Powersports Business articles from January 2007

Powersports Business archives from January 2007

Should OEM ratings be public?(NEWS)
January 22, 2007... J.D. Power and Associates' decision to publicize ratings on top motorcycle manufacturers for the first time has drawn mixed reactions from OEMs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] J.D. Power's new buyer satisfaction survey in itself is not new,...

An uncomfortable but necessary subject; Product liability insurance: how much is enough?(NEWS)
January 22, 2007... Which would you rather do: talk about product liability insurance with your suppliers and fellow dealers or give your adolescent children "the talk" about the birds and the bees? Many powersports dealers and OEMs apparently find the former...

America's PowerSports names new CEO.(HOTNEWS)
January 22, 2007... America's PowerSports, one of the nation's largest powersports dealer organizations, has hired a veteran of the automotive industry as its new CEO. James "Jim" Bower became the group's CEO effective Jan. 2, the company announced in a press...

Event educates industry on how to influence government.(American Motorcyclist Association)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... The American Motorcyclist Association has organized another Ride Into Political Action seminar. The Washington, D.C. event is for motorcyclists who want to learn how to influence governmental decisions, whether in Congress or in their local...

Foundation files suit over intellectual property rights.(HOTNEWS)
January 22, 2007... For the first time, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has filed a lawsuit. In a suit filed in U.S. District Court, the organization charges Oregon State University, its president and Stephen Garets, both individually and in his official...

Correction.(Correction notice)
January 22, 2007... The cover of the Dec. 25 edition of Powersports Business magazine has the wrong person shown in a photograph accompanying the story "Piaggio chairman found guilty in bankruptcy case." The photo was supposed to show Roberto Colaninno, the...

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. looks outside for new CEO.(HOTNEWS)
January 22, 2007... Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. named a new president and CEO. The new CEO, Roy Armes, will bring a variety of experience to Cooper, including engineering, manufacturing, global procurement and international operations management experience. ...

Focusing on dealer acquisitions: upcoming conference will get together H-D store buyers, sellers and potential operators.(Harley-Davidson Inc.)
January 22, 2007... An upcoming event that aims to put potential Harley-Davidson dealership sellers together with hopeful operators and investors could be the first of its kind. The Harley-Davidson Dealership Sale and Acquisition Conference is aiming to put...

Survey: quality of new bikes is improving.(NEWS)
January 22, 2007... The quality of motorcycles being built by the industry's leading manufacturers appears to be improving, but the industry is struggling with its sales performance, according to a new buyers survey. Owners of new 2006 model-year motorcycles...

Study: DOT-approved helmet use increasing; State laws dramatically affect the rate of helmet use.(Department of Transportation)
January 22, 2007... Motorcycle helmet usage is increasing, although it's still not close to the level it was at in 2000. Then, 71 percent of motorcycle riders wore Department of Transportation-approved helmets. In 2006, 51 percent of riders had DOT-approved...

What should be rated the highest in surveys.(FROM THE EDITOR)
January 22, 2007... It's the 21st century's version of the downtown coffee shop, minus the stained counters, grouchy waitresses and post-caffeine withdrawal. It's the Internet, a genuine cultural pulse of our nation and frequent first stop for the gabby among...

Why the powersports industry is not the car business.(DEALER ADVOCATE)
January 22, 2007... There is a lot more than just the number of wheels that set us apart. To be sure, we have gleaned a lot from the auto world. What sets auto dealers apart from most retailers is the priority assigned to the sales department. They know they...

UTI reports increase in revenue: but higher operating costs and lower capacity utilization lead to lower net income for Technical Institute.(Universal Technical Institute Inc.)
January 22, 2007... Universal Technical Institute, Inc. reported an increase in net revenue but a drop in net income after a year that included facility expansion but also a layoff of nearly 3 percent of its workforce. The provider of technical education...

Triumph: sales up, profit flat.(Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... The Triumph Group reported a substantial growth in new unit sales in 2006, but said its operating profit remained at about the same level as the previous year. The makers of Triumph motorcycles recently reported some of their year-end...

