Saunders suspends his JGas imports
By TMX Archives on 4th Mar 15
With Gas Gas/Ossa in financial difficulty the shadow hanging over the Spanish trials manufacturers darkened this week when Steve Saunders, the UK importerof Jotagas (recently re-branded JGas), issued the following press release...
‘Saunders Extreme Sports LTD have been proud to be involved with the introduction of the Jotagas brand into the prestigious UK market since the birth of the brand. However, it is with regret that we have to announce that we will not be purchasing or importing any further machines in the current climate.
‘We currently have spare parts that we can supply to owners and are always available for technical enquiries. Our passion for the brand has not diminished and we thank our customers for their faith in us as a company.'
The Gas Gas factory, which includes Ossa, ran-up the red flag on January 27 when it issued a statement admitting to being over 20,000,000 Euros in debt. It was forced to close the factory doors but claimed that this was a legal requirement while it pursued a way forward via the government and the banks.
It is understood that following this the factory did open up for a short time to enable some machines to be completed and released in order to raise funds to pay the workforce.
There have since been many rumours circulating the trials world, ranging from an imminent press release stating the situation had been resolved (it never happened) to claims that KTM was interested in a buyout.
The only subsequently known fact though is that Yariv Gilat, Chairman of Gas Gas Motos, issued the following release early this week.
‘Following my letter from January 22 I would like to update you on the situation of the company. Unfortunately, the restructuring process is taking longer than expected. However, we are heading towards an agreement with all the relevant parties and I hope to conclude all within the next couple of weeks.'
Despite these troubles interest in trials manufacture in Catalunya continues unabated with Sherco/Scorpa currently riding the crest of a wave under Marc Teissier, JGas – owned by Gas Gas founder and former director Josep Pibernat – continuing limited production and the imminent launch of new brands Vertigo and JTG.
