Zero names Askenazi technical chief

From Zero Motorcycles

SANTA CRUZ, CA – Zero Motorcycles has announced that Abe Askenazi has been named its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). As CTO, he will pioneer Zero Motorcycles’ technology infrastructure and direct the development of the company’s new powertrain project.

After joining Zero Motorcycles in February, 2010 as the Vice President of Engineering, Askenazi led his team in the rapid development of Zero’s 2011 product line. A major overhaul from the previous year, over 80 percent of each existing model was re-engineered or otherwise improved, and three new models were added: the Zero XU and street legal versions of the Zero X and Zero MX dirt bikes. Askenazi’s team delivered this entire model line from concept to production in 10 months.

“Abe’s ability to effectively execute on an aggressive product development plan, select the best new technologies and rally his team is remarkable. The result of his work is clearly visible in our 2011 product line that is more robust and better performing than any of its predecessors,” said Karl Wharton, Zero Motorcycles COO. “With Abe taking on the role of CTO we are now even more confident that our future product offerings will continue to evolve and maintain our market leading status.”

“On behalf of myself, and my team, we appreciate the recognition that we’ve received. The accomplishments that we’ve made in such a short amount of time have been very rewarding and we look forward to the many accomplishments yet to come,” said Askenazi. “As CTO, I plan to further lead Zero Motorcycles in pushing the boundaries of electric powertrain technology. Our goal is to continue to offer customers the highest performance and value available today.”