Powersports Business articles from October 2004

Powersports Business archives from October 2004

Italian unit sales increase.(motorcycle industry)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Italy's 2004 motorcycle, scooter and moped sales in September rose 24.7%, or 28,400 units, over the same month last year, the Italian motorcycle accessories association ANCMA said. Scooter sales in September 2004 exceeded by 3,600 units the...

UTI drops credit facility.(Universal Technical Institute Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Universal Technical Institute, Inc., a provider of motorcycle and auto technical training, terminated its $30 million credit facility with Heller Financial, Inc., effective Sept. 30, 2004. UTI said it hopes to secure a lower-cost credit...

Kawasaki adds manager.(Kawasaki Motors Corporation U.S.A.)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., Irvine, Calif., has named Bruce Gill, Jr., a 16-year veteran of the auto industry, to the top sales position in the western states. As regional sales manager, Gill will oversee a team of district managers who are...

BMW Motorrad sales slip.(HOT NEWS)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Dr. Herbert Diess, president of BMW Motorrad, says BMW Motorrad's year-to-date sales through August in Germany were down 6% versus the same period last year. Worldwide retail deliveries year-to-date through August were down 4.1% versus the...

Kawasaki picks ad agency.(Kawasaki Motors Corporation U.S.A.)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC), Irvine, Calif., has named O'Leary and Partners to succeed FCB Worldwide as its advertising agency. The new arrangement, effective immediately, will cover all products marketed by the company, including...

ATVS strong in Germany.(German Motorcycle Industry Association )(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... The German Motorcycle Industry Association says ATV sales in the first half of 2004 reached 14,800 units compared to the 16,135 units registered during full-year 2003. The group says sales for market leader Standard Motor eclipse those of Kymco...

Honda renews pact.(HOT NEWS)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Honda Motorcycles and the Retail Sales Finance unit of GE Consumer Finance have signed a multi-year renewal agreement under which GE will provide promotional and other retail financing to Honda customers in the United States. The services will...

Boating report released.(2002 National Recreational Boating Survey Report)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... The recently completed 2002 National Recreational Boating Survey Report, compilded by the Strategic Research Group for the United States Coast Guard, offers some insight into personal watercraft usage, as well as boating usage overall. ...

Storms batter businesses.(Florida)
October 18, 2004... The four hurricanes that churned through Florida recently caused billions of dollars in damage, but many powersports businesses avoided the crippling, long-term blows suffered by other operations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] While several...

Crowds jam INTERMOT motorcycle show.(International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair)
October 18, 2004... EDITOR'S NOTE: Powersports Business Associate Editor Guido Ebert traveled to Munich, Germany, last month to walk the world's largest motorcycle show--the fourth annual International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair (INTERMOT). The first part of his...

OEMs dominate INTERMOT showfloor.(International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair)
October 18, 2004... MUNICH -- Dozens of powersports vehicle manufacturers attended INTERMOT to showcase their product. OEMs held press conferences during the two days leading up to the event, then allowed attendees to get up close and personal with the product...

Changes involve Kay, Global, Corbin.(Bob Kay, Global Motorsport Group, Mike Corbin)(Editorial)
October 18, 2004... It seems as though changes in powersports are coming more frequently. For instance, Bob Kay left his spot as vice president of sales and marketing at American IronHorse (AIH), the Fort Worth, Texas, bike maker on Sept. 17. Wil Garland, the...

Edelbrock has gains.(automotive parts industry)
October 18, 2004... Edelbrock Corp., Torrance, Calif., reported revenues for its fourth quarter ended June 30, 2004, of $38,030,000, up from $32,678,000 for the same period of fiscal 2003. Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 was $1,320,000, or 24...

Japan's motorcycle production down.(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Japan's motorcycle production during August 2004 was 112,401 units, down 9,007 units or 7.4% compared with the 121,408 units produced during August 2003, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). August motorcycle unit...

