Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

MIC Launches Electric Vehicle Task Force

June 28, 2010

Recognizing the growing revenue potential of electric vehicles for the powersports industry, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has created a task force to study several issues related to this product segment.

Paul Vitrano

The Electric Vehicle Task Force was formed in April and had its initial meeting in May. The group is headed by Paul Vitrano, who serves in a number of roles for the MIC and its related organizations, including serving as executive vice president and general counsel of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA).

“We solicited interest among the OEM membership and our boards,” Vitrano told me recently, “and we thought it was important to examine the issues that seem to be growing in this segment. We thought the MIC was the place to make that happen.”

About a dozen companies were represented at the first meeting, but Vitrano declined to identify them. Almost all major powersports OEMs were represented and most electric manufacturing companies, he said.

(more…)

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Examples of Chinese IPR Fraud Build Up

June 11, 2010

Companies and organizations wishing to talk with a Congressional committee about the issue of intellectual property theft by Chinese manufacturers are beginning to pile up, a member of the federal agency investigating the problem told me this week.

However, none of the firms willing to testify before the Senate Finance Committee are from the powersports industry. Meanwhile, however, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) continues to collect information from its members, and it plans to have a report prepared next month. If you are a member of the MIC, you can comment through the organization’s website at mic.org.

Read more about the investigation here; the public record for this investigation may be viewed here.

“We have over a dozen witnesses scheduled for the hearing,” said John Kitzmiller, an analyst with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in Washington. “Some are from associations that encompass at least some of the powersports industry, i.e., National Association of Manufacturers, but none are recognizably from the industry.

“Although the deadline for asking to appear at the hearing has passed, we welcome written submissions through July 9, and I would be happy to speak with anyone that wanted to get their views into the report. They can call me or I’ll be happy to call them. I’m normally at my desk from 6:30am to 3:00pm EDT.” You can reach Kitzmiller at John.Kitzmiller@usitc.gov or 202-205-3387.

Here is important information if you wish to submit comments to the ITC:

DATES
June 15, 2010: Public hearing.
June 22, 2010: Deadline for filing post-hearing briefs and statements.
July 9, 2010: Deadline for filing all other written submissions.
Nov. 19, 2010: First report due to the Senate Finance Committee.
May 2, 2011: Second report due to the Senate Finance Committee.

ADDRESSES
All Commission offices, including the Commission’s hearing rooms, are located in the United States International Trade Commission Building
500 E Street SW, Washington, DC.
All written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, United States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Project Leaders: Katherine Linton (katherine.linton@usitc.gov or 202-205-3393) and Alexander Hammer (alexander.hammer@usitc.gov or 202-205-3271) or Deputy Project Leader Jeremy Wise (jeremy.wise@usitc.gov or 202-205-3190).

Contact me with news tips or story ideas at
jdelmont@dealernews.com or 612/845-8091.

Tags:, , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

On the road with Joe Bonnello (aka Joey B’s California Gold)

May 14, 2010

We just got a message and a buncha great photos from everybody’s favorite shorts-clad photographer, Joe Bonnello. Seems Joey B. has been out and about, exploring the nooks and crannies of California, exposing his gams to the far reaches of this great state.

We’d tell more, but Joe agreed to write us an account of his trip to the Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Carmel where he took some shots. Look down for Joe’s words and then keep going to see some of his pics. I like Joe’s style. Damn this makes me want to ride …… 

The Ride. The Show. The Spring!

So it goes like this — May in California is already summer, hot, dry, dusty, brown. But, this year, no!

Cool, damp, g-r-e-e-n. Never happened I say. Gotta ride before the heat. Ride, ride I say. So, got the Cagiva ready. Found out the Quail was happening in Carmel. Got on the bike and headed across the desert to the mountains. Jumped into the twisties and proceeded to find every nasty, twisty, obscure and downright stupid road in California, all the way from Apple Valley to Monterey, and then back. Over Frazier Park. Around Taft. Across the inland mountains to Atascadero. Around the prettiest roads near Paso Robles. Through Hunter Liggett to the coast. Up spectacular PCH to Monterey, then to Carmel for the Quail Motorcycle Gathering.

