Powersports Business articles from November 2005

Powersports Business archives from November 2005

2005 motorcycle, scooter sales soar.(HOTNEWS)
November 14, 2005... The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) says it expects motorcycle sales will go up for the 13th consecutive year in 2005, eclipsing the one million-unit mark for the third straight year. The MIC, which collects retail figures for 12 OEMs,...

AMA's Rasor elected vice president at FIM.(HOTNEWS)
November 14, 2005... American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) President Robert Rasor has been elected to the position of Vice President of the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the international governing body for motorcycle sport and touring. ...

NPA opens facility.(HOTNEWS)(National Powersport Auctions)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... National Powersport Auctions, one of the nation's leading auctions of powersports equipment, opened a new facility in Atlanta Oct. 21, 2005. NPA also operates monthly auctions in Dallas and San Diego. The 250,000 sq. ft. facility has 12...

KTM's Pierer named Polaris director.(HOTNEWS)
November 14, 2005... Stefan Pierer, managing director of and a principal shareholder in KTM Power Sports AG, joined the board of directors of Polaris Industries, Inc., effective Oct. 20. Pierer's appointment increases the size of Polaris' board of directors to...

Eaglerider forms alliance with Hilton Grand Vacations.(HOTNEWS)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... EagleRider has affiliated with Hilton Grand Vacations Company (HGVC), the timeshare division of Hilton Hotels Corporation, to allow more than 90,000 members of Hilton Grand Vacations Club and The Hilton Club to rent with EagleRider via their...

Polaris to open training facility in Georgia.(HOTNEWS)
November 14, 2005... Polaris Industries announced plans to establish a dealer training center at Dekalb Technical College in Clarkston, Ga., near Atlanta. The facility, which will continue to house the college's Motorcycle Service Technology certification program,...

Simpson named chairman of Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.(HOTNEWS)
November 14, 2005... The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, Pickerington, Ohio, has announced that Stan Simpson of Cibolo, Texas, has been named chairman of the museum's board of directors. Simpson, who also serves on the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)...

Ducati offers free service on selected models.(HOTNEWS)
November 14, 2005... Consumers can now purchase a new 2004 and 2005 Ducati model Monster S4R, Multistrada 1000 or 999 motorcycle and receive free service for up to two years. Ducati North America, Cupertino, Calif., says the new "Dolce Vita" free service...

Markel insurance teams with BMW owners.(HOTNEWS)
November 14, 2005... Markel American Insurance Company, Pewaukee, Wisc., has teamed up with BMW Motorcycle Owners of America to create The BMW MOA Endorsed Insurance Program, providing the nearly 40,000 BMW MOA members liability protection and physical damage...

Kawasaki's Plessner honored by WIMA.(HOTNEWS)
November 14, 2005... The Women's International Motorcycle Association U.S.A., (WIMA) has honored Jan Plessner, public relations manager at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. with the "2005 Image Award." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The WIMA U.S.A. Image Award is...

Eicma motorcycle show scheduled for Nov. 15-20.(HOTNEWS)
November 14, 2005... The International Motorbike Exhibition will be held in Milan, Italy, Nov. 15-20. One of the largest motorcycle shows in the world, the event will be held in the new Milan Fair Centre opened this year. This will be the 63rd time the show has...

Moving to Mexico: BRP to shift all ATV production from Canada.
November 14, 2005... Bombardier Recreational Products plans to shift production of all ATVs from its home town of Valcourt, Quebec, to Juarez, Mexico, beginning at the end of 2007. The move, forced by shrinking profit margins, is expected to be completed in 2008,...

The Tomberlin Group takes aim at small machine segment.(Company Profile)
November 14, 2005... AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Mike Tomberlin strolls easily through the small non-descript building here that houses his dealership and that serves as the headquarters for his rapidly expanding international manufacturing and consulting business. He...

2005 U.S. PWC sales climb 10%: dealer inventories at lowest in more than a decade.(Trendline)(Personal Water Craft)
November 14, 2005... EDITOR'S NOTE: During October, Power Products Marketing of Minneapolis conducted a season-ending survey on behalf of Power-sports Business on the U.S. PWC market. The survey included 150 PWC dealers augmented with in-depth discussions with...