Cycle Country continues growth.(Cycle Country Accessories Corp. )(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Cycle Country Accessories Corp. (ATC), the Milford, Iowa-based manufacturer of ATV accessories and other diversified industry products, reported revenues for the first 11 months of fiscal 2004 of $18,949,910, up 53% compared to the same period...

Ducati opens factory store.(DIGEST)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Italian motorcycle maker Ducati Motor Holdings S.p.A. opened a factory store in Bologna, northern Italy, on Sept. 23, 2004. The shop is close to the company's headquarters. At the store, Ducati fans will be able to buy both used and new...

UTI to add training campus.(Universal Technical Institute Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Universal Technical Institute, Inc., a provider of training for powersports and automotive technicians, said it has reached an agreement to purchase a property in the Boston suburb of Norwood, Mass., at which it intends to house a new...

Harley maintains buy rating.(securities)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Tim Conder, analyst with A.G. Edwards, said he's maintaining his BUY position on Harley-Davidson stock in a report released Sept. 29. Conder said recent interest rate hikes wouldn't have much impact on Harley sales or its common stock....

Age-appropriate options to full-size powersports vehicles.(FOCUS: Kid Quads and Karts)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... The headlines appear every day--"Teen Killed, Friend Hurt in ATV Crash," "14-year-old Life Flighted After ATV Accident," "Child Killed in ATV Accident." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Despite warnings from manufacturers and dealers, and...

Eton prepares for 2005.(Eton America L.L.C. )
October 18, 2004... Based in Spartanburg, S.C., Eton America, LLC spent the past year adding 20,000 sq. ft. of additional warehouse space to its facility, arranged an agreement to offer a private label financing program, and most recently added four new small...

Sparta also deals with CMSI.(Sparta Commercial Services)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Sparta Commercial Services (SRTA), the financial services group dealing with Eton, also signed a private label financing deal with CMSI, the importer of TNG, Flying Tiger and Lambretta brands. The CMSI financing program, announced Sept. 24,...

KYMCO introduces financing, too.(Mini Quad and Kart News)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... STR, Inc. -- Motorsports Division (dba KYMCO USA) is a third vehicle supplier signed on to offer private label financing options through Sparta Commercial Services. Based in Inman, S.C., KYMCO USA's KYMCO Credit Services program, will...

Anastasia resigns from TWS USA.(Rod Anastasia)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Rod Anastasia resigned as vice president of TWS USA, Inc., master importer of European LEM Motor mini cycles and mini quads, on July 1. "Several opportunities, both personally and professionally, have come my way that I have no choice but...

ORVUSA offers accessories.(Mini Quad and Kart News)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Based in Cerritos, Calif., ORVUSA distributes the Boss brand off-road suspension kart. Alex Chen of ORVUSA says the company has a line of accessories to equip to units, including gear for camping, hunting, fishing, canoe/kayaking and rock...

Off-road on electricity.(Kearns Power Sports)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Child too young for a gas-powered quad? Interested in a niche product? Looking for a job? The Thunderbolt is an electric youth ATV available through Kearns Power Sports of West Bend, Wisc., a company also searching for dealer and manufacturer's...

Kolpin offers youth quads.(Kolpin Outdoors Inc.)
October 18, 2004... For readers who may have missed the news, Officials at Wisconsin-based Kolpin Outdoors, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of powersports and outdoor accessories, launched a new business unit to sell two small displacement Kolpin branded quads...

Kart Expo International, Feb. 26-27.(FOCUS: Kid Quads and Karts)
October 18, 2004... A decades-old pastime, competition karting continues to grow dramatically throughout the nation. Businesses taking part in karting, or those interested in the market, may want to think about attending one or both of the two major kart shows...

WKA plans two shows.(World Karting Association, KartFest)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... The World Karting Association (WKA) has planned two kart shows for 2005. The WKA is a membership-owned, nonprofit corporation formed in 1971 to regulate and promote the sport of competitive kart racing. It establishes rules and procedures...

