Sept. 25, 2006 – Aftermarket Digest

Scorpion Sports, Inc. hires advertising firm
Helmet producer Scorpion Sports, Inc. has selected Marshall Advertising and Design to coordinate a new multi-ad print advertising campaign that will begin running in national print this fall.
Founded just three years ago, Scorpion Sports, Lake Forest, Calif., recently finished second overall in J.D. Powers’ latest survey on overall customer satisfaction.
Marshall Advertising & Design, based in Costa Mesa, Calif., was founded in 1986 and is a $45 million-a-year advertising agency focusing on the recreation, motor sports and high-tech markets. Marshall’s portfolio includes Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, Toyo Tire Corp., The Toll Roads, HKS USA, OPTO 22 and Cox Communications Orange County.
“What attracted us to Marshall was that they have specific experience in motorcycles — both street and dirt — as well as snowmobiles,” said Eric Anderson, Scorpion Sports, Inc., vice president of sales and marketing.
Ducati Energia, Kinetic Form Joint Venture
Italy’s Ducati Energia and Kinetic Communication, Pune, India, are setting up a 50:50 joint venture, Ducati Energia India Pvt Ltd., for electrical components.
Ducati Energia manufactures electronic ignition systems, battery recharging systems and starting motors with permanent magnets for mopeds, scooters, snowmobiles, motorcycles and diesel applications. The company supplies to Piaggio, Aprilia, Honda Italia, Malaguti, Yamaha Motor, Bombardier, Rotax, Derbi, MBK, Rieju, Polaris, MV Agusta and Suzuki Motor.
Ducati Energia India will produce flywheel magnetos, CDI, ignition system, regulators and ECU for two- and three-wheeled vehicles. While the joint venture will fulfill customer orders worldwide, approximately 50 percent of production may be sent to Ducati.
Twenty20 offers dealer rebate program
Twenty20, a Seattle-based company, is offering a dealer rebate program through Western Power Sports with its new product, a high-resolution helmet camera.
Dealers who have ’06 product can ship it back to Western Power Sports and exchange it for the ’07 version, and only pay for the shipping. All ’06 product must be received from dealers by Oct. 15 to be part of the exchange program. For more information, contact Marc Barros at 866/397-6920.
Dixie Sales Co. names new president
Mike Rounsavall has been named president of Dixie Sales Co., becoming only the fifth president to serve since the company’s founding in 1914.
Jim Starmer, past president of Dixie Sales Co. and a member of the company’s founding family, will now serve as executive director of the company’s board of directors.
“Naming Mike Rounsavall as the new president of Dixie Sales Co. indicates that he is a terrific leader and places great value on our Dixie Sales team and our thousands of valued customers across North America,” Starmer said. “While respectful of the heritage that made Dixie Sales an industry leader, he possesses all the skills necessary to lead this company to even greater success.” psb