Powersports Business articles from January 2005

Powersports Business archives from January 2005

Piaggio wraps up Aprilia purchase.(HOT NEWS)(motorcycle industry)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Piaggio & C. SpA ended 2004 by completing its total acquisition of Aprilia SpA, creating a group with annual sales of more than Euro 1.5 billion ($1.9 billion). The contract, signed Dec. 28 with Aprilia shareholders Ivano Beggio and his...

EICMA now a yearly event.(HOT NEWS)(International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition of Milan)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The Executive Council of Ancma, the Italian Association of Bicycle, Motorcycle and Components Manufacturers, has voted to make the International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition of Milan (EICMA) a yearly event starting in 2005. ...

Suzuki backs supermoto school in Wisconsin.(HOT NEWS)(Suzuki Supermoto School, Wisconsin)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... American Suzuki will expand its visibility at Wisconsin's Road America by providing motorcycles for the new Suzuki Supermoto School; participating in a new, ATVs for the year-around Suzuki ATV Adventure Program at the racetrack; and advertising...

Japan boosts cycle production in November.(HOT NEWS)(motorcycles)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Japan produced 196,180 two-wheelers during November 2004, up 51,247 units or 35.4% compared to the 144,933 units produced in November 2003, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). The organization also reported...

Yamaha to open parts plant in Vietnam.(HOT NEWS)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Japan's Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. said it will set up a company in Hanoi, Vietnam, to produce engine parts for motorcycles. The new company, called Yamaha Motor Parts Manufacturing Vietnam Co., Ltd. (YPMV), will be capitalized at $14.3 million...

Yamaha Spanish sales up.(HOT NEWS)(Yamaha Motor Espana)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Yamaha Espana, the Spanish division of Japan's Yamaha Motor, posted sales of Euro 318 million ($414.2 million) in 2004, up 41.3% compared to sales during 2003. The company said it manufactured more than one million motorcycles at its Spanish...

MZ adds director.(HOT NEWS)(MZ Motorrad und Zweiradwerk GmbH)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Dr. Christoph Baumgaertner has joined MZ Motorrad und Zweiradwerk GmbH as director of sales, marketing and product planning. The move was effective Jan. 1. Baumgaertner served as MZ engine development project manager from 1995 to 1996. MZ...

Honda wins "Hongda" suit.(HOT NEWS)(copyright infringement, Chongqing Lifan Industry Group)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... A Beijing court has ordered a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer to pay 1.47 million yuan, approximately $177,607, in damages to Japan's Honda Motor Co. for placing "Hongda" logos on its product. Chongqing Lifan Industry Group is the fourth...

Ride for kids raises $3.8 million in 2004.(HOT NEWS)(Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The nation-wide Ride for Kids program wrapped up 2004 by breaking its own fundraising record for the 21st consecutive year, raising $3.8 million during 29 events designed to fund the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's (PBTF) research and family...

Chongqing's exports up.(HOT NEWS)(motorcycle exports)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Custom officials in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality say the city's motorcycle exports to the United States between January and October 2004 totaled $22.84 million, an increase of 240% compared to the same period in 2003, reported...

Cooper's Dattilo named top industry executive.(HOT NEWS)(Thomas A. Dattilo, Cooper Tire and Rubber Company)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Thomas A. Dattilo, CEO of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Findlay, Ohio, has been named Industry Executive of the Year by Rubber & Plastics News, an industry publication. Dattilo has served as the chairman, president and CEO of Cooper Tire &...

S & S cycle, American iron produce motorcycle tour.(HOT NEWS)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The S & S/American Iron Old School Shovel Tour kicks off March 9 at the Broken Spoke Saloon in Daytona Beach, Fla. Five builders have been chosen to create five unique and affordable customs based on the new S & S 93", alternator/generator,...

Polaris to pay fine for ATV failures.(Polaris Industries Inc., all terrain vehicles)
January 24, 2005... Polaris Industries Inc. says it will pay the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) $950,000 to settle claims alleging that the company violated the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). The CPSC said two separate investigations found...

Cross Holding acquires 89.2% of KTM.(investment company, )(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Austrian industrial investment company Cross Holding AG says it has acquired 48.9% interest in Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM. The company, which purchased the stock from British venture capital company BC Partners, now owns 89.2% of KTM....