QuadSport 50 & 80.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... The QuadSport LT80 (MSRP $2,299), new for '04, features a two-stroke, forced-air-cooled single-cylinder engine, a fully automatic transmission that requires no clutching or shifting, single A-arm front and single-shock rear suspension, 19-inch...

Small predator, small sportsman.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Polaris offers the Predator 50 and 90 and Sportsman 90 for 2005. New features on these quads include forward/neutral/reverse on the 90cc machines; a parental tether on the 50cc machine; a more comfortable seat; a standard whip flag; speed...

TRX 90.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... The 2004 Sportrax 90 is the 2005 TRX90. Running on Honda's 86cc SOHC four-stroke engine, this quad features an automatic clutch with four-speed transmission, O-ring chain drive system, independent front and Single-shock rear suspension, front...

Yamaha 50S & 80S.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Yamaha dealers offer three small displacement "youth quads"--the Raptor 50, Raptor 80 and Grizzly 80. Based on the same platform as the best-selling Raptor 80 model, the Grizzly 80 (shown) features a 79cc four-stroke engine, shaft drive and...

Arctic cat youth quads.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Arctic expanded its small displacement ATV line-up for 2004 with the addition of a new four-stroke 90cc quad (MSRP $2,299). The new four-stroke joins a new oil-injected 50cc two-stroke ($1,799) and the returning two-stroke 90 ($2,099). All...

Kolpin Powersports, Inc.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Kolpin Powersports, Inc. is a newly created company that will be handling new Kolpin youth quads as well as branded ATV Accessories. Built overseas, the Kolpin 50cc (MSRP $1,599) and 90cc models (MSRP $1,799) are powered by two-stroke engines...

KYMCO quads.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... KYMCO Motorsports USA is expanding its line of ATVs, scooters and motorcycles, and now offers a selection of small to mid-sized quads for the U.S. market. Made in Taiwan, Kymco products are imported through KYMCO Motorsports USA in Inman, S.C....

AlphaSports ATVs.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Georgia-based AlphaSports has padded its quad offerings with five new models. Models joining the Kolt 90, Daisy 90 and Summit 180 include the new Mini Cobra 50, Cobra 90, Overland 180, Winchester 180 and Cobra 180. The new 89cc two-stroke Cobra...

Blaney FX.(Blaney Motor Company)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Blaney, Europe's largest quad bike manufacturer, has entered the U.S. with its 70cc-100cc FX range of ATVs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BLANEY MOTOR COMPANY, 011 44 2825 872 805

TGB Hornet.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... The Hornet series of ATV by Taiwan's TGB is imported and distributed by Texas-based Cobra Powersports. The two-stroke Hornet 50 (MSRP $1,999) and Hornet 90 ($2,299) feature automatic transmissions, electric/kickstart, chrome wheels and chrome...

MZ ATVs.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... MZ's two small displacement quads feature a six-month warranty. With an MSRP of $2,095, the MZ ATV100 features a 100cc two-stroke engine, electric/kick start, a double wishbone front and single damper rear suspension, 16X8-7 front/18X9.5-8 rear...

Eton Viper series.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Eton introduced four new models of ATV for 2005, the Viper Jr. 40E, Viper 70, Viper 90Reverse and the Viper 150. The smaller ATVs have features including remote start and remote kill. The larger units, like the Yukon 150, have a tow hitch and...

Majia Motor Corporation.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Majia Motor Corporation is an importer and distributor, specializing in the sales of scooters, ATVs, dirt bikes and go-karts as well as a range of parts and accessories. The Majia team consists of mechanics, customer service personnel and a...

Cycle Imports MetraKit.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Cycle Imports now offers swingarm and engine kits for most 50cc and 90cc quads sold in the U.S. Created by MetraKit, the conversion kits are easy to bolt on and meet AMA requirements. CYCLE IMPORTS, INC., 305/889-1800

ORVUSA.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... ORVUSA's new line of BOSS off road sports utility vehicles are built with the toughness and compact agility of ATVs, but with far greater utility. Less bulky, less environmental impact, and less expensive than most utility vehicles. With a...