Cycle Country's ATV sales decrease 17 percent.(DIGEST)
January 22, 2007... Cycle Country Accessories Corp. believes recent warmer winters are thawing its ATV accessories sales. The Milford, Iowa-based manufacturer reported a 17-percent decrease in its 2006 ATV accessory sales in comparison to the previous year in...

Fairchild ends discussion about going private.(DIGEST)
January 22, 2007... Powersports apparel and accessories provider Fairchild Corp. said its discussions with a holdings company about going private have ended. Fairchild, which has separate powersports and aerospace segments, announced the termination of the...

BMW Canada reports record sales for 2006.(DIGEST)(Financial report)
January 22, 2007... BMW Motorrad Canada reported its best sales year in company history. The subsidiary of BMW AG said 1,200 BMW motorcycles were retailed in 2006, an increase of 4.3 percent over 2005 sales. Including auto sales, BMW Group Canada said its...

Deere's consumer division reports sales increase.(DIGEST)(Financial report)
January 22, 2007... Deere & Co. reported increased year-end sales for its commercial and consumer division, the segment that includes its Gator lineup. The Outdoor Power Institute ranks Deere's Gator lineup, which is retailed at 2,000 dealers, as the market...

ISC announces stock buyback plan.(International Speedway Corp.)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... International Speedway Corp.'s board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program, under which the company may purchase up to $50 million of its outstanding Class A common shares. "Our decision to repurchase shares is testament to...

Bell industries names new CFO.(DIGEST)
January 22, 2007... Bell Industries, Inc. has appointed Kevin Thimjon as chief financial officer, a move that became effective Jan. 8. He succeeds Mitchell Rosen, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Thimjon, 40, most recently was...

Market watch.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
January 22, 2007... MARKET WATCH Change 1/5/07 from 12/8 % Change Powersports Business Index [down arrow] 117.609 0.202 0.001% Dow Jones Index [up...

Stock market activity.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
January 22, 2007... STOCK MARKET ACTIVITY [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Source: A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.

Powersports Business winners and losers.(stock market)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... POWERSPORTS BUSINESS WINNERS AND LOSERS Stock Price Percent Company Ticker 1/5/07 Change Bell Industries BI $3.88 18.3% Primedia PRM $1.70 11.1% Honda Motor...

Foreign currency exchange.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
January 22, 2007... FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE Baseline 1//07 1 Month Ago 6 Months Ago Ticker Price Price % Change Price Australian Dollar ad.fx 1.28 1.28 -0.6% 1.34...

Powersports Business stocks.(Statistical table)
January 22, 2007... POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCKS POWERSPORTS BUSINESS INDEX COMPONENTS Stock Price Price Company Ticker 1/5/07 12/8/06 Arctic Cat, Inc. ...

Polaris to sell a majority of its interest in KTM: Polaris will keep about 5 percent of the KTM stock.(FINANCIAL)
January 22, 2007... In an expected move, Polaris Industries Inc. agreed to sell back the bulk of its KTM shares to Cross Industries AG, KTM's largest shareholder. In 2005, Polaris purchased nearly 25 percent of KTM's capital stock for about Euro 62.6 million....

Survey points to reduced market share for Polaris ATV.(FINANCIAL)
January 22, 2007... A dealer survey points to decreasing Polaris ATV sales across the nation, which could result in reduced market share for the Minnesota manufacturer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] All four regions of the United States were polled, with ATV...

Pre-Dealer Expo task just got simpler: new online system helps participants set up their schedule before the event.
January 22, 2007... In the powersports industry, the turning of the calendar year means it's time to get ready for show season, specifically the biggest event of the year--Dealer Expo. The 2007 version of the mega-aftermarket event, scheduled Feb. 17-19 in...

Dealer Expo schedule.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo)
January 22, 2007... Wednesday, Feb. 14 Exhibitor registration 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 Exhibitor registration 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 Attendee registration, Westin 8...

'Plan it out like a motorcycle trip': dealer shares how he and his staff prepare for the Dealer Expo.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo)
January 22, 2007... Hundreds of booths. Thousands of people. Hundreds of thousands of products. The annual Dealer Expo is many things, but it's most of all a lot to take in, especially without a plan. That's why some powersports dealers won't step into...