PowersportsBusinessXchange brings together major dealers and suppliers.
January 24, 2005... The first annual PowersportsBusinessXchange, an exclusive meeting of top level executives from leading North American dealer groups and suppliers, was held Dec. 5-8 in Carefree, Ariz. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Marketing to older women is a good bet.(Powersports Business Xchange, meeting)
January 24, 2005... EDITOR'S NOTE: Marcia Kull presented the keynote speech at PowersportsBusinessXchange, discussing ways to market to an emerging motorcycle market: middle-aged women. Kull knows what she's talking about. She has 20 years experience working...

BRP reviews first year as independent.(Bombardier Recreational Products )(Company Profile)
January 24, 2005... EDITOR'S NOTE: On Dec. 17, 2004, Jose Boisjoli, president and CEO of Bombardier Recreational Products (B RP) and Pierre Pichette, BRP's vice president of communications and public affairs, met with editors and executives of Ehlert Publishing...

Bringing dealers and suppliers together.(Editorial)
January 24, 2005... Normally, we don't use this space to talk about the activities of Powersports Business magazine, but I hope you'll allow me to do so, just this one time. I would like to discuss an event we put on last December that reflects several developing...

Edelbrock going private.(DIGEST)(Edelbrock Corporation)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Edelbrock Corporation stockholders have approved the proposed merger of the company with a subsidiary of a corporation controlled by O. Victor Edelbrock Jr. and his affiliates. O. Victor Edelbrock Jr. is Edelbrock's chairman, president and CEO....

Triumph reports record revenue.(DIGEST)(Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Privately owned Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd. says sales have increased more than 30% during the first six months of the current fiscal year, but did not provide specific figures. Saying that it expects sales to continue at record levels, the...

Ducati to post loss.(DIGEST)(Ducati Motor Holdings)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Ducati Motor Holdings Chief Executive Federico Minoli says the company's fourth quarter performance was as expected and confirmed the full-year forecast of a post-tax loss of about $7.8 million and a 5% drop in unit sales. Ducati cut its...

Viper selects software provider.(DIGEST)(Viper Motorcycle Company)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Viper Motorcycle Company, Minneapolis, has selected a software system with which to manage its business and manufacturing system. Fourth Shift Edition for SAP Business One, a joint product from SAP and SoftBrands, Inc., is tailored for...

Kawi Canada signs with GE Finance.(DIGEST)(Canadian Kawasaki Motors, GE Consumer Finance)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... GE Consumer Finance, a provider of financial services to consumers and retailers in 41 countries, has launched a consumer finance program with Canadian Kawasaki Motors. The exclusive three-year agreement will allow Kawasaki dealers in...

Bad Toys signs for Gambler.(DIGEST)(Bad Toys Holdings, Gambler Motorcycle Company)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Bad Toys Holdings, Inc. (BTOI), a Nevada company engaged in the business of manufacturing and selling custom V-Twin motorcycles, custom street rods and providing brokerage service to custom, classic cars, and motorcycle owners, announced it has...

BRP signs seven-year deal with Dell.(DIGEST)(Bombardier Recreational Products)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) has signed a seven-year contract with Dell, Inc. for the purchase of products with which to run its global IT network. The contract includes Dell servers, storage, desktops, notebooks, workstations and...

NMDA, WholesaleTrader sign deal.(DIGEST)(MBA Holdings, Inc., WholesaleTrader.com )(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... MBA Holdings, Inc. has signed an agreement with WholesaleTrader.com to cross market their respective organizations for the purposes of recruiting new members to MBA's subsidiary, the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), and...

Giant Motorsports increases sales.(DIGEST)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Giant Motorsports, Inc. (GMOS), a dealer group based in Salem, Ohio, reported unaudited sales of $26.3 million for the third quarter, up from $12.7 million for the same quarter in 2003, and earnings before taxes rose to $529,236, compared to...

Ratio analysis is prescription for sick dealership.(Business Doctor)
January 24, 2005... EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first in a series of reports on how you can improve the financial health of your dealership by taking a closer look at your numbers. Do you ever use ratios to evaluate the financial performance of your...

