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Sidus: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Sidus Motor Company
| name = Sidus Motor Company Oyj
| logo = Siduslogo.png
| logo = Siduslogo.png
| logo_size = 250px
| logo_size = 250px
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| image_alt =  
| image_alt =  
| image_caption =  
| image_caption =  
| trading_name =  
| trade_name =  
| native_name = Sidus Moottoriyhtiö
| native_name = Sidus Moottoriyhtiö
| native_name_lang = <!-- Use ISO 639-1 code, e.g. "fr" for French. For multiple names in different languages, use {{Lang|[code]|[name]}}. -->
| native_name_lang = <!-- Use ISO 639-1 code, e.g. "fr" for French. For multiple names in different languages, use {{Lang|[code]|[name]}}. -->
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| former_name =  
| former_name =  
| type = Public
| type = Public
| traded_as =  
| traded_as = KLSE: SDUS
| ISIN = VLSE: SDUS
| ISIN =  
| ISIN2 =  
| ISIN2 =  
| industry = Conglomerate
| industry = Conglomerate
Line 25: Line 25:
| predecessor = <!-- or: | predecessors = -->
| predecessor = <!-- or: | predecessors = -->
| successor = <!-- or: | successors = -->
| successor = <!-- or: | successors = -->
| founded = Vuornaa, [[Valkea]] (23 August 1948)
| founded = {{Start date and age|1948|08|23}} in [[Vuornaa]], [[Valkea]]
| founders = {{plainlist|
| founders = {{plainlist|
*[[Heimo Järvinen]]
*[[Heimo Järvinen]]
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| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| hq_location =  
| hq_location =  
| hq_location_city = Vuornaa
| hq_location_city = [[Vuornaa]]
| hq_location_country = [[Valkea]]
| hq_location_country = [[Valkea]]
| num_locations =  
| num_locations =  
| num_locations_year = <!-- Year of num_locations data (if known) -->
| num_locations_year = <!-- Year of num_locations data (if known) -->
| area_served = Worldwide
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people =  
| key_people = {{plainlist|
*Oskari Nieminen (Chairman)
*[[Sampsa Alho]] (President and CEO)
*Johanna Naumanen (COO, Head of Strategy and Business Operations)}}
| products = {{flatlist|
| products = {{flatlist|
* automobiles
* automobiles
* passenger vehicles
* luxury vehicles
* motorcycles
* motorcycles
* scooters
* scooters
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| production_year = <!-- Year of production data (if known) -->
| production_year = <!-- Year of production data (if known) -->
| services =  
| services =  
| revenue =  
| revenue = {{increase}} $142 billion
| revenue_year = <!-- Year of revenue data (if known) -->
| revenue_year = 2019
| operating_income =  
| operating_income = {{increase}} $7.32 billion
| income_year = <!-- Year of operating_income data (if known) -->
| income_year = 2019
| net_income = <!-- or: | profit = -->
| net_income = {{increase}} $9.52 billion
| net_income_year = <!-- or: | profit_year = --><!-- Year of net_income/profit data (if known) -->
| net_income_year = 2019
| aum = <!-- Only for financial-service companies -->
| aum = <!-- Only for financial-service companies -->
| assets =  
| assets =  
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| members =  
| members =  
| members_year = <!-- Year of members data (if known) -->
| members_year = <!-- Year of members data (if known) -->
| num_employees =  
| num_employees = 223,574
| num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) -->
| num_employees_year = 2019
| parent =  
| parent =  
| divisions = {{plainlist|
| divisions = {{plainlist|
* Järvinen Luxury Cars
* [[Järvinen Luxury Cars|JLC]]
* Pulsar Motors
* [[Pulsar Motors|Pulsar]]
* Sidus Aerospace
* [[Sidus Aerospace]]
* Sidus Automobiles
* Sidus Automobiles
* Sidus Marine
* Sidus Marine
* Sidus Mobility Services
* Sidus Mobility Services
* Sidus Powersports
* [[Sidus Powersports]]
* Sidus Autonomous Systems}}
* Sidus Autonomous Systems}}
| subsid =  
| subsid =  
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| ratio = <!-- Basel III ratio; used for banks only -->
| ratio = <!-- Basel III ratio; used for banks only -->
| rating = <!-- Credit rating; used for banks only -->
| rating = <!-- Credit rating; used for banks only -->
| website = sidus.com
| website = [https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=465089 sidus.com]
| footnotes =  
| footnotes =  
}}
}}


