect our growing suite of Highland IP is proceeding well. This gives our potential partners confidence,” states Mats Malmberg, President of US Highland, Inc.

For additional information concerning US Highland Inc. visit www.ushighland.com.

Forward-looking Statement:

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events of future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluation such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company’s SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

2010 US Highland 350 Trail

US Highland is set to take the offroad motorcycle market to a new level of custom fit and performance in 2010. Over the last decade the Highland 950 has become the Sasquatch of the motorcycle forum world. A big, powerful agile beast that very few have seen in real life. OK, I’m being over dramatic, some owners have posted some excellent information on the few bikes in circulation. The Highland bikes may have been elusive and hard to find but they are no lumbering oafs.

The 950 twin has been claimed capable of 120 hp on the old Highland.se site and the 1150cc engine will make 150 HP. The planned 950 Viking streetfighter will weigh 318 lbs. If they put the 1150 in it the motorcycle world could get really silly, really fast. The 450′s engines were designed with a similar philosophy of light and fast and the sharp looks come from Mikael Hallgren at Caran AB. Instead of waiting for news about the new US Highland to trickle out I got on the phone with their V.P. of Promotions Kurt King for the scoop.

US Highland was started by various folks around the world including former employees of ATK of Oklahoma (a now defunct company separate from ATK Motorcycles of Utah). ATK-OK had been very busy in the supermoto race scene and had good success with the ATK 450 and more recently the Highland 450 supermoto bikes. Race Engineer Richard Harrison played a big role in making the bikes competitive and he is now a part of the newly formed US Highland (ticker: HRCM.OB).

King, Harrison and Managing Director Mats Malmberg are joined by an impressive list of executives including ex-Husqvarna President Bengt Andersson, CEO Steven Moel, Director Of Operations Damian Riddich and Chairman Of The Board Chase Bales. With all this brain power and experience behind US Highland it becomes obvious why they choose to do business differently than the rest of the industry.

US Highland is entering the market in a difficult time for powersports. Is a works quality motorcycle really going to bring in customers? How will dealers be willing to bring on a new product line in this economic climate? It appears US Highlancd has asked themselves the same questions. They will be taking a very unique approach to customer service and keeping traditional costs associated with dealer costs low.

The US Highland Customer
US Highlands target customers experienced riders aged 30 – 50. They have most likely owned many motorcycles and know the cost of making a stock dirtbike work for their riding style. They have been there with the current offerings and are ready for a works quality bike that stands out. Keep reading to find out more.

2010 US Highland Viking 950

The US Highland Machines
The 950 vTwin motor will be be produced first and shipped in the 950 Urban Assault, Street Tracker and a small run of Viking. The Desert Crosser is already sold out for the first run of 2011 models. The first 100 engine castings will be completed by engineers in Sweden and the second 100 will be completed by engineers in Oklahoma. Going forward from there all bikes will be built in the United States with 700 complete bikes will be built in 2010. Delivery is planned for the second quarter of 2010 as 2011 models. In 2011, Highland plans to more than double production to 1500 motorcycles and ATV’s.

US Highland recently completed the purchase of all of ATK USA ATV inventory and parts which they will use as the rolling chassis for their 450 powered ATX Quad Racer. The same 450 engine will be available in capacity from 350cc to 550cc and will ship in Supermoto, MX and Trail configurations. The Highland 350 Trail demonstrates the companies’ strong knowledge of trends in offroad riding and areas of the market that are not currently being met. KTM just released a very compedative 350 MX bike but have yet to bring the format to a trail bike format. On the trail a 450 cc four stroke is difficult to use to it’s full potential and sometimes dangerous when a rider is fatigued so a 350 may be the ticket for many riders.

Made In The USA
Engineering for the bikes will take place in Sweden but the bikes will be assembled in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Parts for the Highland will be sourced from the United States whenever possible to keep the bikes as “Made In The USA” as possible. A side benefit to supporting the American workforce and economy is If a dealer orders parts they will ship from Tulsa, OK. Delivery time will be shorter than shipping overseas so owners will get their hands on parts faster and with lest cost.

The US Highland Dealers
Dealers for US Highland will only carry demo bikes. The traditional dealer model demands dealerships have a full lineup of bikes on the floor and a certain number of bikes available to sell. This has proven to increase sales but also puts a large financial burden on dealerships who are often forced to take out loans to cover the cost. With the poor economy qualifying for these loans has become much more difficult and many dealers are closing their doors as a result. By not carrying inventory dealers can run a leaner business and still please the customer with the detailed ordering process described later.

Dealer applications will be taken in June of this year with one dealer selected for each major metropolitan area. 250 to 275 dealers is the target for the United States which is the only market US Highland is targeting at this time.