A new leader, a new agenda: ADP Lightspeed's new general manager outlines the company's developments and focus for the coming year.(Laurn Rice on change)(Interview)
January 22, 2007... When ADP Lightspeed announced a change in leadership for its powersports division late last year, the new leader turned out to be an in-house candidate and a close associate of the outgoing general manager. So it wouldn't be surprising for...

Headed for new territory: Traditionally known for its helmets, distributor Helmet House has bulked up its apparel business.
January 22, 2007... Helmet House's enlarged showcase at the upcoming Dealer Expo will mirror the change in the California-based distributor's business base. Historically known for being the distributor of Shoei and HJC helmets, Helmet House in the past year...

A renewed emphasis on new products.(Cycle Country Accessories Corp. at Dealer Expo)
January 22, 2007... Cycle Country Accessories Corp. provided a glimpse of some of its new products that it will be bringing to this year's Dealer Expo. What those new accessories are probably isn't as initially interesting as the sheer number of new products...

Top products & services.
January 22, 2007... For the seventh consecutive year, Powersports Business is selecting 50 items that we believe are can't-miss products and services at the annual Dealer Expo in Indianapolis. These Nifty Fifty products, we suspect, will be the most interesting...

New seminars added to annual V-Twin Expo.(PSB FOCUS: V-Twin Expo)
January 22, 2007... Additional seminars have been added to the upcoming V-Twin Expo, traditionally that industry segment's largest event of the year. The seventh annual event will be held at Cincinnati's Duke Energy Convention Center on Feb. 3-5. The showcase...

V-Twin Expo schedule.(PSB FOCUS: V-Twin Expo)
January 22, 2007... For a complete schedule, go online to www.vtwin-expo.com/general_info.htm [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Friday, Feb. 2 Events: Noon-8:30 p.m.: Badge holder pick-up at the Hyatt Cincinnati, Millennium Hotel Complex, and The Westin....

Big Dog remains focused on the U.S.(Big Dog Motorcycles L.L.C.)
January 22, 2007... With a custom cruiser market that is at best flat and probably down, it's hardly surprising to see some of the American V-twin OEMs looking north of the border or even overseas to boost sales. That has been the case with several of the...

Big step for Big Dog's testing: Kansas company invests in 10,000-square-foot, in-house testing facility.(Big Dog Motorcycles L.L.C.)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... Big Dog Motorcycles made a bigger commitment to testing in 2006 with the creation of an on-site facility. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 10,000-square-foot testing facility is part of the company's 10-building...

Big Bear Choppers targets new market.(PSB FOCUS: V-Twin Expo)
January 22, 2007... The vice president of Big Bear Choppers has seen first-hand the transformation of the female motorcyclist, from a mere companion seated at the back of the bike to the owner and operator of the motorcycle. "When I started riding...

Electric ATVs coming to North America.(ATV Report)
January 22, 2007... A California-based transportation company has signed an exclusive agreement with a Chinese manufacturer for the North American distribution rights to a new generation of electric ATVs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ZAP, which stands for zero...

Arctic Cat's diesel Cat coming to U.S. market.(Arctic Cat 700 Diesel Super Duty)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... After starting production of its twin-cylinder diesel-powered ATV last September, Arctic Cat is ready to bring their new 700 Diesel Super Duty ATV to U.S. dealers in March. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The quad, based off the TRV 4x4...

Bosski introduces Trailers for Trails program.(ATV Report)
January 22, 2007... Bosski Inc., the manufacturer of the ATV Wagon trailers, has launched the Trailers for Trails program to assist nonprofit associations and ATV clubs with expanding, maintaining and enhancing the safety of ATV trails. "The maintenance of...

ATV NOS kit recall announced.(ATV Report)
January 22, 2007... Nitrous Oxide Systems, of Bowling Green, Ky., is recalling NOS kit bottles for snowmobiles and ATVs manufactured between Feb. 1 and Sept. 26, 2006. An incorrect burst disc, a component of the NOS bottle valve, may have been installed in...