'''Sidus Motor Company Oyj''' (Valkean: ''Sidus Moottoriyhtiö''), usually shortened to '''Sidus''', is a Valkean multinational conglomerate that is headquartered in Vuornaa, Valkea. They are mostly known for the manufacture of automobiles, motorcycles, and engines. As of 2018, Sidus is the largest Valkean motorcycle manufacturer since 1956 and the second largest Valkean automobile manufacturer after [[Valkean Industrial Consortium]] (VTK). Sidus is also one of the largest manufacturers of internal combustion engines.
'''Sidus Motor Company Oyj''' (Valkean: ''Sidus Moottoriyhtiö''), usually shortened to '''Sidus''', is a Valkean multinational conglomerate that is headquartered in [[Vuornaa]], [[Valkea]]. They are mostly known for the manufacture of automobiles, motorcycles, and engines. As of 2018, Sidus is the largest Valkean motorcycle manufacturer since 1956 and the second largest Valkean automobile manufacturer after [[Valteo Motor Group]]. Sidus is also one of the largest manufacturers of internal combustion engines.


Sidus Motor Company produces and sells automobiles and motorcycles under the Sidus brand as well as luxury cars under the [[Järvinen Luxury Cars|JLC]] brand. Sidus also manufactures marine engines, personal watercraft, powersports equipment, and garden equipment. They also have been involved in other industrial fields such as robotics and aerospace.
Sidus Motor Company produces and sells automobiles and motorcycles under the Sidus brand as well as luxury cars under the [[Järvinen Luxury Cars|JLC]] brand. Sidus also manufactures marine engines, personal watercraft, powersports equipment, and garden equipment. They also have been involved in other industrial fields such as robotics and aerospace.
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==History==
==History==


In 1933, [[Heimo Järvinen]] founded the Järvinen Motor Company in the city of Novika. Based in a workshop employing 17 men, they manufactured limited-volume luxury cars such as the Model 10 coupe, Model 20 sedan, and Model 22 roadster. They also produced parts for military vehicles. However, differences between Järvinen and the board of management arose regarding the company's direction. He wanted to build people's cars for Valkeans, but his partners wanted to continue building luxury cars for the elite. Järvinen eventually departed from Järvinen Motor Company in 1945.
In 1933, [[Heimo Järvinen]] founded the Järvinen Motor Company in the city of [[Novika]]. Based in a workshop employing 17 men, they manufactured limited-volume luxury cars such as the Model 10 coupe, Model 20 sedan, and Model 22 roadster. They also produced parts for military vehicles. However, differences between Järvinen and the board of management arose regarding the company's direction. He wanted to build people's cars for Valkeans, but his partners wanted to continue building luxury cars for the elite. Järvinen eventually departed from Järvinen Motor Company in 1945.


Shortly after his departure, his daughter, Stella, died from severe pneumonia. While he was putting away her things, he came across a pendant with a five-knotted star; a gift he had given to her when she was eight. The pendant would become the inspiration for Järvinen and his future company. In 1947 he moved to Vuornaa and met Mauri Miettinen, and together they founded Sidus Motor Company on 23 August 1948. The two would continue to head the company until they both stepped down in 1981.
Shortly after his departure, his daughter, Stella, died from severe pneumonia. While he was putting away her things, he came across a pendant with a five-knotted star; a gift he had given to her when she was eight. The pendant would become the inspiration for Järvinen and his future company. In 1947 he moved to Vuornaa and met Mauri Miettinen, and together they founded Sidus Motor Company on 23 August 1948. The two would continue to head the company until they both stepped down in 1981.


