UBCO, the Bay of Plenty manufacturer of electric adventure vehicles, has been recognised for its Excellence in Brand Storytelling, at the New Zealand International Business Awards 2022. The new award, sponsored by New Zealand Story, recognises UBCO’s success in international storytelling and marketing that helps make Aotearoa New Zealand famous for more good things.
On its mission to transform the way people ride, work and play, UBCO has sold around 4000 2X2 electric bikes in key markets and has almost tripled its revenue year-on-year – with revenue of more than US$20 million in its sights for this year.
UBCO’s brand positioning comes to life through four key values: tough and sustainable; adventure; accessibility; and ‘have a go’.
“We pride ourselves on our New Zealand origins and the fact that Kiwi are top class designers and engineers”, says UBCO. “We talk about UBCO being born in New Zealand and built tough across much of our videos and imagery, in our stories and our announcements”.
With origins stemming from farming and utility, UBCO saw a significant growth opportunity in using its platform to address the rising global hunger for adventure. Telling rich human stories by showcasing farmers, hunters, surfers, conservationists, trail riders, fishers, and even delivery drivers, UBCO prides itself on using a uniquely New Zealand context to open global minds.
DRIVING PREFERENCE FOR 'BRAND NEW ZEALAND’
As the storytelling award category’s first winner, UBCO has demonstrated success in international markets and preference for New Zealand by embedding itself in international communities. The creation of UBCO Care & Repair content and local UBCO Hubs mean the brand’s storytelling doesn’t stop when a customer receives their vehicle.
Starting with a pilot site in London, UBCO Hubs will provide a space to get ‘bums on seats’ (literally) where customers can test-ride, meet like-minded people, learn how to maintain and repair their UBCO, and pick up tips and tricks for best use and awesome places to ride.
UBCO’s platforms provide a content hub for customers to connect more deeply with their product and engage with other UBCO riders, and its Owners Facebook Group encourages swapping tips, problem solving and showing off their latest adventures.
UBCO’s storytelling has a proud sense of being uniquely Kiwi, celebrating an international movement towards sustainability and building a care and repair culture in micro-mobility.
David Downs, Chief Executive of New Zealand Story and convenor of judges for the Awards says UBCO joined an impressive lineup of successful Kiwi businesses forging successful presence overseas.
“Doing business internationally is never easy. Throw in COVID-19 disruptions, supply chain issues and rising costs: companies which have navigated all of this, and then some, deserve to be celebrated. And for New Zealand, the determination and ingenuity they've shown has never mattered more.”
Find out more about UBCO bikes ubco.co.nz