Ridge Runner RVT.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... The Rough Terrain Vehicle from Idaho-based Ridge Runner offers 18 inches of ground clearance and 13.5 inches of suspension travel. Powered by a twin cylinder, 697cc four-stroke engine with an automatic transmission equipped with a high and low...

Carter Talon.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Alabama-based Carter most recently added a second line of off-road kart, the five-model Talon series. Outfitted with CVT and four-stroke scooter-type engines ranging from 125cc to 150cc, the units come with a long list of standard features:...

TJ Mini Hammerhead.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... TJ Power Sports' new Mini Hammerhead has full suspension, disc brake, wireless remote start/kill, rack and pinion steering, and a rollcage with seatbelt. Advertising deep dealer margins, TJ Power Sports is offering this unit in several colors....

Manco Aerforce.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Manco has introduced a new line of off-road performance kart it calls the Aerforce. The first model introduced, available this month, is the F-265. Designed to run hard, the F-265 features an all-new AGS (Advanced Geometry Suspension) and a...

Brister's Fire.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Brister's specializes in a number of different off-road karts. However, the company's latest addition, the three-model Fire series, features four-wheel suspension incorporating a new "4-Link" design. These parallel links offer sure-footed...

Dinli off-road.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Dinli is the company that purchased the intellectual property for Cannondale ATVs. Dinli offers eight small displacement quads and an off-road kart in the U.S. market. The quads range from 50cc to 150cc. The go-kart features a 96cc air-cooled...

Dazon Raider series.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Arizona-based Team Dazon offers four off-road karts, a 50cc ATV and a line-up of scooters. Available in red or yellow, Dazon's Raider Max Double features a 150cc water-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke, CDI, electric start, rack and pinion...

Kasea Explorer.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Kasea's single-person Explorer Buggy, manufactured in Korea, comes standard with all-wheel disc brakes, electric/kick start, a Kymco 249cc water cooled four-stroke power plant, CVT with reverse, a dual double A-arm suspension both front and...

Xtreme Tantrum.(Product Showcase)
October 18, 2004... Xtreme Motor Company offers its Pro Reverse ATV model as a 100cc or 150cc unit; the company's Tantrum ATVs are available as 70cc, 90cc or 100cc units. For the family's smallest rider, Xtreme has the X-49 MiniATV, powered by a four-stroke...

Americade's Powersport Rally.(Northeast Powersports Rally)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... In the June 28, issue of Powersports Business, I mentioned the Americade's Northeast Powersports Rally, which took place mid-September. The event attracted nearly 3,000 ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts to the Lake George region of New York. ...

Limiting frivolous lawsuits.(Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... The U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution number HR-4571, named the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act. The legislation targets baseless lawsuits and is aimed at curbing frivolous litigation initiated, in particular, by environmental...

ATV Beach Play Day for youth.(ATV Digest)
October 18, 2004... In Huntington Beach, Calif., CORVA and NOHVCC helped 750 "at-risk" youth between the ages of 8 and 17 learn the joys of OHVs. The two-day Southern California event, called Beach Play Days gives kids who rarely have opportunities for outdoor...

Kawasaki talks business at 2004 dealer meeting.(Kawasaki Motors Corporation U.S.A.)
October 18, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- Kawasaki introduced new motorcycles, ATVs and utility vehicles at its 2004 dealer show here Sept. 23-24, but probably just as important were the comments it made about changes in the way it intends to operate its business. ...

House passes H.R. 3247, the Trail Act of 2004.(Trail Responsibility and Accountability for Improving our Lands Act)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... H.R. 3247, the Trail Responsibility and Accountability for Improving our Lands Act--otherwise called the TRAIL Act of 2004--was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 28. Introduced Oct. 3, 2003 by U.S. Representatives Tom...