Their first car models were the Model 100, a two-door roadster, and and the Model 105, a four-door passenger car; both of which went on sale to the public in September 1953. They were a success in the Valkean domestic market, selling a combined 50,000 units within the first year. In addition, they began building motorcycles such as the Sol and Proxima. Sidus then grew in a short time to become Astyria's largest motorcycle manufacturer by the 1960s. The Proxima is still being produced today, having reached its 100 millionth model milestone in 2015.
Their first car models were the Model 100, a two-door roadster, and and the Model 105, a four-door passenger car; both of which went on sale to the public in September 1953. They were a success in the Valkean domestic market, selling a combined 50,000 units within the first year. In addition, they began building motorcycles such as the [[Sidus Sol|Sol]] and [[Sidus Proxima|Proxima]]. Sidus then grew in a short time to become Astyria's largest motorcycle manufacturer by the 1960s. The Proxima is still being produced today, having reached its 100 millionth model milestone in 2015.


Over the next few decades, Sidus worked to expand its product line and its operations to other countries. The Sidus Model 145 became the first Sidus car to be exported to foreign markets. The year 1973 saw the company release the [[Sidus Corvus]], a compact hatchback that passed strict emissions regulations without the use of a catalytic converter. In 1984, Sidus bought a majority stake in Järvinen Motor Company, which was rebranded as Järvinen Luxury Cars. And in 1989, the company introduced the [[Sidus Zodiac]], a supercar built with an all-aluminum monocoque chassis and a mid-engined V6 with variable timing technology.
Over the next few decades, Sidus worked to expand its product line and its operations to other countries. The Sidus Model 145 became the first Sidus car to be exported to foreign markets. The year 1973 saw the company release the [[Sidus Corvus]], a compact hatchback that passed strict emissions regulations without the use of a catalytic converter. In 1984, Sidus bought a majority stake in Järvinen Motor Company, which was rebranded as [[Järvinen Luxury Cars]]. And in 1989, the company introduced the [[Sidus Zodiac]], a supercar built with an all-aluminum monocoque chassis and a mid-engined V6 with variable timing technology.


However, the death of Heimo Järvinen sent shockwaves throughout the entire company. Sidus was beginning to lag behind other Valkean automakers, having been late to the SUV and pickup truck trend. In addition, there was speculation that Sidus may be bought up by [[Valkean Industrial Consortium|VTK]], which had just acquired competitors such as Juhola and Eloranta. To prevent this, then-CEO Antti Kivinen streamlined Sidus's product lineup, closed unprofitable factories, laid off thousands of workers, and ended its participation in Formula 1. At the time, many were shocked at these drastic measures, but then Sidus reversed its fortunes - in 1997, Sidus reported a loss of $768 million, while in 1998 it reported a profit of $1.1 billion.
However, the death of Heimo Järvinen in 1992 sent shockwaves throughout the entire company. Sidus was beginning to lag behind other Valkean automakers, having been late to the SUV and pickup truck trend. In addition, there was speculation that Sidus may be bought up by [[Valteo Motor Group]], which had acquired competitors such as [[Juhola]]. To prevent this, then-CEO Antti Kivinen streamlined Sidus's product lineup, closed unprofitable factories, laid off thousands of workers, and ended its involvement in Formula One.


==Corporate profile==
==Corporate profile==


Sidus is the 2nd largest Valkean automobile manufacturer and one of the largest in Astyria, with a revenue of $147 million recorded in 2018. It is headquartered in Vuornaa, Valkea and has operations throughout the world. It also operates numerous assembly plants in various countries, many of them in Astyria.
Sidus is the 2nd largest Valkean automobile manufacturer and one of the largest in Astyria. It is headquartered in Vuornaa, Valkea and has operations throughout the world. It also operates numerous assembly plants in various countries, many of them in Astyria. An overwhelming majority of cars sold in foreign markets are built in foreign factories.
 
The company has two major subsidiary brands: [[Järvinen Luxury Cars|JLC]], which sells luxury vehicles, and [[Pulsar Motors]], which sells electric vehicles. Other subsidiaries within the Sidus umbrella include Sidus Performance Division, which manufactures high-performance cars under the R-Spec badge, Sidus Racing, the company's motorcycle racing division, and Sidus Autonomous Systems, which researches developments in artificial intelligence for mobility.
 