Going ... going ... gone! Although those three words perfectly describe Eastern PowerSports Auction, the company is definitely here to stay, having capitalized on the success of its parent company, Southern Auto Auction.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
November 14, 2005... Not yet two years old, Eastern PowerSports, an affiliate of Southern Auto Auction in East Windsor, Conn., certainly has borrowed from the tremendous success and strategies of its parent company, in business since 1947, to become a major player...

A strong foundation: Southern Auto Auction, the parent company of Eastern PowerSports Auction, began business in East Windsor, Conn., in 1947. Today, it is the largest, independently owned auction in the United States.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
November 14, 2005... Larry Tribble, president and owner of Southern Auto Auction, likes to tell the story about the unique company name, especially since its home base has always been East Windsor, Conn. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "My dad was from Alpharetta,...

Financial partners.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
November 14, 2005... Lynn Norris of General Electric Consumer Finance has traveled the country and certainly knows whereof he speaks, especially when it comes to powersports auction houses. Norris, based in St. Paul, Minn., and in charge of repossession sales...

Dedicated dealers: over the past 18-plus months, powersports dealers throughout the Northeast have found a friend and new business partner in Eastern PowerSports Auction in East Windsor, Conn. Eastern has become a convenient outlet for these dealers and a very profitable one as well.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
November 14, 2005... Although Eastern began with only nine units at its April 2004 debut, the number has grown to more than 250 in subsequent months. Most of the units up for auction are either dealer trade-ins or repossessed vehicles consigned to Eastern by...

Portable auction block.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
November 14, 2005... While SAA, in its weekly auto auction, conducts 18 simultaneous auctions in 18 side-by-side drive-through lanes, Eastern PowerSports had to come up with a different method to conduct its sale indoors. So a movable, self-contained auction block,...

Lemco makes changes following purchase.(From The Editor)(Editorial)
November 14, 2005... When the shareholders of Lemco Management Group sold out earlier this year to the nation's largest dealer organization run by Mark Tkach, there were concerns and questions about what might happen next. Lemco is one of the oldest and largest...

H-D earnings climb 16%.(DIGEST)
November 14, 2005... Harley-Davidson Inc. net income for the third quarter ended Sept. 25, 2005, was $265 million, or 96 cents a share, up from $229 million, or 77 cents a share, for the third quarter 2004. Net sales were $1.43 billion, up 10% from $1.3 billion...

Polaris 3Q sales up 6%.(FINANCIAL)(Polaris Industries Inc.)
November 14, 2005... Polaris Industries Inc., Medina, Minn., says net income for its third quarter, ended Sept. 30, 2005, was $51.1 million, or $1.17 per share, up from net income of $44.6 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, for the third quarter 2004. Sales...

Cat's 2Q profits flat.(FINANCIAL)
November 14, 2005... Arctic Cat Inc., Thief River Falls, Minn., reported net sales of $276.3 million for the fiscal 2006 second quarter ended Sept. 30, 2005, up 15% compared to sales of $240.7 million during the same period last year. Net earnings for the quarter...

U.S. scooter sales soar.(FOCUS)
November 14, 2005... The scooter market in the United States continues to grow, up from 15,393 units retailed in 1999 to 48,445 units sold in 2004, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). The organization says 47,542 units were sold during the first...

Yamaha offers diversified scooter lineup.(FOCUS: SCOOTERS)(Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A.)(Interview)
November 14, 2005... EDITOR'S NOTE: Guido Ebert, managing editor of Powersports Business, discussed trends in the United States scooter market with Bob Starr, manager of corporate communications at Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. POWERSPORTS BUSINESS: How...

Honda optimistic about scooter growth.(FOCUS: SCOOTERS)
November 14, 2005... EDITOR'S NOTE: Guido Ebert, managing editor of Powersports Business, talked with Jon Seidel, spokesperson for American Honda Motor Company, Inc. Motorcycle Division, about the company's views on the United States scooter market and Honda's...

Suzuki studying scooter category.(FOCUS: SCOOTERS)
November 14, 2005... EDITOR'S NOTE: Guido Ebert, managing editor of Powersports Business, discussed the United States scooter market with Glenn Hansen, advertising and public relations manager of American Suzuki Motor Corp., and learned of ASMC's planned approach...