Indy: get ready for the Dealer Expo.(FOCUS)(powersports)
January 24, 2005... It's time for the big event, the one you've been waiting for all year, the Dealer Expo, Feb. 19-21 at the Indianapolis Convention Center complex. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Dealer input changes 2005 Expo offerings.(FOCUS: 2005 DEALER EXPO)
January 24, 2005... The management of Dealer Expo, the powersports industry's top business-to-business show, have been accused in the past of turing a deaf ear to complaints by dealers and exhibitors. But that situation seems to have changed. [ILLUSTRATION...

IBSG Dealer Services.(SPEAKERS)(Peter Jones, automotive parts industry)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Peter Jones is founder and CEO of IBSG Dealer Services, one of the nation's largest providers of F & I products and training. He is also co-founder of Victory Solutions, an Internet-based customer tracking and follow-up system. Jones is an...

Victory Solutions.(SPEAKERS)(Jose Juarez )(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Jose Juarez is founder, president and CEO of Victory Solutions, a powersports real-time business intelligence company. Juarez has 18 years of management experience, overseeing multimillion-dollar operations in the automotive, recreational...

Christy Michaud has an extensive background in retail, marketing and promotions.(SPEAKERS)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Christy Michaud has an extensive background in retail, marketing and promotions. A retail environment specialist for Tucker Rocky, she spent 10 years working for a Harley-Davidson dealership and honed her skills in retail merchandising at...

Retail Design Associates.(SPEAKERS)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Jim Rasmus, president of Retail Design Associates, has more than 25 years of retail design and merchandising experience serving companies including Arlen Ness, Honda Lafayette, Power Sports Pro, Big Valley Honda, Snake River Yamaha, Ground Up...

A retail environment specialist for Tucker Rocky.(SPEAKERS)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Jennifer Robison, a retail environment specialist for Tucker Rocky, is a master of retail merchandising. With 16 years of motorsports experience, she has provided consulting and training to Tucker Rocky's dealers and sales force for three...

The powersports industry.(SPEAKERS)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Steven Zarwell is a long-time powersports enthusiast with more than 20 years of store management experience and a 15-year history of store merchandising, management and business planning in the powersports industry.

Powersports Business' Nifty Fifty, Part 1.(FOCUS: 2005 DEALER EXPO)
January 24, 2005... To help you better plan your time at the Dealer Expo, the Editors of Powersports Business magazine have picked 50 products that we think might be worth searching for. The products selected for our Nifty Fifty award range from performance...

Dealer Expo features, services and events.(FOCUS: 2005 DEALER EXPO)(Calendar)
January 24, 2005... BREAKFAST IN THE DOME Friday-Sunday, February 19-21, 2005 Sponsored by Custom Chrome and Motorcycle Stuff Start your day off right with a FREE breakfast compliments of Custom Chrome and Motorcycle Stuff. BLUE RIBBON COALITION...

Show hours.(FOCUS: 2005 DEALER EXPO)
January 24, 2005... Indiana Convention Center Exhibits Saturday, February 19 10:00am-6:00pm Sunday, February 20 9:30am-6:00pm Monday, February 21 9:30am-3:00pm Zone 16 Exhibits Saturday, February 19 9:00am-7:00pm Sunday, February...

Dine with motorcycle racing legends at Breakfast of Champions.(FOCUS: 2005 DEALER EXPO)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Clark Collins, founder of the BlueRibbon Coalition, invites attendees and exhibitors of the Dealer Expo to take part in the organization's seventh annual Breakfast of Champions fundraising event, scheduled to take place 7 am February 20 at the...

CCPI fulfills Internet and data services.(FOCUS: 2005 DEALER EXPO)(Convention Communication Provisioners, Incorporated)
January 24, 2005... Dealer Expo attendees will again be offered free e-mail access from various information kiosks spread throughout the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome (ICCRD). For exhibitors, the ICCRD provides comprehensive Internet, data networking...

Expo dining options updated.(FOCUS: 2005 DEALER EXPO)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Visitors to the Dealer Expo can expect to find some new places to fuel up while walking the event. Organizers say food service offerings underwent modernization and expansion to provide larger seating areas at which to eat, visit with others,...

Expo attendees should expect changes in Indy.(FOCUS: 2005 DEALER EXPO)
January 24, 2005... Frequent visitors to the Dealer Expo in Indianapolis will no doubt want to stay in a certain hotel, or dine at a certain restaurant. The Indy landscape is changing, however. Earlier this year, city planners received a study suggesting the...

