Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017
Our latest survey of powersports dealers indicates that the retail sales environment improved sequentially but on balance remained weak to close out the year. For many powersports and motorcycle dealers, the end of 2016 couldn’t arrive soon enough, as end-markets were choppy and consumers were generally more price sensitive than at any point since the
Anticipating Improved Retail Sales in 2017
Our latest survey of powersports dealers indicates that the retail sales environment remained weak in November. The general theme in the marketplace is that consumer interest was focused on model year 2016 products with large incentives. While the amount of 2016 units on showroom floors were nearly depleted by month end on many models, we
Printing All the News That Fits: December
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the Greek philosopher Heraclitus noted, “The only constant is change!” Seems like the entire powersports industry was in a state of flux in 2016. Mergers, acquisitions and simple cases of the ‘grass is greener’ wanderlust made it tough to tell who the players were without a scorecard this season. From industry veteran Greg Blackwell
Retail Sales Environment Remained Sluggish in September
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ur latest survey of powersports dealers indicates that the retail sales environment remained sluggish in September. The general theme from the market place is that consumers are being cautious with their spending and are often compelled to make a purchase only when heavy incentives are included. Perhaps the best example of this consumer behavior comes
Tradeshow Season Is Upon Us
2016 SEMA Show Preview [dropcap]C[/dropcap]an you believe it’s already October? The arrival of fall means many things, but for us here at MPN and Babcox Media, it means it’s tradeshow season. One of the big shows we attend is the SEMA Show out in Las Vegas, held this year from November 1 – 4 in
End of Summer Leaves Industry Sluggish
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ur latest survey of powersports dealers indicates that the retail sales environment in the powersports industry was sluggish in August. While dealers received a lift in traffic early in the month from end-of-the-year sales promotions, consumer traffic trailed off as the month continued. As a result, dealers were not able to materially improve their inventory
Shifting Gears: Larry Vandiver Back in the Saddle, Rod Overstreet Returns to Torrot/Gas Gas, and more!
So much for retirement! Former Suzuki exec Larry Vandiver is back in the saddle again. He is now the national sales manager for McKinney, Texas-based Hisun Motors Corp. USA. Dealers may remember him from his 30 years in various stints with Suzuki, including VP Motorcycle/ATV, director of sales and marketing Marine, national promotions and retail
Consumers Skittish, Market Volatile in July
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ur latest survey of powersports dealers indicates that retail sales for dealers remained soft in July. The most commonly cited reason for the softer year-over-year sales results was a reduction in OEM promotional support sequentially, as well as tough comps in the ATV market. As a result, dealers finished the month with too much inventory
All Signs Point to a Productive Show for Dealers in October
Heading into its fourth year, the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) is ramping up for what looks like will be the best event so far in the tradeshow’s short history.
AIMExpo Surpasses 300th Exhibitor Mark Four Months Out From Show
The new and desirable North Hall location at the Orange County Convention Center is quickly filling up with exhibiting companies for the 2016 American International Motorcycle Expo, returning to Orlando this October 13-16. The growing list of powersports companies showcasing new products has now surpassed 300, anchored by commitments from nine OEMs and leading aftermarket companies.
Toe-in Adjustment Tech Tip
Adjusting the direction of the front wheels is one of the most basic services for ATVs [dropcap]A[/dropcap]TVs and side-by-sides live hard lives crawling over rocks, hauling loads, and crossing trails no other man-made vehicle would dare. One of the most basic services these vehicles call for is the adjustment of the toe-in of the front
ATV/UTV/SxS Segment Continues to Evolve
For many years, the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) segment of the market was a strong part of the dealer’s product and profitability mix.
2014 SEMA Show Preview
Opportunity Knocks for Dealers Who Attend SEMA Nov. 4-7
PDI Driveline Products
PDI specializes in driveline products for all ATV/UTVs. PDI’s selection of driveline products includes axles and components, propeller shafts and components, and electric power steering systems.