Polaris displays its on-road concept vehicle.(Polaris Industries Inc.'s all terrain vehicle)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... Polaris displayed its Revolver concept as part of the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit earlier this month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Polaris originally designed the quad as a new approach to on-road ATVing...

Off-road Route Designation Workshops slated for spring.(National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) is conducting a series of Motorized Route Designation Workshops this spring around the nation for off-road stakeholders. The purpose of the workshops are to assist the U.S....

Accessories Marketing becomes part of race series.(ATV Report)
January 22, 2007... Accessories Marketing, Inc., creator and manufacturer of Slime tire sealant products, has partnered with SCORE International Off-Road Racing to become the six-race series official tire sealant for the 2007 SCORE Desert Racing Series & Tecate...

Smaller name, bigger goals: Douglas Wheel shortens name and seeks to become a larger, more diversified powersports company.
January 22, 2007... You can't reinvent the wheel, but that's not stopping specialty wheel manufacturer Douglas Wheel from embarking on an ambitious campaign to rebrand the company, expand its wheel lines and explore diverse new product offerings. "The market...

California OHV funding in question: the state is having to rethink a major funding element in wake of a controversial study.
January 22, 2007... A major funding source for the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Program in California is suddenly in question. And surprisingly, that may not be a bad thing for state ATV riders. The state's Department of Parks and Recreation recently...

Kearney Yamaha.(POWER PROFILE)
January 22, 2007... CONTACT Kearney Yamaha 511 2nd Avenue South Kearney, Neb. 68847 308/236-7672 www.kearneyyamaha.com OWNERS Gene Freeze, Craig Stokebrand and Amy Stokebrand BUSINESS PROFILE Craig Stokebrand went to...

House of Power Cycles.(POWER PROFILE)
January 22, 2007... CONTACT House of Power Cycles 4515 Babcock St. NE Palm Bay, Fla. 32905 321/727-2727 www.houseofpowercycles.com OWNER Glenn Sandler BUSINESS PROFILE Glenn Sandler is a certified public accountant. While...

Kawasaki KFX50 and KFX90 youth ATVs recalled.(ATV)
January 22, 2007... In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Kawasaki issued a recall for its 2007 model year KFX50 and KFX90 ATVs. On some of the youth-oriented units, the handlebar holder, tie-rod adjustment and tie-rod end nuts may not...

Japanese OEMs cut production, exports in November.(original equipment manufacturer)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... The four largest Japanese motorcycle manufacturers cut production and exports in November compared to the previous year. But the percentage of their exports coming to the United States increased, according to the Japan Automobile...

Yamaha announces organizational changes.(DIGEST)
January 22, 2007... Yamaha Motor Co. announced in-house organization changes to its motorcycle headquarters, hoping the revamped system will lead to improved competitiveness in the industry. The company's previous organizational system classified in-house...

Ducati to race formula Xtreme in 2007.(Ducati North America, Pegram Racing)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... Ducati North America and Pegram Racing have formed a racing team for the 2007 AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. Pegram Racing Ducati will field AMA racer Larry Pegram, who will be on Ducati Corse-built 749R motorcycles....

An ambitious sales drive; CEO: Triumph America aims to nearly triple its sales in the next five years.(MOTORCYCLE)
January 22, 2007... Nobody can accuse the still relatively new Triumph Motorcycles (America) CEO of starting off with mild expectations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Or even moderately difficult ones. Mark Kennedy, six months into his new job with Triumph,...

Survey: strong sales in the West boost Harley's fourth quarter; Used bike prices, however, appear to be declining more than what's expected.(MOTORCYCLE)
January 22, 2007... Harley-Davidson new unit sales in the United States were up 4 to 6 percent in the fourth quarter, according to a dealer survey. Dealers also indicated they were not as comfortable with inventory levels this year as last, according to the...

