Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Held has replaced Helimot European Accessories as its U.S. distributor over Helimot’s refusal to sell Held gloves made in Pakistan.

Helimot was the original U.S. importer of German-made Held gloves, which used kangaroo and cow hide and earned a reputation for toughness.

Recently Held has moved some of its production to Hungary and now is also selling Pakistani-produced gloves and accessories.

Helimot owners Helmut and Linda Kluckner declined to sell the Held products made in Pakistan, and while they still wanted to sell European-made Held gloves and tank bags, their refusal to sell the complete line of Held products–including Pakistani-sourced gloves–led to their replacement as Held’s U.S. importer.

A press release issued by Helimot stated “At this time, we have a fairly large stock of Held gloves and Held luggage, and we will continue to sell these products until they are gone. After that we will not be carrying Held products.

“This change was caused by irreconcilable differences over the selection and number of Held products to be imported into the United States. Held’s European-made products were the only ones we agreed to import and distribute. Over the years, the amount of Held goods we would not and could not import, due to quality and country of origin issues, grew. Therefore, Held has decided to go with a different distributor whom he feels will better serve his interests.

“We are currently in the development stage for a new, U.S.-made Helimot glove, as well as three new models from manufacturers in Austria and Germany. We should have the first prototype for the Helimot glove in July. We plant to introduce it, along with the other new gloves, at the San Francisco Motorcycle Show in November. If they are available sooner, we will introduce them sooner.

“Helimot European Accessories is proud of its reputation for quality and service and this change gives us the best opportunity to continue that reputation and to build on it. We think U.S. motorcyclists will be pleased with future Helimot products.”