IMZ URAL Joins the Light Mobility Cluster

February 2025. This month, we welcome a new member to our ecosystem. On this occasion, we spoke with Ilya Khait, President and CEO of the company.

What is Ural Motorcycles and how did it come into being? What is its mission and what are its core values?
The name "Ural" comes from the mountain range that stretches from the Arctic Ocean to the Ural River in northwestern Kazakhstan. The Urals form part of the natural boundary between the continents of Europe and Asia.

The original factory was founded in 1941 in the town of Irbit, Russia, located between the eastern foothills of the Urals and the plains of Western Siberia. Since August 2022, our motorcycles have been assembled in Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan. Ural Motorcycles is managed by a small team based in Redmond, WA, who coordinate global sales and work directly with the factory to develop and refine the best adventure sidecar motorcycles.

We focus on what we do best: sidecar motorcycles are our only product. Thanks to our military roots and Siberian origins, our motorcycles are built to last and can handle the toughest terrain in almost any weather. We are the only manufacturer in the world to equip our motorcycles with an exclusive 2WD system.

How would you describe the Ural Motorcycles team? What kind of professionals work in the company and what makes them different?
This team is characterised by its ability to manage crisis situations, having transformed a Soviet-era factory originally designed for over 9,000 workers into a compact manufacturing and assembly facility with just over 100 employees. They have also successfully turned a utilitarian vehicle into an internationally recognised brand with loyal customers around the world. Their independence from large conglomerates allows them to maintain a unique identity and a passion that is reflected in the company's continuous transformation and customer satisfaction.

How important is innovation to the company and how is it applied in day-to-day operations?
Innovation is a key pillar at Ural Motorcycles, reflecting our commitment to developing and adapting to market requirements. The company applies innovation in its daily operations through several initiatives:

Development of electric prototypes: Ural has completed the first phase of development of a fully electric sidecar motorcycle.

Annual technical upgrades: The company regularly implements technical improvements in all its models.

Integration of advanced technologies: Ural has launched limited editions with cutting-edge technology, such as the Ural Air model, which features a DJI Spark drone integrated into the sidecar. This special version includes a hatch and launch pad for the drone, offering users a unique experience and extending the traditional functionality of our motorcycles.

These initiatives demonstrate how Ural Motorcycles incorporates innovation into its day-to-day operations, keeping pace with current trends and continuously improving its products to meet customer needs.

What is your value proposition? What does the company offer to the mobility sector and how does it differ from the competition?
Ural sidecar motorcycles are not for everyone. They are for people who do not want to give up the joy of riding a motorcycle when two-wheeled riding becomes unsafe. They are for those who want to share their passion for motorcycling with loved ones - spouses, friends, partners, children and grandchildren, dogs and even strangers. They are for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a bike that reflects their spirit of exploration and adds a spark of excitement to every turn of the road. Above all, they are for those who march to the beat of their own drum.

In general terms, what is the impact of the mobility industry in Spain? Can you talk about its economic, social and environmental impact?
From Ural Motorcycles' point of view, the mobility industry in Spain is undergoing a major transformation, with significant economic, social and environmental impacts.

Economic impact:
The mobility landscape in Spain presents both opportunities and challenges. As a brand with a strong global presence, we recognise the growing interest in specialised vehicles, including sidecar motorcycles, that offer unique mobility solutions. The increasing demand for adventure and utility-oriented vehicles is in line with our product philosophy and represents a sustainable growth opportunity in the Spanish market.

Social impact:
Mobility is not just about transportation - it is also about community and experiences. Ural motorcycles have always been a symbol of exploration and adventure, promoting a lifestyle that brings people together. In Spain, where mobility options are becoming increasingly diverse, our motorcycles offer a distinctive way to travel, promoting outdoor activities, tourism and a sense of freedom on the road. And as urban and rural mobility needs continue to evolve, Ural sidecars remain a practical and attractive alternative.

Environmental impact:

At Ural, we are committed to more sustainable solutions, including our electric sidecar prototype, which reflects our dedication to innovation and reducing environmental impact. As Spain moves forward with its sustainability goals, we see an opportunity to integrate our future electric models into this evolving ecosystem, contributing to greener mobility while maintaining the adventurous spirit that defines Ural.

In summary, the mobility industry in Spain is shifting towards electrification, sustainability and diversified transport. At Ural Motorcycles, we embrace these changes and continue to offer unique, practical and exciting mobility solutions that are in line with the future of transport.

What are the company's future projects and plans? How do you want to position yourself in the market and what is your long-term goal?

Future plans and projects - the vision of Ural Motorcycles
At Ural Motorcycles we continue to develop without losing our essence. Our future strategy is focused on expanding our product range, promoting technological innovation and strengthening our global presence.

Future plans and projects
Introducing more affordable motorcycles: We are developing new models that retain Ural's reliability and adventurous spirit, but at a more accessible price point for a wider audience.

Powertrain innovation: Our commitment to innovation remains strong with the development of a new powertrain that will improve the performance, efficiency and durability of our future models.

Electric progress: We are moving forward with our electric sidecar motorcycle project, exploring sustainable mobility solutions without compromising the core Ural experience.

Move production to Europe: We plan to move our manufacturing operations from Kazakhstan to Europe to optimise our production capacity, logistics and overall efficiency.

Market Positioning
Our goal is to establish Ural as a leading brand in the adventure and utility motorcycle segment. With a wider range of models, including more affordable options and electric alternatives, we aim to broaden our reach without compromising our core values of durability, functionality and timeless design.

Long-term vision
Ural Motorcycles is committed to combining tradition with modern technology. Our long-term mission is to continue to offer motorcycles that provide a unique and exciting riding experience - whether for adventure, everyday use or work. As the mobility industry evolves, we are committed to sustainable growth, technical innovation and strengthening our presence in global markets.

In summary, Ural Motorcycles is entering an exciting new chapter focused on accessibility, technological advancement and expansion in Europe - without losing the adventurous spirit that has defined us for decades.

Why did you decide to join the Light Mobility Cluster? What do you expect from the ecosystem and what can you contribute?

At Ural Motorcycles we see the Light Mobility Cluster as a great opportunity to collaborate, innovate and contribute to the future of mobility. Our decision to join is based on the alignment between the Cluster's vision and our own commitment to sustainable, practical and adventurous mobility solutions.

What do we expect from the ecosystem?
Sharing knowledge and innovation: Collaborating with other industry leaders, technology developers and regulators to stay at the forefront of mobility trends.

Partnerships and synergies: Exploring alliances with other companies to develop new technologies, particularly in the areas of powertrains, electric mobility and sustainable manufacturing.

Access to strategic insight and growth opportunities: Deepen our understanding of the European market, consumer preferences and regulatory framework.

What can we contribute?
Expertise in sidecar mobility: As one of the few manufacturers specialising in sidecar motorcycles, we bring unique technical know-how and a distinct market perspective.

Developing alternative mobility solutions: Our experience in off-road, adventure and utility vehicles gives us insight into versatile and practical transport solutions.

Commitment to electrification and innovation: We are actively developing electric sidecar motorcycles and new powertrain technologies that can add value to the dialogue on sustainable mobility.

Industrial presence in Europe: With the future relocation of our production to Europe, we aim to contribute to the local industrial ecosystem, fostering job creation and growth in the manufacturing sector.

By joining the Light Mobility Cluster, we aim to share knowledge, drive innovation and play an active role in shaping the future of light and sustainable mobility.

https://www.ural-espana.com/