Government taking notice of imports.(FOCUS: SCOOTERS)
November 14, 2005... It's no secret that the United States scooter market is being inundated by low-priced product imported from China and other nations on the Asian mainland. Unfortunately for many retailers and consumers, some of these imported vehicles do not...

Piaggio begins production in China.(FOCUS: SCOOTERS)(Piaggio Foshan Motorcycle Company)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... The Piaggio Foshan Motorcycle Company, a joint venture between Italy's Piaggio and China's Zongshen Foshan, recently started production of the 50cc four-stroke Shuni scooter, a unit developed in a mere 10 months. Piaggio officials say the Shuni...

CMSI.(Import scooter showcase)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
November 14, 2005... Founded in 1993 in Preston, Wash., CMSI, Inc. offers the Twist N Go (TN'G) brand, the re-introduced Lambretta brand, and PM Tuning products. In August, the company started work in its new assembly plant in Rutherfordton, N.C., and began...

Cobra Powersports.(Import scooter showcase)
November 14, 2005... Founded as Cobra Scooter, LLC in 2002, Cobra Powersports is a distributor of TGB and Peirspeed scooters as well as SGMW mini vehicles. Cobra Powersports' TGB product includes the 49.5 cc TGB Adventure 101S (MSRP: $1,599); 49cc two-stroke or...

LS Motorsports, LLC.(Import scooter showcase)
November 14, 2005... Also based in Sugarland, Texas, LS Motorsports offers four models of Diamo brand scooter the 2006 Diamo Fury 150cc ($2,495). Velux 150cc Convertible Top ($3,995), Tracer 150cc ($2,395) and Diamo Retro 150cc ($2,195). LS Motorsports, LLC,...

United Motors of America.(Import scooter showcase)
November 14, 2005... United offers the 150cc air-cooled four-stroke MATRIX 150 ($1,999); the Powermax 150 GPI ($1,699); and the X-PEED 50 ($1,599), a 49 cc air-cooled unit. United Motors of America, Inc. began operations in 1999. Based at a 36,000 sq. ft. facility...

Vento.(Import scooter showcase)
November 14, 2005... Ventos new models for 2006 include the GT5 series, the Zip ($1,599). Triton ($1,799), Phantom ($2,399) and Phantera ($2,699). The Zip and Triton feature a 49cc single-cylinder air-cooled two-stroke, Phantom and Phantera have a 150cc...

Daelim.(Import scooter showcase)
November 14, 2005... Daelim products are manufactured in Korea and have a two-year warranty. The company offers a 50cc two-stroke, a two-stroke 100cc unit, three four-stroke 125cc models, and a four-stroke 250cc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Daelim Motor USA,...

Tank Sports.(Import scooter showcase)
November 14, 2005... Tank Sports carries more than 25 models of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, dirt bikes, and go-kart. Tanks says its product is street-legal, EPA and CARB approved. Tank's newest model is the 2006 Sporty 150 DE. Tank Sport, Inc., 626/350-4039;...

Genuine Motor Scooter.(Import scooter showcase)
November 14, 2005... Based in Chicago, Genuine Motor Scooter offers the 149cc two-stroke air-cooled Stella ($2,899). Imported from LML in India--a former manufacturer of Vespa product--the Stella is outfitted with a Grimeca disc brake, Bitubo gas shocks and...

K & N.(Product Showcase)
November 14, 2005... K & N offers oil and air filters for a variety of scooters. The KN-147 oil filter will fit the forthcoming Kymco Xciting 500; the KN-132 oil filter fits the Yamaha Majesty and Suzuki Burgman 400; the KN-204 oil filter is designed for Honda's...

Dowco.(Product Showcase)
November 14, 2005... Made of tough, lightweight, urethane coated polyester with exclusive ClimaShield fabric protection, the Dowco Guardian Scooter covers also feature aluminized panels for covering hot pipes, grommets for added security and a shock cord hem....

MRP, Inc.(Product Showcase)
November 14, 2005... Martin Racing Performance offers racing kits for a number of scooter brands, including units from United Motors, Vento, TN'G, Dazon, Kymco, Yamaha, Malaguti and Aprilia. Although each MRP Power Pack is different, depending on application, most...