In November 2019, Sidus reported net earnings of $9.52 billion, with an annual revenue of $142 billion, which is 5.8% higher than the previous fiscal year.


==Products==
==Products==
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===Automobiles===
===Automobiles===


Sidus produces a wide range of automobiles, including sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans. Many of these models are sold as passenger cars. Sidus is currently the 2nd largest Valkea-based automobile manufacturer, behind [[Juhola]].
Sidus produces a wide range of automobiles, including sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans. Many of these models are sold as passenger cars. Sidus is currently the 2nd largest Valkea-based automobile manufacturer, behind [[Valteo Motor Group]].


The [[Sidus Corvus|Corvus]] is currently the best-selling car in Sidus' catalog, with over 20 million units sold worldwide. It is also the second longest-running nameplate from a Valkean manufacturer, after the [[Juhola Elysia]]. Other notable models include the [[Sidus Cygnus|Cygnus]], which has outsold the Corvus in certain major markets, and the [[Sidus Zodiac|Zodiac]], a hybrid supercar.
The [[Sidus Corvus|Corvus]] is currently the best-selling car in Sidus' catalog, with over 20 million units sold worldwide. It is also the second longest-running nameplate from a Valkean manufacturer, after the [[Juhola Elysia]]. Other notable models include the [[Sidus Cygnus|Cygnus]], which has outsold the Corvus in certain major markets, the [[Sidus Pardus|Pardus]], a compact crossover SUV, and the [[Sidus Zodiac|Zodiac]], a hybrid supercar.


===Motorcycles===
===Motorcycles===
Sidus is currently Valkea's largest motorcycle manufacturer ever since it began manufacturing them in 1954. At its peak in the 1990s it produced over 3 million motorcycles annually, though this figure has dropped to 830,000 today. Still, current production output is still higher than its domestic competitors.
The company's most popular model is the Sidus Proxima, a four-stroke, underbone motorcycle that has been in continuous production since 1955. It is the best-selling motor vehicle in Astyria, exceeding 100 million units.


===Power equipment===
===Power equipment===


===Aircraft===
===Aircraft===
Sidus produces aircraft through its Sidus Aerospace subsidiary. Its only aircraft on offer is the [[Sidus Andromeda]], a light business jet with pioneering technologies that allow for reduced drag, better aerodynamics, and greater fuel efficiency. So far 150 units have been built and delivered to customers.


===Robots===
===Robots===
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Sidus has been active in motorsport, most notably in Formula One and in Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing. Its engines attained the greatest number of victories for any Astyrian engine manufacturer in all disciplines.
Sidus has been active in motorsport, most notably in Formula One and in Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing. Its engines attained the greatest number of victories for any Astyrian engine manufacturer in all disciplines.


===Automobiles===
===Automobile racing===
 
''See also: [[Sidus in Astyrian Formula One]]''


Sidus first entered as a Formula One constructor in 1966 in the Caprican Grand Prix. Their first win was achieved at the Scottopian Grand Prix, making the company become the first Valkean constructor to win in Formula One. However, they had difficulties obtaining wins in the coming seasons, and they later had to withdraw from the sport in 1973 due to the onset of the Valkean Recession.
[[File:Lauren Blake Aswickan GP 2021-03-07.jpeg|250px|thumb|right|Sidus FS-221 [[Astyrian Formula One|AstyF1]] car driven by [[Lauren Blake]]]]
Sidus first entered as a [[Astyrian Formula One]] constructor in 1966 in the Caprican Grand Prix. Their first win was achieved at the Scottopian Grand Prix, making the company become the first Valkean constructor to win in Formula One. However, they had difficulties obtaining wins in the coming seasons, and they later had to withdraw from the sport in 1973 due to the onset of the [[Valkean Recession of 1971|1971 Valkean Recession]].