NOHVCC plans OHV park and tour operators conference.(ATV Digest)(National Off - Highway Vehicle Conservation Council)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) will be hosting a first-ever gathering of individuals interested or involved in private OHV parks, OHV tour operators, OHV guides, and related ventures. The event will be held in...

Arctic cat partners with Bass Pro Shops.(ATV Digest)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Arctic Cat, Inc., Thief River Falls, Minn., has signed a deal to sell its 20-model ATV line-up through 19 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Marine Boating Centers, mega-sized retail locations which will offer fully staffed ATV sales, service and parts...

Racing sound restrictions.(ATV Digest)(all terrain vehicle racing)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... This season, the ATVA will enforce a 102db sound limit for all quads in the GNC Motocross Pro class. All Pro ATVs must pass a sound test conducted by the referee. Any quads in the Pro-Am or amateur classes that are objectionably loud will be...

Sears expands ATV offerings.(ATV Digest)(all terrain vehicle accessories)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... One of the first mass retailers in the country, Sears says it now offers nearly 75 ATV attachments online and at stores through a special order program. In addition to Craftsman brand products, major ATV attachment brands featured include Ohio...

ATV sales up in Australia.(ATV Digest)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Australia's Association of Motorcycle Importers and Distributors (AMID) says the country's two-wheeler and quad market is poised to achieve its best sales year since 1984. The organization says new motorcycle sales to mid-December 2004...

Brister's selects Cycle Country.(ATV Digest)(Cycle Country Accessories Corp, Brister's Design and Manufacturing Company)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Cycle Country Accessories Corp., Milford, Iowa, has been selected as the primary accessories provider for the Chuck Wagon Utility Vehicle developed and manufactured by Brister's Design and Manufacturing Company, Inc., Roseland, La. ...

ARGO gets upgrades.(ATV Digest)(Ontario Drive and Gear, all terrain vehicle maker)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Ontario Drive & Gear (ODG), a manufacturer of 6X6 and 8X8 amphibious, all-terrain vehicles, says the majority of its 2005 ARGOs will be equipped with its new one-piece handlebar steering system. The ergonomic, motocross-style handlebar,...

ATV imports from China and Taiwan are gaining increasing market share.(Trendline)(all terrain vehicles)
January 24, 2005... We haven't profiled the U.S. youth ATV market, which we define as ATVs with displacements up to and including 125cc, in a year and a half, especially those models imported from Taiwan and China. In addition, an increasing number of adult-size...

Peugeot displays fuel-cell four-wheeler.(ATV)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Peugeot has unveiled a prototype two-person four-wheeler powered by fuel cell technology. Named "Quark", the vehicle runs off of electric motors located on the hub of each of the unit's four 17-inch alloy wheels. The motors are fed through a...

All around power equipment.(Power Profile)(automotive dealers)(Company Profile)
January 24, 2005... CONTACT 1746 Memorial Drive St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802/748-1413 www.allaroundpower.com OWNER Spencer Hudson BUSINESS PROFILE Hudson started a service garage in his home in 1983, then in 1988, went to work...

ATV racing gains more OEM support, TV coverage.(ATV)(all terrain vehicle, original equipment manufacturers)
January 24, 2005... Long ignored by ATV manufacturers and often treated like an ugly cousin to the dirt bike racing industry, quad racing stayed afloat the last 15-odd years thanks to its stalwart grassroots makeup and a hearty investment from the ATV aftermarket....

Triumph, AHRMA create Thruxton Challenge.(Cycle Update)(American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., Newnan, Ga., announced a new partnership with the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA), The Thruxton Challenge. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kicking off the 2005 season with an inaugural...

Yamaha offers another FJR priority delivery.(Cycle Update)(motorcycles)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Yamaha Motor Corporation, Cypress, Calif., announced a second priority delivery program for its FJR1300 and FJR1300ABS. A customer's $500 dealer deposit secures a 2005 unit for priority delivery beginning in March. The program will end when the...