Arizona Honda.(Power Profile)(Company Profile)
October 18, 2004... CONTACT 2114 South Alvernon Way Tucson, AZ 85711 520/748-7202 www.arizonahonda.net OWNERS D.W. Phillips, LLC BUSINESS PROFILE 10,000 sq.-ft. dealership founded in 1981; moving in November to a 30,000...

John Deere is satisfied with first year.(all terrain vehicles, Jon Chase)(Interview)
October 18, 2004... Last year about this time John Deere plowed into the powersports industry with the high profile launch of several new Gators and a group of ATVs created in its joint venture with Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). At that time, Deere...

Biker tagged at 205 mph.(Samuel Armstrong Tilley )(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... A Minnesota motorcyclist has been tagged for speeding at 205 mph on a two-year-old Honda. Samuel Armstrong Tilley received a record-setting ticket when a Minnesota State Patrol pilot claimed he clocked Tilley's 2002 Honda RC51 at 205 miles per...

Erico Motorsports honored.(Cycle Update)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Erico Motorsports was again named the top Triumph motorcycle dealer in North America. John and Tai Beldock attended the Triumph Global Dealer Conference in London, England, in September to accept the award.

AMA Pro Racing banquet slated.
October 18, 2004... AMA Pro Racing will honor the champions of American professional motorcycle racing at its 30th annual AMA Pro Racing Awards Banquet on Sunday, Nov. 14, at Paris Las Vegas. The annual event attracts America's best professional racers as well as...

U.S. motorcycle market is a $21.5 billion business.(Trendline)(Industry Overview)
October 18, 2004... Over the last several years, we have defined each of the powersports markets in terms of its relative U.S. retail sales dollar contribution based upon products sold and services provided by profit center through powersports dealerships and...

Harley-Davidson/Buell of Lancaster.(Power Profile)(Company Profile)
October 18, 2004... CONTACT 1759 West Avenue J-12 Lancaster, CA 93534 661/948-5959 www.hdoflancaster.com OWNERS Ron Emard and Scott Kellerman BUSINESS PROFILE 50,000-sq.-ft. dealership founded in December 1985; Emard bought...

Yamaha MT-01 wins design award.(Motorcycle Design Association )
October 18, 2004... The Motorcycle Design Association (MDA), based in Villefranche de Lonchat, France, held its annual Motorcycle Design Awards at INTERMOT. The jury, made of more than 100 members of the MDA--nearly all motorcycle designers still active in...

BMW motorcycles of Cherry Hill.(Power Profile)(Company Profile)
October 18, 2004... CONTACT 406 Route 70 East Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 856/354-0004 www.cherryhillbmw.com OWNER Michael DeSimone BUSINESS PROFILE 6,600-sq.-ft. dealership founded in May 2002. Formerly RK BMW; the past owner, Rob...

Is Bluewater taking credit?(Bluewater Network. environmental group)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Don't think that the Bluewater Network has faded into the background now that the organization's efforts to keep PWC out of the national parks is proving to be a losing battle. In a recent news release, the San Fransisco-based Bluewater noted...

Professional racing tour in 2005?(boat racing)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Professional-caliber racing may have been on the backburner in 2004, at least in the United States, but that all changed this month as racers and fans descended upon the familiar confines of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., for the IJSBA World Finals....

Kawasaki: no suprises for 2005.(personal watercraft)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Despite persistent rumors of an all-new craft for 2005, Kawasaki appears to be holding the status quo for the coming year, sticking to a familiar lineup. As reported in the last issue of Powersports Business, the most excitement continues to...

IJSBA plans significant changes.(International Jet Sports Boating Association )
October 18, 2004... Leading into the Dos Equis Desert XX World Finals, the International Jet Sports Boating Association planned to make a collection of significant changes to the event in an attempt to increase the action on the course--as well as spectator...

Pier 47 Inc.(Power Profile)(Company Profile)
October 18, 2004... CONTACT 30001 Wildwood Boulevard Wildwood, NJ 08260 609/729-4774 www.pier47.com OWNERS Rick and Janet Traber BUSINESS PROFILE Founded in 1984, the dealership is currently being remodeled to 31,800 sq. ft....

