| Saroléa Performance Technology | |
|---|---|
| |
| Partner Information | |
| Based |  Belgium
|
| Founded | 2008: Torsten Robbens; Bjorn Robbens |
| Announced | 15 October 2019[1] |
| Role | Powertrain/Battery manufacturer |
| Official Website | Saroléa |
Saroléa Performance Technology is a Belgian research and development and engineering firm, established as a subsidiary of Saroléa, a historic motorcycle manufacturer.[2] Specialising in developing electric powertrains for Saroléa's motorcycles, Saroléa PT have broadened their research and design department to include wider motorsports, aerospace and civil defence.[2]
On 15 October 2019 it was announced that Saroléa were to become the official powertrain and battery supplier to the new ERA Championship, working in partnership with chassis supplier Dome Co. Ltd.[1]
Background[]
Saroléa began as a weapons manufacturer, established in 1850 by Joseph Saroléa amid growing tensions in Continental Europe increasing the likelihood of war.[3] This lasted through to 1892 when Saroléa moved to producing bicycles, with founder Joseph passing control to his sons shortly before his death in 1894.[3] Saroléa's sons duly moved production into motorcycle components and bikes, with the firm quickly establishing itself as a leading builder of long-distance and hill-climb bikes.[3]
Wars and Wins[]
Saroléa continued to develop through to the Second World War, even surviving the Great Depression by releasing a series of cheaper bikes.[3] However, the company would be hit by the War itself, with the Nazi occupation of Belgium resulting in Saroléa's factory being closed until 1947.[3] However, once production did resume Saroléa would claim it's highest motorsport honour, as Belgian rider Victor Leloup claimed the inaugural FIM European Motocross Championship in 1952.[3]
Saroléa continued to build bikes through to 1960, when the business was merged with Gillet which took over production.[3] As a result Saroléa ceased trading in 1963, although Gillet continued to use the Saroléa name to supply the Belgian army until 1973.[3]
Saroléa Salvation[]
However, in 2010 the Saroléa was sold by Gillet to brothers Torsten and Bjorn Robbens, who would resurrect the brand for whom their great uncle André Van Heuverzwijn had raced as a factory rider in the 1950s.[3] The new Saroléa would focus on developing electric motorcycles, with plans to race in major TT races such as the Isle of Man TT.[3] A best finish of fourth was achieved in 2014, with Saroléa Performance Technology spawned as an off-shoot to lead their motorsport and research ventures.[3]
ERA Championship History[]
Saroléa were first announced as a partner of the ERA Championship on 15 October 2019, moving into the realm of racing cars for the first time in their two-part history.[1] The Belgian company was to work in partnership with Dome Co. Ltd. to develop the Mitsu-Bachi F110e for the inaugural season, building a light-weight powertrain for entrants into the Sport class.[1]
Products[]
Saroléa are set to work alongside Dome Co. Ltd. to produce the ERA Championship's base chassis and powertrain, the Mitsu-Bachi F110e.[1] Saroléa will focus on building and developing the powertrain and battery for the series' which will be used by all entrants in the Sport class.[1]
References[]
Videos and Images:
References:
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 'ERA CHAMPIONSHIP AND SAROLEA ANNOUNCE TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIP', erachampionship.com, (ERA Championship, 15/10/2019), https://erachampionship.com/uploads/media/ERACHAMP_SAROLEA-ANNOUNCE-PDF.pdf, (Accessed 22/01/2020)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 'That is what Saroléa Performance Technology stands for', Sarolea.com, (Saroléa, 2020), https://www.sarolea.com/technology, (Accessed 23/01/2020)
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 'HERITAGE', sarolea.com, (Saroléa, 2020), https://www.sarolea.com/story, (Accessed 23/01/2020)