The company returned to Formula One as an engine supplier, first partnering with the MacGregor F1 team. Together they won the 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 seasons. Due to MacGregor's dismal performance during the 1995 season, Sidus once again withdrew from F1. However, it still maintained a presence as an engine supplier for various race teams through the related Comet Motorsport company.
The company returned to Formula One as an engine supplier, first partnering with the Delaney and later the MacGregor team. MacGregor went on to win the 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, and 1994 seasons. But due to MacGregor's dismal performance during the 1995 season, as well as Sidus itself experiencing financial turmoil after the death of its founder, the company once again withdrew from F1. However, it still maintained a presence as an engine supplier for various race teams through the related Comet Motorsport company.


Sidus officially returned as an engine supplier for Renetton in 2002. Together they achieved 12 podiums and third place in the constructor's championship. However, prior to the 2006 season, the team was sold to Sidus, becoming a fully-fledged constructor in Formula One for the first time since the 1970s. They won the 2007 and 2012 Formula One Constructor's Championships with driver Paavo Laakonen, who also won the Driver's Championship for those years. They followed that with a win in the 2015 season with Simo Raasinen as champion. Alongside the factory team, Sidus also currently provides engines for the Raamaker and MacGregor F1 teams, allowing them to win the 2016 and 2019 seasons, respectively.
Sidus officially returned as an engine supplier for Fullerton in 2002. Together they achieved 12 podiums and third place in the constructor's championship. However, prior to the 2006 season, the team was sold to Sidus, becoming a fully-fledged constructor in Formula One for the first time since the 1970s. They won the 2007, 2012, and 2013 Formula One Constructor's Championships with driver [[Paavo Laakkonen]], who also won the Driver's Championship for those years. They followed that with two more Constructors' Titles in the 2015 and 2020 seasons with [[Simo Rassinen]], as well as the Drivers' Championship in 2022 with [[Lauren Blake]]. Alongside the factory team, Sidus also currently provides engines for the [[MacGregor F1|MacGregor]] and [[Delaney GP|Delaney]] F1 teams.


Aside from Formula One, Sidus also competes in the Valkean Touring Car Championship, as well as the Astyrian Touring Car Championship, scoring numerous victories and championships.
Aside from Formula One, Sidus also competes in the [[Valkean Touring Car Championship]], [[Valkean GT Championship]], as well as the [[Astyrian Touring Car Championship]], scoring numerous victories and championships.


===Motorcycles===
===Motorcycle racing===


Sidus has participated in various motorcycle racing series around the world since the 1950s. Heimo Järvinen was an avid racing enthusiast, and wanted to demonstrate his company's engineering prowess through participation in motorsport. In 1957, Sidus entered Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing, but it took until 1962 for it to claim its first victories. They achieved the constructor's championships in 1964 and 1965. Sidus's race bikes made a name for themselves in the motorcycle racing world through their sleek exteriors and unorthodox engine configurations, including a 250cc six-cylinder motorcycle that competed in the 1966 season.
Sidus has participated in various motorcycle racing series around the world since the 1950s. Heimo Järvinen was an avid racing enthusiast, and wanted to demonstrate his company's engineering prowess through participation in motorsport. In 1957, Sidus entered Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing, but it took until 1962 for it to claim its first victories. They achieved the constructor's championships in 1964 and 1965. Sidus's race bikes made a name for themselves in the motorcycle racing world through their sleek exteriors and unorthodox engine configurations, including a 250cc six-cylinder motorcycle that competed in the 1966 season.
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After a hiatus in the 1970s, they made a return to Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing in 1980, initially competing with four-stroke engines in 1980 and 1981. Due to the previous engines' lackluster performance, they switched to two-stroke engines in 1982. In 1983, Sidus won their first Grand Prix world championship since 1965, and have since then dominated in the years to come.
After a hiatus in the 1970s, they made a return to Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing in 1980, initially competing with four-stroke engines in 1980 and 1981. Due to the previous engines' lackluster performance, they switched to two-stroke engines in 1982. In 1983, Sidus won their first Grand Prix world championship since 1965, and have since then dominated in the years to come.


They also are a prominent force in motocross racing, winning seven world championships, as well as in endurance motorcycle racing.
They also are a prominent force in motocross racing, winning seven championships, as well as in endurance motorcycle racing.
 
