The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has announced it has expanded its membership to dealers and has already begun signing up charter members. In the first day, 25 dealers in 18 states joined the council, according to the organization.
Powersports dealers and retailers can now take advantage of proprietary market research and technical data, local, federal and state regulatory support, and other benefits of membership in the MIC to grow and protect their businesses and enhance the customer experience.
“Powersports dealers are impactful businesses on Main Street throughout the United States and are a direct link to consumers,” said Tim Buche, president and chief executive officer, MIC. “By bringing in the new dealer members, we are exponentially extending our collective reach and, as a result, significantly growing our industry community. We look forward to the day when we represent businesses in every congressional district in America.”
A Dealer Advisory Council will be appointed later this year to consult with the MIC board of directors on issues spotting and opportunities to improve the rider experience. “MIC’s mission has always been to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling with the emphasis on riders,” Buche said.
He added that the MIC has long supported dealers by working with them on subjects of common interest, and including them in the membership will provide them with more resources to grow and protect their businesses.
MIC will be meeting with potential new members this week at the 2013 Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, Ind. (MIC Business Center, Indiana Convention Center, Room Wabash 3). As new MIC members, powersports dealers and retailers will join approximately 300 existing member companies, which include motorcycle manufacturers and distributors, aftermarket product manufacturers, importers, distributors, and more.
“An important goal in integrating the dealers into the MIC is to help redefine how both enthusiasts and policymakers view the powersports industry overall," added Buche. "The synergistic relationship created by bringing in the dealers can help evolve the definition of industry so it applies to everyone – companies and consumers – who enjoys the motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles, gear and services that drive our industry.”
MIC membership is available to approximately 5,000 existing dealers and 6,000 independent outlets that offer traditional sales and service, service-only and ancillary retail services. More information on membership is available at www.mic.org or membership.mic.org.