N.H. mulls request for updated noise standards.(Cycle Update)(New Hampshire, motorcycle noise levels)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The New Hampshire Legislature is scheduled to vote on a bill to revise the standards for testing motorcycle sound levels. If approved, the resulting law would prohibit motorcycles from generating a noise level measured at greater than 110...

Speed plans new reality series.(Cycle Update)(television channel)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... A Band Apart Commercials, a producer of award-winning commercials and music videos, and director Scott Gillen are currently producing a new reality series for Fox Television's SPEED Channel entitled Build or Bust. Created and directed by...

Motogiro returns.(Cycle Update)(Motogiro d'Italia, motorcycle competition)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... From May 24-28, 2005, the Motogiro d'Italia, the historic Italian motorcycle competition, returns to the legendary roads of Emilia Romagna, Umbria, Tuscany and Marche. Dream Engine is organizing the event for its fifth consecutive year and...

Evader receives approval in Europe.(Cycle Update)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Bellevue-Washington based Evader, Inc., says the European Community Type Approval Certification Agency has given its official approval for the sale and use of the Evader 100S and Evader GT in 25 European countries. The certification...

Evel Knievel can't sue web site.(Cycle Update)(retired motorcycle stuntman)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... A U.S. appeals court has ruled that retired motorcycle stunt rider Evel Knievel can not pursue a lawsuit against a Web site that published a picture of him with two women along with a caption that said "You're never too old to be a pimp."...

Kawasaki to support female AMA racer.(Cycle Update)(American Motorcyclist Association, Jessica Zalusky )(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Former pro snowboarder Jessica Zalusky will compete in select 2005 American Motorcyclist Association road races. Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. announced it is backing Zalusky, who will compete in Superbike class races on the Ninja ZX-10R...

Jordan announces '05 race team.(Cycle Update)(Michael Jordan Motorsports, Suzuki )(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Michael Jordan Motorsports/Suzuki has announced that riders Jason Pridmore, Steve Rapp and Montez Stewart will compete on Suzuki GSXR 1000 motorcycles for the 2005 American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Superbike Championship. Primary...

What is US MINI GP?(Cycle Update)(motorcycle racing, training for kids )(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... An organization comprised of several companies and motorcycle enthusiasts. US MINI GP is a new spec racing program designed to create future motorcycle road race champions in North America. Set up for youngsters age seven and older, US MINI...

Honda 2005 sales plan: 12.5 million cycles.(MOTORCYCLE)
January 24, 2005... Japan's Honda Motor Co. Ltd. says it expects worldwide motorcycle sales of 12.5 million units in 2005. Official sales figures have not been released, but the company says its 2004 worldwide sales forecast for its motorcycle business was 10.7...

Piaggio, Zongshen promote cultural exchange.(MOTORCYCLE)(Piaggio Group, Zongshen Group, Piaggio Foshan Motorcycle Co. Ltd.)
January 24, 2005... In April 2004 Italy's Piaggio Group signed a strategic business and marketing agreement with China's Zongshen Group. The two companies formed a joint venture, Piaggio Foshan Motorcycle Co. Ltd. (PFM), to produce parts, engines, scooters and...

Harley-Davidson/Buell of Dothan.(Power Profile)(motorcycle dealers)(Company Profile)
January 24, 2005... CONTACT 2148 Ross Clark Circle SW Dothan, AL 36301 334/792-0063 www.h-dbuellofdothan.com OWNERS Dutch, Cindy and Bill Holland BUSINESS PROFILE 48,000-sq.-ft. dealership founded in 1972 at the present...

Kawi introduces ROK owners club.(MOTORCYCLE)(Riders of Kawasaki)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., Irvine, Calif., announced the launch of a new Kawasaki owners club, a group which replaces the Good Times Owners Club (GTOC) and is designed to enhance member benefits. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new...

H-D, Buell extend warranties for deployed soldiers.(MOTORCYCLE)(Harley - Davidson Motor Company)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Buell Motorcycle Company announced the implementation of Operation Extend the Ride, a plan to extend warranty coverage to military personnel deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The...

Riverside motorcycle sales.(Power Profile)(Company Profile)
January 24, 2005... CONTACT 2 Union Square Somerville, MA 02143 617/628-6400 www.riversidemoto.com OWNERS Carlo Hansen and Gerardo Fabrizio BUSINESS PROFILE In 1977 Hansen and Fabrizio bought the dealership, which was founded...