2010 US Highland Desert Crosser 950

The Highland Customization And Sales Process
When a US Highland customer gets the itch for a factory level ride he/she will jump on one of the dealers demo bikes to be sure Highland is for them. Then they will go through a thorough interview and physical measurement process. The riders riding style, skill level and physical dimensions will be analyzed to prescribe the ideal bike. Suspension spring rate and valving, bar position, power delivery, engine displacement will all be recommended based on this analysis. The rider will choose wheels, hubs, suspension, bars and other hard parts based on their preference. Want your dirbike street legal? Highland will give you a street legal VIN nicely wrapped around your last name. Yes, your last name will be in the middle of all US Highland Vehicle Identification Numbers.

All of the users’ customizations and specs will be entered into a touch screen kiosk in the dealer’s showroom. Once the order is submitted the bike will be set up in Oklahoma and shipped to the dealer in 7 days for delivery to the customer in 10 days. However, the customer experience does not end there. The customer and the dealer representative will take the bike to a local track or riding park and test ride it to be sure it is set up correctly for the rider and performing as expected.

With sales hurting at Harley Davidson it is nice to have so many new US powersports companies starting in the US. US Highland joins Motus, Fischer, Zero Motorcycles, Brammo, Mission Motors and Electric Motorsport as promising up and coming US based powersports companies. The past has shown it is a difficult world to brake into but it can’t come at a better time. Some of the most impressive companies in history were born in a recession. Google, Amazon, eBay just to name a few. Here’s to hoping the next recession success story comes from the powersports industry. We could definitely use the good news.

Check out the tour of US Highland in Oklahoma below.

Dealers will not carry any inventory. The buying process will be automated via kiosk in the dealer’s showroom. After the customer evaluates a demo model details such as engine displacement and suspension will be tailored to the users riding style. Once the customer order is complete the bike will be shipped in 7 days as the bike is assembled in Tulsa, Oklahoma. No word on pricing or release date. Stay tuned to OtherMakes.net for updates.

More pics after the break…

Source: Motorcycle.com

It’s ironic that a bike so prone to dying would be reincarnated so many times. In early 2000 Cannondale transformed itself from US based bicycle manufacturer to US based powersports innovater with the launch of the x440s dirtbike and the Cannibal ATV. Both were based on a gound breaking programmable fuel injected four stroke with a reverse cylinder similar to the 2010 Yamaha YZ450, minus the reverse slant. Air in the front, exhaust out the back.

The all aluminum frame was covered with top shelf components from Domino throttle to Ohlins suspension to Talon hubs. The only problem was the bike had issues with the motor grenading, sealed fuel system leaks and slightly porky weight. Cannondale did a great job of servicing it’s customers (I know, I fried the ECU on my 2002 e440) but they eventually went bankrupt. ATK purchased the motorcycle rights and did a lot of work improving reliablility. Dinli purchased the ATV rights originally but ATK now sells a version of the Dale Quad.

Now it looks like the Cannondale ATV frame has made it’s way to the newly restructured US Highland group based in Oklahoma. Highland is a group of that has had it’s share of growing pains but has some amazingly powerful and lightweight engine designs. The 450 motor is now in the ex-Dale frame and will be the new US Highland ATX Quad Racer. It will also be available in a 507cc version. Cannondale quads were known for their amazing power so no doubt the chassis can handle the power of the Highland lump. I will post more details on the ATX and the Cannondale link as I get it.

Source: Highland Forum Images: QuadZone Foums

Pictures of the Highland 950 vTwin has been popping up on discussion forums for years and teasing adventure riders with it’s high capacity, light weight, 120 HP engine and dirt ready design. Now it appears we may see these bikes in dirt and gravel near you. U.S. Highland is building the 950 vTwin  dualsport in 750cc, 950cc and 1150cc capacities and multiple body styles. They also will produce several versions of a single cyinlar dirtbike and ATV from 250cc, 350, 450 and 550cc.

From what I can piece together, Highland was started started in Sweden by ex-Husqvarna employees. Later the company joined forces with Louyang Northern Enterprises Group Company, Ltd to start Luoyang Luojia Highland Motors Co., Ltd. ATK was working with Highland to rebadge the bikes but this fell through. Dirt Wheels claims Cannondale was involved along the way.

US Highland recently got their hands on the equipment to build the machines and have begun production of US made units in Bixby, Oklahoma. The US Highland machines have sophisticated and highly tunable electronic fuel injection. They also come equiped with trick features such as a “G-Meter” to record vertical acceleration and deceleration forces. The US Highland website will allow customers to built a bike with multiple choices of engine and specs to suit their riding style.

The target market for the Highland is customers from 30 to 50 years old who want more than what existing manufacturers offer. All parts will be sourced from American companies and vendors when possible.

Source: Dirt Wheels