I
originally became acquainted with Solex while I was living on
the island of Upolu in Western Samoa. The year was 1967. My wife
and I (along with our young children) were sent there to teach
in the Church College of Western Samoa. It was there on the island
that I first rode a Solex. I purchased 1 and it became our transportation
for the next 3 years.
We
loved it. In fact, we made certain that we brought it to America
when we returned in late 1969. I would correspond with the factory
in Paris and order a few parts from time to time. I also inquired
about becoming a distributor but learned that one already existed
here in the states. It was in Michigan. Therefore, I contacted
them and ordered 6. I kept 2 and sold 4 to friends. I still
have those same 2 - and they still run!
We
have raised 8 children. Each has learned to ride the Solexes and
each has loved that experience. The bikes have had their share
of "tipping over", long and hard riding, etc. - but they have
kept running. About 4 years ago I decided to contact the distributor
in Michigan to order a few parts, but learned to my dismay that
the company was no longer in business.
Therefore
I tried to contact the factory in Paris and learned that it had
moved to somewhere in Hungary. So I contacted the Hungarian Business
Affairs Office and asked if they would provide me with the address
of the Solex Factory in that country. They answered my letter
and gave me the address of IMPEX HUNGARIA KFT in Budapest.
With delight, I began to correspond with Mr. George Safar (the
managing director) and exchanged letters and faxes over a 2 year
period. Then, just 2 years, my wife (and 3 of our children) made
a flight to Budapest to meet Mr. Safar and his family, to visit
the factory, and to become the official and exclusive U.S. distributors.
(You will see on our website, www.solexus.com, the pictures of
our meeting in Budapest - and also the letter from Mr. Safar giving
us the exclusive distributorship of all 50 states). We are highly
respected for obtaining the distributorship from IMPEX, and have
a wonderful relationship with the factory and with the fine gentleman,
George Safar.
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