Suzuki Motor of America Named Sole Distributor of Powersports Applications in U.S.
SMAI will distribute Suzuki motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), marine outboard engines and automotive parts and service in the contiguous United States and Alaska. This announcement comes following the restructuring of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC).
DesignWraps CEO to Embark on Nationwide ‘Glory USA Freedom Ride’
Joan Krenning will begin her 36-month motorcycle trek this month in hopes of promoting American-made products. The tour will also raise funds for two charities: the “Wounded Warrior Project” and Laura Klock’s “Helping with Horsepower.” By the end of her journey, Krenning will have hit every Harley dealer in the U.S. and will have traveled more than 200,000 miles.
Mark Blackwell Named Chair of the Motorcycle Industry Council Board of Directors
Blackwell has served intermittently on the board since the early 1980s and takes over for outgoing Chair Larry Little, who remains an active elected board member after having served as chair for the last 10 years. For 2013, Blackwell joins the other officers: newly elected Vice Chair Jon-Erik Burleson as well as returning Secretary/Treasurer Eric Anderson and President Tim Buche.
Zero Motorcycles Adds New Member to Board of Directors
Pieter de Waal comes to Zero with more than 30 years of business, engineering and sales experience in both the automotive and motorcycle industries. This includes stints with Nissan, Delta (GM), Mercedes-Benz and, more recently, at BMW Motorrad as North American vice president.
Falken Tire Named Partner and Official Tire of Tread Lightly!
As part of its partnership, Falken has pledged a $100 rebate on a set of WildPeak A/T tires to individuals who join Tread Lightly!’s membership at the $50 level and above. As an incentive for individuals to renew their membership in Tread Lightly!, Falken is providing a $50 rebate to any person who renews their existing membership at the base level of $25 and up.
Dominion Powersports to Host Complimentary Webinar
Titled “Energize Your Spring/Summer Dealership Events,” the webinar will discuss how to drive more traffic to dealerships with open houses, demo rides and other consumer-related activities. Along with input from marketing experts, the webinar also will provide best practices on building event attendance through Facebook.
Helmet House Expands Sponsorship of Rich Oliver’s Mystery School
The sponsorship will include comprehensive product support for the school using Cortech boots, gloves and pants to train students in Mystery School training sessions. Joint promotion work will also be included, as a Cortech Rich Oliver Mystery School Sweepstakes promotion is planned for the second half of 2013.
50 Below, an ARI Company, Upgrades Mobile Website Platform
This upgrade enhances the mobile shopping experience end-to-end with new layout and streamlined navigation options, easy-to-use icons for contact, phone, map and directions, hours of operation and social media sites. It also provides consumers with easy access to in-store sales and factory promotions and all of the dealership’s new and used inventory, parts, garments and accessories.
Ducati Dealers Can Access Audi Financing
The financing program has already seen great results in Italy and soon will be added to France and Germany. Ducati sales in the U.S. increased 21 percent in 2012 compared with the year before.
ARI Signs Multi-Year Reseller Agreement with ADP Lightspeed
Under this agreement, ADP will integrate ARI’s AccessorySmart with its Dealer Management System and will resell AccessorySmart Essentials and Professional to its customers in the powersports industry.
MPN Industry Profile
In February of 2013, MPN conducted a readership survey to gauge the performance of today’s powersports dealer. We asked our readers detailed questions addressing the many elements of your business – ranging from shop operations, staffing and supply to online presence, marketing strategies and industry concerns.
ARI Network Services Announces Second Quarter Results
The company also announced that it has entered into definitive agreements with various accredited investors in a private placement of $4.8 million of common stock at a price of $1.50 per share.
Dealer Expo: New Technology Review
Technological innovation was easy to find at the 2013 Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, Ind. Here is a rundown of the latest and greatest products showcased for powersports dealers: AccessorySmart Imagine, no more flipping through paper catalogs searching endlessly for SKUs, or ordering the wrong item because the SKU was handwritten incorrectly. AccessorySmart by ARI Network
Destination Dealership: Ural of New England
Owner Dmitry Bykhovsky’s success is based on three legs: a wide selection of stock and customized Ural motorcycles and accessories, a reputation for inventive customization and creative use of the Internet. Ural of New England has become well-known for its YouTube videos that are shot in-house.
Making the Most of Your Auction Experience
From live auctions to online bidding, the world of auctions can be a valuable asset to you and your business.
Vee Rubber Adds New Hires to Team
Gary Latimer, owner of Race Tools in Brockport, N.Y., joins the company as race coordinator. He will support sponsored riders and cultivate new riders to the company. Dan Leale has been appointed as marketing coordinator, assisting with product reviews, press releases and Web updates.