Pirelli.(Product Showcase)
November 14, 2005... The Pirelli SL 36 is a sport tire designed for scooter wheels sized 10 inches up to 13 inches. With a tread pattern derived from Pirelli's Dragon Corsa, the SL36's compound offers high grip level in wet and dry. Available in front sizes...

Leo Vince.(Product Showcase)
November 14, 2005... Leo Vince offers exhaust pipes for 24 different brands of scooter. The company's eight types of scooter exhaust include the performance-minded Hand Made "70", Hand Made "RR", Hand Made "ZX", Hand Made "TT" and Hand Made "V6"; as well as the...

Scooterworks.(Product Showcase)
November 14, 2005... Need parts and accessories for a vintage Vespa or new Stella? Chicago-based Scooterworks claims to offer the largest vintage Vespa parts stock in North America. The company carries wheels and suspension components, fuel and exhaust parts,...

Yamaha recalls 70,000 units.(ATV Digest)
November 14, 2005... Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., Cypress, Calif., has recalled approximately 70,000 Yamaha Bruin 250, Bruin 350 4WD and 2WD, Big Bear 400, Kodiak 400, Kodiak 450, and Wolverine 450 ATVs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yamaha says the...

Suzuki recalls 2005 King Quad.(ATV Digest)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... Suzuki is recalling its 2005 King Quad ATVs. According to Suzuki, during assembly a tie rod adjustment procedure might have caused damage to the tie rod end housing. With that, the seal on the housing could be damaged allowing water and other...

Infringement lawsuit.(ATV Digest)
November 14, 2005... Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., has sued the Chinese powersports manufacturer Yamoto Motor Corporation and its importer/distributor Patriot Motorcycles Corporation, claiming trademark infringement, trademark dilution, false designation of...

BRP launches Outlander 650.(ATV)
November 14, 2005... Filling a gap in its ATV lineup. Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) has unveiled its latest incarnation--the Outlander 650. BRP pulled the wraps off of its newest quad in mid-September at a press introduction in Whistler. B.C: With its...

Environmentalists rap Forest Service plan.(ATV)
November 14, 2005... The long-awaited plan by the U.S. Forest Service to move ATVs onto designated forest trails in order to minimize environmental damage and conflicts with other users has drawn fire from environmentalists. While the impact is expected to be...

Ultimate Toys Motorsports.(Ultimate Toys Motorsports)(Company Profile)
November 14, 2005... CONTACT Ultimate Toys Motorsports 10612 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37922 (865) 577-6367 www.ultimate-toyz.com OWNERS Corporate Partnership, Terry Lewis and Bill Lindsey BUSINESS PROFILE Current owners...

ATV Safety Institute to provide North Carolina training and briefing sessions.(ATV)
November 14, 2005... The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute, based in Irvine, Calif.; plans to provide several training and briefing sessions in North Carolina, following the signing of a landmark ATV safety bill by North Carolina Gov. Michael F. Easley on Aug....

Stuhlsatz promoted at Big Dog.(Cycle Update)
November 14, 2005... Big Dog Motorcycles, the second largest American V-Twin motorcycle manufacturer, has redefined Doug Stuhlsatz's role within the company and given him a new title, as well. Joining Big Dog Motorcycles in April 2004 as general counsel, Stuhlsatz...

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum remembers Pearl Hoel.(Cycle Update)
November 14, 2005... On Nov. 10, Pearl Hoel, the First Lady of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, would have celebrated her 100th birthday. In honor of one of motorcyclings most beloved personalities, and in recognition of her support, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum &...

Court denies injunction against Jeremy McGrath property use.(Cycle Update)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... Since October 2004, Riverside County, Calif., has been embroiled with property owners, including Jeremy McGrath, over operation of OHVs on private property. McGrath has joined with the American Motorcyclist Association and the Off-Road...

The "Metric Revolution".(Cycle Update)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... The "Metric Revolution" a new television series is planning a launch in 2006, is launching the first ever all metric motorcycle build-off at Bike-toberfest 2005. The first episode of the 13-week series will feature the top 25 custom motorcycle...