PWIA board appoints new executive director.(PWC)(Personal Watercraft Industry Association)(Interview)
January 24, 2005... It's been six months since Kirsten Rowe, the former executive director of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA), left the association to pursue opportunities with the Bush presidential campaign. During that time, many in the...

Outboard dumping case goes to the judges.(Making Waves)(outboard motors)
January 24, 2005... Earlier this month the International Trade Commission (ITC) held its final hearing on the issue of outboard engine dumping, convening to hear testimony to determine whether Japanese manufacturers have harmed domestic outboard manufacturers by...

Quebec trail compromise.(Snowmobile Report)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Quebec Transport Minister Julie Boulet has come up with some new rules for snowmobiling in the province, where she has tried to balance landowner rights with snowmobile access. The proposals were in response to a legal case involving a section...

Wyoming joins Yellowstone lawsuit.(Snowmobile Report)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... The State of Wyoming has joined a lawsuit challenging National Park Service (NPS) snowmobile rules in Yellowstone National Park and nearby Grand Teton National Park. The NPS issued temporary rules restricting the number of snowmobiles in...

Trend Lightly training.(Snowmobile Report)
January 24, 2005... Tread Lightly will sponsor Master Tread Trainer training at nine locations in the United States this year. The Master Tread Trainer is a program to train volunteers in creative, practical methods of teaching outdoor ethics as it relates to...

Law bans headlight covers.(Snowmobile Report)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... This winter, Michigan snowmobile patrols are enforcing a new law banning the use of colored snowmobile headlight covers. The law was passed in March 2004. The law, which was supported by the Michigan Snowmobile Association, was cited as an...

North American snowmobile sales decline 3% through December: U.S. sales down 3%, Canadian sales off 3-4%.(Trendline)
January 24, 2005... During late December and early January, Power Products Marketing conducted a survey on behalf of Powersports Business among 100 snowmobile dealers across the Northern United States and Canada. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These 100 dealers...

Ski-Doo targets Gen Y with the 2006 Freestyle.(SNOWMOBILE)(Bombardier Recreation Products Inc.)
January 24, 2005... When developing its first 2006 snowmobile planned for release, the Freestyle, Bombardier Recreation Products Inc. (BRP) opened its library to take a look at its history in the industry. Citing statistics on declining sales and an aging...

Cat releases 2006 Crossfire.(SNOWMOBILE)(Arctic Cat Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Arctic Cat Inc., Thief River Falls, Minn., released a 2006 Crossfire hybrid snowmobile to its dealers on January 6. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dealer orders are being taken on the sled, which will be built in mid-January and will sell for...

Ehlert expands consumer show biz.(SNOWMOBILE)(Ehlert Publishing Inc., American Recreation Unlimited Inc. )(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Ehlert Publishing Inc., the owner of Powersports Business, has made another step into the business of consumer shows with the purchase of American Recreation Unlimited Inc. (ARU) and plans for a future ice fishing show in Green Bay, Wis. ...

Yamaha.(SNOWMOBILE)(financing deals)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... In a deal running January 1 through March 31, Yamaha is offering customers who purchase a snowmobile with a Yamaha Card payments as low as $39 per month for 24 months at 4.9% APR on any 2004 or 2005 sled, or up to $400 customer cash back on...

Garneau's Garage.(Power Profile)(recreational vehicle dealers)(Company Profile)
January 24, 2005... CONTACT Route 302 Twin Mountain, NH 03595-0066 603/846-5790 www.garneausgarage.com OWNERS Wayne and Harold Garneau BUSINESS PROFILE Harold (the elder of this father-son team) founded the business in 1952,...

Bell Sports acquires rights to Bell Racing, Inc.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Bell Sports announced January 5 that it acquired exclusive rights to design, market and sell Bell brand auto racing helmets and accessories in North and South America. The deal was struck with Bob Booth, who has held the rights to the Bell...

Cheng Shin deals with MTS.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)(MTS Systems Corporation)(Brief Article)
January 24, 2005... Taiwan's Cheng Shin Group recently expanded its business with Minnesota-based MTS Systems Corporation through a multimillion-dollar order for multiple Model 860 Rolling Resistance Tire Test Systems. Cheng Shin Group is a long time MTS...