September 25, 2006 – ATV Report

Hatfield-McCoy continues expansion
The 500-mile Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in West Virginia will undergo further expansion if landowners and lawmakers in three counties can come to a compromise.
Raleigh County is proposing to build a link to the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System using a 40,000-acre tract of land owned by Beaver Coal Co. Ltd. Raleigh County commissioners and the trail’s development authority are scheduled to meet with the trail’s finance committee, then act on the proposal during an October meeting.
In McDowell County, construction is expected to begin later this month on a 30-mile trail network that may expand to 60 to 90 miles of trail with the addition of two other landowners.
Finally, in Boone County, a 2,000-square-foot trailhead facility is in the works.
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail currently runs through five counties.
Yamaha Using Plastic to Move Metal
In an effort to differentiate the Rhino from its competitors, Yamaha has produced a promotional DVD that walks customers through the vehicle’s features, available accessories and compares the vehicle to other side-by-side utility vehicles.
Available by request at www.yamahaoutdoors.com, the DVD has customer testimonials and Rhino endorsements from the ATV press.
Steve Nessl at Yamaha said the DVD is unique to the side-by-side market and is a way to increase awareness about the Rhino and the utility market as a whole.
While Yamaha does not release official U.S. sales figures, Japan’s Yamaha Motor Corp. said roughly 24,000 side-by-side vehicles were sold worldwide in 2005.
Up to 50 ATV companies expected to attend expo
Close to 50 companies that manufacture ATVs or ATV accessories are scheduled to appear at The International Lawn, Garden and Power Equipment Exposition on Oct. 6-8 in Louisville, Ky.
The event, for dealers and not the general public, features a 20-acre outdoor exhibition area where expo participants can try out the various products. All total, about 450 suppliers will show off their products in the 425,700 square foot exhibit hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
There is no cost to attend the event for dealers if they preregister online at expo.mow.org. The deadline to preregister is Oct. 5. There is a $25 per person charge if dealers do not preregister.
Vendors possibly can still sign up to attend the event, depending on space availability. Last year, expo organizers were able to take on vendors in the final days leading up to the event. psb