KTM ramps up on-road unit production.(MOTORCYCLE)
November 14, 2005... MATTIGHOFEN, Austria -- Stefan Pierer purchased KTM out of bankruptcy in December 1991 for just under $4 million. In August, the company finished the 2005 fiscal business year with sales of 80,356 units and revenues of $531.4 million. The...

Cycle production declines in Japan.(MOTORCYCLE)
November 14, 2005... Powersports manufacturers produced more motorcycles in Japan in 1994 than they did in 2004, according to statistics recently released by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). Since motorcycle sales have increased in the past...

ATV sales drop off 16.9% in September.(Retail Sales Report)
November 14, 2005... ATV sales dropped sharply in September, according to figures compiled by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). ATV sales were off 16.9% in September, compared to the same month in 2004. For the nine months of 2005, ATV sales were off 4% from...

Moto Guzzi reveals 2006 line.(MOTORCYCLE)
November 14, 2005... Piaggio officials have say they plan to hold a meeting for Aprilia/Moto Guzzi dealers in November. Still, the company formally introduced its 2006 line-up of Moto Guzzi for North America in late October. The first batch of bikes includes the...

Munroe Motors.(Power Profile)(Munroe Motors)(Company Profile)
November 14, 2005... CONTACT Munroe Motors 412 Valencia St San Francisco, CA 94103 415/626-3496 www.munroemotors.com OWNERS Nick Hayman and Matthew Prentiss, Principals BUSINESS PROFILE Munroe Motors started in 1958, taking...

Liberty Harley-Davidson.(Power Profile)
November 14, 2005... CONTACT Liberty Harley-Davidson 32 East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue Akron, OH 44310 (330) 535-9900 www.libertyhd.com OWNERS Ohio Corporation owned by Ernie and Rosemary Passeos BUSINESS PROFILE Liberty was...

Sea-Doo exposed.(Making Waves)
November 14, 2005... The Sea-Doo brand will be getting a generous amount of exposure this holiday season thanks to 20th Century Fox. The studios sequel to Cheaper by The Dozen, appropriately called Cheaper by the Dozen II, is set at a summer vacation resort, and...

Honda Marine receives NMMA CSI Award.(Making Waves)
November 14, 2005... Honda Marine has received the four-stroke outboard engine Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Award for 2005 from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Presented Oct. 21 at the International Boat Builders Exhibition (IBEX), the...

World finals results.(Making Waves)
November 14, 2005... There was dramatic action at the 2005 World Finals--on and off the course. On the water, Yamaha-rider Nicolas Rius captured the prestigious Pro Runabout 1200 class. Kawasaki boats dominated Pro Ski, with Dustin Motzouris taking the overall win....

New products don't measure OEM commitment to PWCs.(PWC)
November 14, 2005... Editor's note: Part 1 of the series appeared in the Oct. 17 issue of Powersports Business. In this issue we find all-new products are not the lone proof of a manufacturer's commitment to a market. The powersports market takes notice when...

PWC return to Superior's Pictured Rocks Lakeshore.(PWC)
November 14, 2005... A nearly three-year decision-making process ended Oct. 27 when a final ruling accepted PWC use at Lake Superior's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. The ruling was published in the Federal Register, and is effective immediately. ...

ORBA adds winter activities staffer.(Snowmobile Report)(Off-Road Business Association )(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) has added a winter industries coordinator to help build a coalition between businesses that deal with products for motorized recreation in the snow and those that deal with products for the dirt. ...

Snowmobile scratch-off.(Snowmobile Report)
November 14, 2005... The Wisconsin Lottery has a new scratch-off game that highlights snowmobiles and the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby. The "Cool Winnings" tickets will feature an artist's drawing of a snowmobile, and a logo promoting the derby...

Yellowstone sled limits upheld.(Snowmobile Report)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer upheld National Park Service rules Oct. 14 to limit guided snowmobile trips into Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. The limits had been challenged by the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association...

Ryan to lead Thule Trailers.(Snowmobile Report)
November 14, 2005... Tim Ryan has been named president of Thule Trailers Inc. He comes to Thule from Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas Inc., where he most recently held the position of president of the Swedish company's U.S. division. Ryan will work out of his...