Lot’s of gorgeous bikes but no Quails in sight. Out over Carmel Valley, the back way around Coalinga (epic!), across the San Joaquin Valley on farm roads, up to the base of the Sierras to Bass Lake. Hook up with Larry Langley and David (more…)

Tags:, , , , ,
Posted in dealernews, Motorcycle, Powersports, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

Two More Pieces of Positive News

May 3, 2010

Signs of an Improving Job Picture

Two bits of news today suggest that the job picture may be improving, a situation that could lead to increased consumer spending on discretionary products this year, possibly even for powersports equipment.

A report in today’s Wall Street Journal indicates that corporations are spending more on raises and bonuses than they have in the recent past as a means to keep their key employees at home. “They are feeling more confident about how 2010 will shake out,” David Smith, an executive with Accenture, told the newspaper. The moves, he said, are an effort to ward off employee poaching by competitors.

(more…)

Tags:, , , ,
Posted in Delmont, economy, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Who Wouldn’t Love a Job Right Now?

April 28, 2010

We’re not above using this space to help out a fellow industry type in need, especially when it means possibly helping another fellow industry type who is also in need. In this case, it’s the scoot-tastic (did I just write that?) folks over at Scooterworks USA.  The Chicago-based crew behind the legendary Scooterworks catalog, Scooterworks direct and Genuine Scooter Co., has a job opening.

Here’s some wordage they forwarded to me about the position (bold added by me):

Sales manager with 10 plus years of experience with phone sales experience and management, preferably in a mechanical/cycle/auto parts environment. College degree necessary.Must be an “evolved” individual with superior coaching and mentoring ability, an understanding of revenue generating sales techniques, a great communicator who can move a team forward and sustain a fun, rewarding work enviroment. Must be familiar with a variety of selling software applications and a fast learner with exceptional and proven team- building and revenue generating skills.

Individuals without applicable experience need not apply. Must have impeccable references and work background. Great benefits and salary plus bonus which will be commensurate with professional experience and performance. We are an EEO and are based in Chicago. No phone calls or ”drop ins”. Resume and cover letter to jobs@scooterworks.com.

Got the goods? Give ‘em a shout. 

Tags:,
Posted in dealernews, scooters, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Tucker Takes Bold Step in Digital Marketing

April 28, 2010

Distributor Offers Product Videos at www.Tuckerrocky.tv

When I talked with Steve Johnson, the boss of Tucker Rocky Dustributing, in January, we discussed the growing importance of digital marketing. I thought his comments certainly were interesting, but not hugely important for the industry or even for the company.

Steve Johnson

I was wrong. When we spoke again Monday I discovered how badly I had missed the mark. The Fort Worth-based distributor has taken steps that could significantly change the way powersports PG&A products are sold to consumers and dealers.

Very simply, Tucker has basically dropped its B2B and consumer print advertising in favor of product videos that are distributed through YouTube and Tucker’s own “TV station,” the website, www.tuckerrocky.tv.

In addition to TR house brands such as FirstGear, Answer, MSR, and ProTaper, the tuckeerrocky.tv site also carries videos featuring products from Arai, K&N, National Cycle, Ogio, PJ1, Scorpion, Bridgestone, and Cobra, among others. The videos are well produced and do an effective job of explaining and demonstrating the features and benefits of each product. Visit the site, and you’ll see what I mean.

(more…)

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Don J. Brown: In Memory

March 25, 2010

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The motorcycle industry has lost its oldest, dearest analyst. Don J. Brown, whose work spanned decades, died yesterday at home. He was 80 years old.

Don’s full biography can be found (where else?) at the website of the AMA Hall of Fame. I just want to share a few personal reflections.

For the past few years I’ve edited Don’s pages in Dealernews: “State-by-Statement” and “ATV/Dirtbike-by-State” — in which he predicted, by state, how many units dealers would retail that year — and “DJB Composite Index,” his by-brand national predictions for the year.

By-brand is the key word. Because of Don, our magazine has been a dealer’s only source for annual retail sales of all the major brands. Some companies like Harley-Davidson divulge retail sales in their financials, but not many. And we’ve had them all. (more…)

Tags:,
Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments »

Importers of Chinese Motorcycles, ATVs Arrested

March 14, 2010

Pair Charged With 70 Felonies; Certification Violations

Two top executives at Goldenvale Inc., a diversified California importer of powersports products, have been arrested and charged with illegally importing motorcycles, ATVs and other vehicles from China and selling the units in California without proper state certification.