{{Navbox
| name      = Sidus
| title      = Sidus Motor Company Oyj
| listclass  = hlist
| state      = {{{state|}}}
 
| above      =
| image      =
 
| group1    = Divisions and subsidiary companies
| list1      =
* [[Järvinen Luxury Cars]]
* [[Pulsar Motors]]
* Sidus Aerospace
* Sidus Automobiles
* Sidus Autonomous Systems
* Sidus F1
* Sidus Marine
* Sidus Mobility Services
* Sidus Performance Division
* Sidus Powersports
* Sidus Racing
 
| group2    = Automobiles
| list2      = {{Navbox|child


| group1 = Cars
{{Template:Sidus}}
| list1 =
{{Template:Automotive industry in Valkea}}
* Apus
* Aquila
* Columba
* Corvus
** A-Spec
** R-Spec
* Cygnus
* Mesquita
* Musca
* Tucana
* Volans
* [[Sidus Zodiac|Zodiac]]


| group2 = Pickup trucks
[[Category:Astyria]]
| list2 =
[[Category:Valkea]]
* Hercules
[[Category:Sidus]]
 
[[Category:Valkean companies]]
| group3 = SUVs/CUVs
[[Category:Astyrian_companies]]
| list3 =
* Canis
* Draco
* Pardus
* Ursa
* Vulpes
 
| group4 = Vans
| list4 =
* Auriga
* Lacerta
 
| group5 = Historic models
| list5 =
* Bootes
* Capricorn
* Cassiopeia
* Chameleon
* Corvus HY
* Corvus NGC
* Dorado
* Model 100
* Model 105
* Model 120
* Model 145
* Model 165
* Pavo
* Orion
* Scorpio
 
| group6 = Racing
| list6 =
* FS-151
* FS-152
* FS-153
* FS-154
* FS-155
* FS-161
* FS-162
* FS-170
* FS-207
* FS-208
* FS-209
* FS-210
* FS-211
* FS-212
* FS-213
* FS-214
* FS-215
* FS-216
* FS-217
* FS-218
* FS-219
* FS-220
* HEX-10
* HEX-20
* HEX-30
}}
 
 
| group3    = Bikes
| list3      = {{Navbox|child
 
| group1 = Motorcycles
| list1 =
* Agena series
* Aldebaran
* Algol series
* Altair series
* Antares series
* Arcturus series
* Deneb series
* Polaris series
* Procyon
* Regulus series
* Saiph
* Sirius series
* Sol series
* Vega series
 
| group2 = Scooters
| list2 =
* Alcyone
* Capella
* Merope
 
| group3 = ATVs and UTVs
| list3 =
* Bellatrix series
* Betelgeuse series
* Mizar series
 
| group4 = Other
| list4 =
* Proxima
* Toliman
}}
 
| group4 = Aircraft
| list4 =
* SA-01X
* SA-02X
* Andromeda
 
| group5 = People
| list5 =
* [[Heimo Järvinen]]
* [[Mauri Miettinen]]
 
| group6 = Other
| list6 =
* Comet Motorsport
* Heimo Järvinen Museum
* Sidus Museum
* Sidus R-Spec
* Vestola Circuit
 
| below      =
}}

Latest revision as of 17:45, 1 April 2024

Sidus Motor Company Oyj
Native name
Sidus Moottoriyhtiö
Public
Traded asKLSE: SDUS
IndustryConglomerate
FoundedAugust 23, 1948; 75 years ago (1948-08-23) in Vuornaa, Valkea
Founders
Headquarters,
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Oskari Nieminen (Chairman)
  • Sampsa Alho (President and CEO)
  • Johanna Naumanen (COO, Head of Strategy and Business Operations)
Products
  • automobiles
  • motorcycles
  • scooters
  • internal combustion engines
  • electric generators
  • water pumps
  • jet aircraft
  • jet engines
  • solar cells
  • robotics
RevenueIncrease $142 billion (2019)
Increase $7.32 billion (2019)
Increase $9.52 billion (2019)
Number of employees
223,574 (2019)
Divisions
Websitesidus.com

Sidus Motor Company Oyj (Valkean: Sidus Moottoriyhtiö), usually shortened to Sidus, is a Valkean multinational conglomerate that is headquartered in Vuornaa, Valkea. They are mostly known for the manufacture of automobiles, motorcycles, and engines. As of 2018, Sidus is the largest Valkean motorcycle manufacturer since 1956 and the second largest Valkean automobile manufacturer after Valteo Motor Group. Sidus is also one of the largest manufacturers of internal combustion engines.

