Campagna Motors: 20 Years Old And More Active Than Ever!
In Quebec, Campagna Motors needs no introduction. For 20 years, this company has been producing three-wheeled vehicles for fans of summer driving. The first T-Rex was built in Plessisville in 1995. Back then, it was powered by a Kawasaki engine and you needed a motorcycle licence to drive one, despite the fact that the vehicle has a steering wheel and pedals. After being bought out by two entrepreneurs in 2008, the company’s activities were transferred to Boucherville to get closer to Montreal and to modernize its facilities. At the same time, Campagna became more modern too, wanting to pick up the pace of production to reach new markets.
Campagna’s primary objective was to standardize the construction of the T-Rex. To be able to make enough units to meet the demand, it was crucial to know exactly how much time was needed, which parts were necessary for the next step, what to order... As I witnessed during a visit to the workshops, everything is meticulously catalogued and documented for each step in the fabrication process, from welding to the final inspection. Although they say it’s a handmade vehicle, the T-Rex meets the highest quality standards. Moreover, Campagna’s other product, the V13R, is built on the same assembly line, which is yet another piece of the logistical puzzle.
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Next, the manufacturer had to find an efficient way to power its vehicle. The original engine (a 1,400-cc four-cylinder Kawasaki motorcycle engine) was very powerful and emitted a captivating sound, but in order to get that engine, Campagna had to buy the entire motorcycle! That’s not such a big deal if you’re only assembling a few units per year, but to satisfy the brand’s desire for expansion, a better solution had to be found. After meeting with various manufacturers, the Quebec-based firm chose the 1,650-cc six-cylinder normally found in the BMW K1600. Not only does this engine offer 160 horsepower plus more torque than the Kawasaki it’s replacing, it comes with the added advantage of being serviceable in any BMW motorcycle dealership in the world. Plus, you’re sure to never run short on supply. While the number of Kawasaki ZZR engines was limited, BMW is happy to provide Campagna all the units that they can buy!
Finally, expanding the dealership network and selling vehicles in new markets represents the final step. 60% of the vehicles presently produced in Boucherville are earmarked for international markets, of which a good part goes to the United States. However, a certain number of T-Rexes make their way to Europe and Asia as well. In the next few years, the brand is even planning a version with the steering wheel on the right to satisfy markets like Australia. Campagna is constantly negotiating with dealerships throughout the world to persuade them to offer its products.
2015 is a milestone year in Campagna’s history, as it celebrates the 20th year of production for the very popular T-Rex. Its logos bear the inscription “20e Anniversaire” worldwide, even in non-Francophone markets, as a nod to its Quebec roots. With its all-red chassis, black rims, two-tone body, leather steering wheel and commemorative logos, the vehicle is even more enticing than the regular T-Rex. It’s an extremely limited edition: only 20 units will be produced, and nearly half of these have already been sold.
Campagna Motors is in great shape right now, and if the T-Rex’s 20th anniversary proves anything, it’s that passion and engineering are alive and well in Quebec!