Goldenvale president and owner Kening N. Ma and vice president Shirley Hyunae Ji were charged in a 70-count criminal complaint that includes conspiracy to commit theft, grand theft, and money laundering.

The pair were arrested last week, according to a published report in the San Bernardinto Sun newspaper.

The powersports products sold under the Roketa brand also include scooters, go-karts and other gas and electric-powered vehicles.  The company, which operates facilities in Ontario, Calif., and Dallas, Texas, also imports items ranging from artwork and blankets to toys and cooking utensils. The company imported fewer than 2,000 powersports units last year, according to industry estimates.

The powersports units were sold on-line and through a national dealer network.

Prosecutors said dozens of victims purchased vehicles from Goldenvale that were not certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the newspaper reported. The amount paid by victims ranged from several hundred dollars up to $4,000 for each vehicle, prosecutors said.

The vehicles are illegal to operate in California if they do not have CARB certification.

Ma and Ji are named in a complaint filed in San Bernardino Superior Court. Ma faces one count of conspiracy, 33 counts of grand theft, 30 counts of possessing a false or blank vehicle registration and six counts of money laundering, according to court records.

Ji is named in the counts alleging conspiracy, grand theft and money laundering.

The certificates of origin allow consumers to register their vehicles with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

In this case, the certificates of origin show a manufacturer name that did not manufacture the vehicles, according to the newspaper. The vehicles also were never certified by CAB, according to the newspaper report.

These arrests culminated a multi-year investigation of illegal activities, according to one CARB official.  JD

Contact me with story ideas or news tips. You may reach me at
952/893-6876 or jdelmont@dealernews.com

Tags:, , , , , ,
Posted in CARB, Delmont, Motorcycle, scooters, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

When Sharing the Road, How Much Responsibility Belongs to the Motorcyclist?

February 18, 2010

 

Photo courtesy of somewhere on the Internet.

 

 

NOTE 2/19/10 : Here is a link to a story in the San Diego Union Tribune regarding the “Share the Road” freeway signs. Sadly, it looks like I’m kinda right about some car drivers. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why so many drivers have it out for motorcyclists and bicyclists alike. 

I was driving into work this week when I noticed that the digital freeway sign that usually informs me about the minutes I’d spend in the purgatory of traffic that is the 405 south had a new message. This week these signs read, “Share the road. Look twice for motorcyclists.” What a fantastic message I thought, and a good sign that the CHP and CalTrans were reinforcing a warning that we riders have been proselytizing all along.

In fact, the “Share the Road” message showing up on the approximately 700 so-called Amber Alert signs across California is part of a public service campaign by the CHP, the Office of Traffic Safety and CalTrans to promote highway safety by getting drivers to actually look for motorcyclists. Nice stuff.

The pessimist in me had another thought — I bet there were more than a few drivers cruising by, reading that sign and thinking, “Why should I care? These stupid motorcyclists are crazy to begin with and dying is a part of their equation.” I honestly believe that there are those out there who don’t give a flying crap about riders and believe some motorcyclists deserve to die or be injured.

After getting into the office and going through my e-mail, which includes Google news alerts that notify me of news stories containing keywords like “motorcycles” and “honda” and such, my thoughts were confirmed. Again. I have a morbid (more…)

Tags:, , , ,
Posted in Motorcycle, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

V-SEPT Responds to Criticism From Dealer

February 8, 2010

I’ve been reporting on V-SEPT (www.v-sept.com) for about five years now. For those of you who don’t know, the company offers an Internet-based CRM (customer relationship management) system built specifically for powersports dealers. Click here for my latest profile on the system, written for our July 2009 issue.

More than one dealer has told me that they have a high regard for V-SEPT, and several current Top 100 dealers have noted it in their contest applications, including Andy’s Cycle Sales of Hazard in Bonnyman, Ky.; Dothan Powersports in Dothan, Ala.; Family PowerSports in Lubbock, Texas; Gieson Motorsports in Rock Falls, Ill.; and Skagit Powersports in Burlington, Wash.

Heartland Honda in Springdale, Ark., is another Top 100 dealer that uses V-SEPT. In an article I wrote for our website last December, store manager Greg Donahoe shared his opinions on several marketing-related vendors. Below is the most relevant portion of the article relating to V-SEPT: (more…)

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.