Sidus Motor Company produces and sells automobiles and motorcycles under the Sidus brand as well as luxury cars under the JLC brand. Sidus also manufactures marine engines, personal watercraft, powersports equipment, and garden equipment. They also have been involved in other industrial fields such as robotics and aerospace.

History

In 1933, Heimo Järvinen founded the Järvinen Motor Company in the city of Novika. Based in a workshop employing 17 men, they manufactured limited-volume luxury cars such as the Model 10 coupe, Model 20 sedan, and Model 22 roadster. They also produced parts for military vehicles. However, differences between Järvinen and the board of management arose regarding the company's direction. He wanted to build people's cars for Valkeans, but his partners wanted to continue building luxury cars for the elite. Järvinen eventually departed from Järvinen Motor Company in 1945.

Shortly after his departure, his daughter, Stella, died from severe pneumonia. While he was putting away her things, he came across a pendant with a five-knotted star; a gift he had given to her when she was eight. The pendant would become the inspiration for Järvinen and his future company. In 1947 he moved to Vuornaa and met Mauri Miettinen, and together they founded Sidus Motor Company on 23 August 1948. The two would continue to head the company until they both stepped down in 1981.

Their first car models were the Model 100, a two-door roadster, and and the Model 105, a four-door passenger car; both of which went on sale to the public in September 1953. They were a success in the Valkean domestic market, selling a combined 50,000 units within the first year. In addition, they began building motorcycles such as the Sol and Proxima. Sidus then grew in a short time to become Astyria's largest motorcycle manufacturer by the 1960s. The Proxima is still being produced today, having reached its 100 millionth model milestone in 2015.

Over the next few decades, Sidus worked to expand its product line and its operations to other countries. The Sidus Model 145 became the first Sidus car to be exported to foreign markets. The year 1973 saw the company release the Sidus Corvus, a compact hatchback that passed strict emissions regulations without the use of a catalytic converter. In 1984, Sidus bought a majority stake in Järvinen Motor Company, which was rebranded as Järvinen Luxury Cars. And in 1989, the company introduced the Sidus Zodiac, a supercar built with an all-aluminum monocoque chassis and a mid-engined V6 with variable timing technology.

However, the death of Heimo Järvinen in 1992 sent shockwaves throughout the entire company. Sidus was beginning to lag behind other Valkean automakers, having been late to the SUV and pickup truck trend. In addition, there was speculation that Sidus may be bought up by Valteo Motor Group, which had acquired competitors such as Juhola. To prevent this, then-CEO Antti Kivinen streamlined Sidus's product lineup, closed unprofitable factories, laid off thousands of workers, and ended its involvement in Formula One.

Corporate profile

Sidus is the 2nd largest Valkean automobile manufacturer and one of the largest in Astyria. It is headquartered in Vuornaa, Valkea and has operations throughout the world. It also operates numerous assembly plants in various countries, many of them in Astyria. An overwhelming majority of cars sold in foreign markets are built in foreign factories.

The company has two major subsidiary brands: JLC, which sells luxury vehicles, and Pulsar Motors, which sells electric vehicles. Other subsidiaries within the Sidus umbrella include Sidus Performance Division, which manufactures high-performance cars under the R-Spec badge, Sidus Racing, the company's motorcycle racing division, and Sidus Autonomous Systems, which researches developments in artificial intelligence for mobility.

In November 2019, Sidus reported net earnings of $9.52 billion, with an annual revenue of $142 billion, which is 5.8% higher than the previous fiscal year.