Simmons, BRP settle ski lawsuit.(Simmons Inc., Bombardier Recreational Products)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., Valcourt, Quebec, and Simmons Inc., Providence, Utah, have settled a three-year-old lawsuit regarding patent infringement on Simmon's Flexi-Ski to make the Bombardier Precision ski. The amount of the...

Aaen title ride sponsor.(Aaen Performance)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Aaen Performance, Racine, Wis., will be the title sponsor of the annual Ride With The Champs, a celebrity ride and fund raiser for the Snowmobile Hall Of Fame in St. Germain, Wis. The even will take place in Eagle River, Wis., on Jan. 13, 2005....

2005 Hall of Fame inductees.(Dave Wahl, Durmont Wahl, Snowmobile Hall Of Fame)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Dave and Durmont Wahl, owners of Wahl Bros. Performance in Greenbush, Minn., have been named into the Snowmobile Hall Of Fame in St. Germain, Wis. The brothers were noted for their business success as well as their winning race abilities....

Great snowmobile escape.(Snowmobile Report)
October 18, 2004... Ehlert Publishing Group, Maple Grove, Minn., parent of Powersports Business magazine, and Decker Sno-Venture Tours. Eagle River, Wis., will co-host a snowmobile tour on Feb. 17-20 starting in Brimley, Mich. The tour includes three hotel nights...

Arctic Cat's M-7 is honored.(2005 Snowmobile Of The Year)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Snow Goer magazine has named the Arctic Cat M7 153 as its 2005 Snowmobile Of The Year. The selection was announced in the November 2004 issue of the magazine, which went on the newsstands at the end of September. This was the first...

Snowmobiling grows as a job generator.(North America)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... During the 2003-2004 snowmobile season, slightly more than 2.3 million snowmobiles were registered in North America. That compares to 1.6 million in the 1980's, an increase of 43% in the total number of registered snowmobiles in North America...

Dart leaves BlueRibbon Coalition.(Bill Dart)
October 18, 2004... Bill Dart resigned his position as the executive director of the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), Pocatello, Idaho, on Sept. 24 after he was cited for conducting a commercial operation on national forest lands without a permit. Clark Collins,...

Show season heats up.(Big East Snowmobile Show )(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... The rush of fall consumer shows in the snowmobile industry is in full gear, and the early returns look positive. At the recent Big East Snowmobile Show in Syracuse, New York, attendance was 18,501, which is down just slightly from the record...

Global's new show format is a hit.(Global Motorsport Group)
October 18, 2004... Global Motorsport Group's new format that combined shows for its Custom Chrome and Motorcycle Stuff companies for the first time was successful in attracting plenty of dealers. The show, held Oct. 8-10 at Global's Morgan Hill, Calif.,...

Smith Optics partners with Hub360 online.(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Smith Optics, Ketchum, Idaho, has begun a strategic partnership with Hub360, developer of an automated online ordering system and information network. Smith company officials say the partnership is expected to boost the company's distribution...

VP Racing opens new facility.(VP Racing Fuels Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Texas-based VP Racing Fuels, Inc. has expanded its operation in Terre Haute, Ind., moving to a new, company-owned distribution facility. According to Jay Farnsworth, VP's Midwest regional manager, the new $1.4 million distribution center...

Diamond opens mobile superstore.(Diamond Powersports Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Diamond Powersports Inc. has opened its Sportbike Innovation in Motion mobile superstore. Offering an air-conditioned, custom showroom of over 800 sq. ft., the 49-foot trailer was designed to help maximize product awareness for the Diamond...

Maxxis brand recognized.(DISTRIBUTOR REPORT)(Brief Article)
October 18, 2004... Maxxis, a unit of Taiwan's Cheng Shin Rubber, has been ranked fifth on Interbrand's 2004 list of Taiwan's top ten global brands. Maxxis made the list for the second consecutive year. According to Interbrand, the tire specialist increased its...