A traffic jam worth welcoming: nearly at its halfway point for this season, IMS reports increased attendance.(MOTORCYCLE)
January 22, 2007... Almost halfway through its season, the International Motorcycle Shows (IMS) are reporting increased attendance with many of its historically well-attended shows still to come. Through its first six events, the 13-stop IMS has seen an...

Gas Gas changes its N. America distributor.(MOTORCYCLE)
January 22, 2007... The Gas Gas Group in Spain recently transferred its import and distribution business in the U.S. market to a new company. Gas Gas Motors of America, the main source of the Spanish brand's enduro and ATV imports for six years, is no longer...

Renting dreams to customers from the showroom floor: EagleRider has plans to further expand its franchise into more powersports dealerships.(MOTORCYCLE)
January 22, 2007... Owning a dealership that rents Harley-David-son motorcycles to Las Vegas tourists and residents is a long way from the copper, uranium and gold mines in New Mexico, Nevada and Canada. But former mining manager Chet Diercks, owner of the...

Ducati New York.(Interview)(Company overview)
January 22, 2007... CONTACT Ducati New York 155 Avenue of the Americas New York, N.Y. 10013 212/989-1414 www.ducatiny.com OWNER Michael Waldman BUSINESS PROFILE Ducati New York is about as urban a dealership as they come....

Ron Turner Cycles.(Ron Turner about his company)(Interview)(Company overview)
January 22, 2007... CONTACT Ron Turner Cycles 10315 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, Fla. 32246 904/641-0066 www.ronturnercycles.com OWNER Ron Turner [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BUSINESS PROFILE Jacksonville, Fla.'s Ron Turner...

Sea-Doo gives its BEST in incentives.(Sea-Doo Sport Boat)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... Sea-Doo is offering some boat show season incentives, including the B.E.S.T. deal: up to two free years of a BRP-extended service terms warranty. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Customers who purchase a new 2007 Sea-Doo watercraft by April 30...

Havasu PWC park on the horizon?(personal watercraft)
January 22, 2007... Lake Havasu's City Council has been presented with a proposal to designate a PWC Race and Safety Training Site. The site is intended to be enjoyed by all personal watercraft enthusiasts. The proposal calls for two permanent courses on the...

Hydrospace launches U.S. company Web site.(PWC Report)
January 22, 2007... Hydrospace Racing USA, the official importer for the Austrian-built Hydrospace watercraft, recently announced the launch of a comprehensive Web site designed to support the company's fast-growing market in the United States. The new Web...

A question of commitment: Yamaha, Michigan dealers at odds over what should be the appropriate level of commitment for PWC.(PWC)
January 22, 2007... Yamaha's watercraft group and at least six Michigan WaveRunner dealers find themselves in a battle over the right to sell Yamaha watercraft. The problem stems from the dealers' 2007 orders. To the dealers in question, the orders seem on...

Utah creates special group to encourage recreation business.(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... The Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development has formed a special "Economic Cluster" for the Outdoor Products & Recreation Cluster to encourage recreational business in the state. Other clusters in Utah include aerospace, high technology,...

Criteria announced for Bill Townsend scholarship.(Snowmobile Report)
January 22, 2007... Criteria has been announced for the Bill Townsend Memorial Access Scholarship, in memory of the former snowmobile racer, guide and grassroots leader. The $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student in the field of parks and recreation...

Two states draw up new trail maps.(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... At least two states have overhauled their trail maps for this season. Utah has reworked its nine area maps into a 17-map series. The new maps are smaller than the earlier additions and will be distributed for free. Last year, maps sold for $2....

Derby scheduled to go live on Internet.(Eagle River World Championship)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... The Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby was scheduled to be broadcast live on the Internet, a first for the event. The oval races, which were slated for Jan. 20-21, were scheduled to air on the track's Web site. There was a...

Snowmobile plans under fire in two areas.(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... Two Western snowmobile areas are again under scrutiny. The winter plan for the Flathead National Forest in Montana is being challenged by the Swan View Coalition and Winter Wildlands Alliance. The groups say the plan's provision that allows...