Products

Automobiles

Sidus produces a wide range of automobiles, including sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans. Many of these models are sold as passenger cars. Sidus is currently the 2nd largest Valkea-based automobile manufacturer, behind Valteo Motor Group.

The Corvus is currently the best-selling car in Sidus' catalog, with over 20 million units sold worldwide. It is also the second longest-running nameplate from a Valkean manufacturer, after the Juhola Elysia. Other notable models include the Cygnus, which has outsold the Corvus in certain major markets, the Pardus, a compact crossover SUV, and the Zodiac, a hybrid supercar.

Motorcycles

Sidus is currently Valkea's largest motorcycle manufacturer ever since it began manufacturing them in 1954. At its peak in the 1990s it produced over 3 million motorcycles annually, though this figure has dropped to 830,000 today. Still, current production output is still higher than its domestic competitors.

The company's most popular model is the Sidus Proxima, a four-stroke, underbone motorcycle that has been in continuous production since 1955. It is the best-selling motor vehicle in Astyria, exceeding 100 million units.

Power equipment

Aircraft

Sidus produces aircraft through its Sidus Aerospace subsidiary. Its only aircraft on offer is the Sidus Andromeda, a light business jet with pioneering technologies that allow for reduced drag, better aerodynamics, and greater fuel efficiency. So far 150 units have been built and delivered to customers.

Robots

Motorsport

Sidus has been active in motorsport, most notably in Formula One and in Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing. Its engines attained the greatest number of victories for any Astyrian engine manufacturer in all disciplines.

Automobile racing

See also: Sidus in Astyrian Formula One

Sidus FS-221 AstyF1 car driven by Lauren Blake

Sidus first entered as a Astyrian Formula One constructor in 1966 in the Caprican Grand Prix. Their first win was achieved at the Scottopian Grand Prix, making the company become the first Valkean constructor to win in Formula One. However, they had difficulties obtaining wins in the coming seasons, and they later had to withdraw from the sport in 1973 due to the onset of the 1971 Valkean Recession.

The company returned to Formula One as an engine supplier, first partnering with the Delaney and later the MacGregor team. MacGregor went on to win the 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, and 1994 seasons. But due to MacGregor's dismal performance during the 1995 season, as well as Sidus itself experiencing financial turmoil after the death of its founder, the company once again withdrew from F1. However, it still maintained a presence as an engine supplier for various race teams through the related Comet Motorsport company.

Sidus officially returned as an engine supplier for Fullerton in 2002. Together they achieved 12 podiums and third place in the constructor's championship. However, prior to the 2006 season, the team was sold to Sidus, becoming a fully-fledged constructor in Formula One for the first time since the 1970s. They won the 2007, 2012, and 2013 Formula One Constructor's Championships with driver Paavo Laakkonen, who also won the Driver's Championship for those years. They followed that with two more Constructors' Titles in the 2015 and 2020 seasons with Simo Rassinen, as well as the Drivers' Championship in 2022 with Lauren Blake. Alongside the factory team, Sidus also currently provides engines for the MacGregor and Delaney F1 teams.

Aside from Formula One, Sidus also competes in the Valkean Touring Car Championship, Valkean GT Championship, as well as the Astyrian Touring Car Championship, scoring numerous victories and championships.

Motorcycle racing

Sidus has participated in various motorcycle racing series around the world since the 1950s. Heimo Järvinen was an avid racing enthusiast, and wanted to demonstrate his company's engineering prowess through participation in motorsport. In 1957, Sidus entered Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing, but it took until 1962 for it to claim its first victories. They achieved the constructor's championships in 1964 and 1965. Sidus's race bikes made a name for themselves in the motorcycle racing world through their sleek exteriors and unorthodox engine configurations, including a 250cc six-cylinder motorcycle that competed in the 1966 season.

After a hiatus in the 1970s, they made a return to Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing in 1980, initially competing with four-stroke engines in 1980 and 1981. Due to the previous engines' lackluster performance, they switched to two-stroke engines in 1982. In 1983, Sidus won their first Grand Prix world championship since 1965, and have since then dominated in the years to come.

They also are a prominent force in motocross racing, winning seven championships, as well as in endurance motorcycle racing.