Black Magic purchased: uncertainties lie ahead for new owners.(SNOWMOBILE)
November 14, 2005... Two days after signing paperwork to purchase the assets of Black Magic Motorsports, an Arctic Cat-associated performance shop in Thief River Falls, Minn., Arne Rantenen Jr. hauled the newly acquired corporate display to a consumer show in...

Woody's Outdoor Power.(Power Profile)(Woody's Outdoor Power)(Company Profile)
November 14, 2005... CONTACT Woody's Outdoor Power 316 North 21st Ave Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 459-0662 www.woodysoutdoorpower.com OWNERS David Wood BUSINESS PROFILE Woody's started as a small engine repair shop but changed...

DOWCO plans expansion in Missouri.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... DOWCO Inc., Mantiowac, Wis., plans to expand its two-year-old operations in Lebanon, Mo. DOWCO is a manufacturer of products and accessories for the powersports and marine industries. Products include motorcycle and boat covers as well as...

Suzuki awards World of Powersports.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)
November 14, 2005... Decatur, Ill.-based World of Powersports, Inc. has been named the 2005 Top Parts Dealer by Suzuki Motor Corp., USA, Brea, Calif. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A retailer of Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, Triumph and...

BMW, KTM plan protective device.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)
November 14, 2005... KTM and BMW are developing a device to reduce the risk of injury to the neck, the cervical spine, the spinal cord and the collarbone resulting from a motorcycle crash. The device, developed by Dr. Chris Leatt, a consulting physician for South...

FOX Shox opens center in Canada.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... FOX Racing Shox has signed Factory Connection Canada (FCC) to serve as the exclusive FOX authorized global service center for powerSports products in Canada. FCC is trained as a full line FOX Powersports Service Center and will service all...

Gary Gibbs joins Annitori.(appointments)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... Gary Gibbs, former product director of Moose Racing/Parts Unlimited, has joined Illinois-based Annitori Distributing as senior marketing director. Annitori is the exclusive North American distributor of Micron Exhausts, CRD Off Road...

Jornlin starts Sandance Sports, Inc.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)(Sandance Sports Inc)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... Frank Jornlin, long-time North American manager of Reima branded apparel, has left SCOTT USA to restart his own company. Sandance Sports Inc. After 10 years with the Gore-Tex fabrics division, Jornlin partnered with Reima sportswear of...

Saunders joins Simpson Performance.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)
November 14, 2005... John H. Saunders, Jr. has joined Texas-based Simpson Performance Products as vice president of business development. Based at Simpson's Mooresville, N.C., office, his primary focus will be generating new business opportunities for the Simpson...

Wells Cargo links with GE Finance.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... GE Consumer Finance has signed a multi-year contract with cargo trailer manufacturer Wells Cargo to provide a new customer financing program. The program will provide consumer installment lending and a range of other consumer payment programs...

Bosch, Brembo enter JV in India.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)
November 14, 2005... Kalyani Brakes Limited, an Indian firm 80% owned by Germany-based Robert Bosch GmbH, has entered into a joint venture with Italy's Brembo SpA to manufacture motorcycle brakes in India. The 50/50 joint venture company, KBX Motorbike Products...

The fourth P in Profit: performance.(Dealer Checkup)(Letter to the Editor)
November 14, 2005... Over the past couple months, I've laid on you what I see as being the key building-blocks of dealership profitability. I call them "The 4 Ps in Profit." Here's what we've covered so far: * Number One: Your Purpose. Your company's Purpose...

PIAA 600 HID kit.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 14, 2005... Specifications -- High-intensity discharge (HID) sport/touring lamp kit for the popular BMW RI200GS motorcycle. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Benefits -- At about 5 inches in dia., it utilizes PIAA 35W HID bulbs, which have the equivalent...

Alpinestars stage leather jacket.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 14, 2005... Specifications -- Available in three color combinations in men's sizes 46 to 60 (all colors) and 46 to 64 in black only. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Benefits -- Full-grain leather, removable CE-certified elbow and shoulder protectors and...

Silent Sport Premium muffler packing.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 14, 2005... Specifications -- New to the U.S., this top-quality, German-made, loose-fill muffler packing is used by exhaust manufacturers, OEMs, and race teams world-wide. For use in two-stroke and four-stroke offroad & street motorcycle applications....