Breaking the snow-less funk: how do dealers boost their staff's morale, not to mention business, in a below average snowfall climate.(SNOWMOBILE)
January 22, 2007... Powersports retail consultant Jim Rasmus has several ideas of how to boost morale at a snowmobile dealership, but his favorite is this: hot dogs. He preaches the gospel of Hot Dog Sundays to dealerships in a funk--or who want to enthuse...

eBay's fee increase affects powersports.(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... Powersports buyers will be affected by eBay's fee increases for the new year. The online company announced its transaction service fee for motorcycles and other powersports vehicles is increasing to $40, a 33 percent increase over the...

KYMCO expands its partnership with ARI.(KYMCO USA)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... KYMCO USA has expanded its relationship with ARI by licensing WarrantySmart, ARI's Web-based warranty claims and product registration processing solution. ARI's WarrantySmart enables dealers to streamline product registration and warranty...

Custom Chrome adds Terminal Velocity.(DIGEST)
January 22, 2007... On the tails of its first Vendor Council, Custom Chrome has added aftermarket fuel management manufacturer Terry Components' Terminal Velocity to its lineup. Terminal Velocity is a closed loop system that allows retention of the original...

Arkona opens up new sales office.(DIGEST)
January 22, 2007... ARKONA Inc., a provider of business management solutions to automotive and powersports dealerships, has opened a new sales office, its ninth new office in the past two years. The new sales office will serve the states of Illinois, Indiana,...

Dunlop will be an official sponsor for ATV racing Tour.(DIGEST)
January 22, 2007... Dunlop Tire will be an official sponsor of the WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour during the 2007 season. As part of its 2007 program, Dunlop will be the featured sponsor for the "QuadTerrain Helmet Cam." "We're pleased to welcome a sponsor of...

Fuel tank manufacturer receives CARB certification.(DIGEST)
January 22, 2007... Centro, Inc., a custom rotational molder, has recently received certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its fuel tanks under the Innovative Product Category. Centro, headquartered in North Liberty, Iowa, is the only...

Supertrapp announces product line for Victory.(SuperTrapp Industries Inc.)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... SuperTrapp Industries has launched three products for Victory. All three new products use the power of the company's patented Tunable Disc Technology. By adding or removing discs, the sound level and powerband can be adjusted to meet an...

MC Advantages staff completes S & S Training Course.(DIGEST)(S & S; MC Advantages, Inc. )
January 22, 2007... MC Advantages recently completed the S & S Distributor Training Course. The S & S Distributor Training Course is designed to equip distributor reps with knowledge about S & S parts and engines and is part of S & S' ongoing efforts to...

Four-stroke kart racing engine will be sold in the U.S.(DIGEST)
January 22, 2007... La Chatre Motor Co. and Eagle Kart Engines introduced the first purpose built four-stroke kart racing engine in December at the Performance Racing Industry trade show in Orlando. Performance Racing Industry hosts its annual trade show in...

Nnscar teams to endorse motorcycles.(DIGEST)
January 22, 2007... Two powersports companies will launch a small-displacement motorcycle that will be endorsed by NASCAR teams. Tank Sports, a company that develops, engineers and markets Chinese-built product, and Moto Cycle Corp. will launch the Moto 50...

Communications company XeComm signs new client.(World of Powersports Inc. contracts)(Brief article)
January 22, 2007... XeComm, a Virginia-based company that seeks to enhance dealer-customer communication, has signed World of Powersports, Inc. to its Customer Won program. The program provides automated customer follow up and satisfaction surveys from all...

Pro-one develops new segment: the manufacturer purchased another company to spur its move into the sport bike arena.(AFTERMARKET)
January 22, 2007... An aftermarket company known for its Harley-Davidson and cruiser parts is expanding into the sport bike arena. Pro-One Performance Manufacturing, Inc., a Pomona, Calif.-based company, recently moved into the new arena with its acquisition...

How to avoid the 'silent syndrome' from shoppers: maintaining communication with special offers and promotions is key.
January 22, 2007... One of the companies involved in the Turning Technology Into Sales and Profits series is recommending ways for an Alabama dealership to avoid the "silent customer syndrome." That condition occurs "when the customer feels ignored by the...