Features

May 14, 2007 – Aftermarket Digest

MIC Announces Change to PSP Name
PSP, a powersports industry effort to standardize data exchange between dealers and suppliers over the Internet, has undergone name change.
As the demand for the PSP has evolved outside the powersports industry, the name has evolved as well. PSP now stands for Partners Standard Protocol to reflect its diverse application in today’s marketplace.
“What began as a way for dealers to exchange business data such as parts orders, product registrations, and warranty claims directly from the familiar screens of their dealer management system, has now opened the door for a real world solution in dealerships across America,” said Tim Buche, president of the Motorcycle Industry Council. “The PSP specifications were developed to promote consistency, improve quality, reduce costs and conserve industry resources for the process of transferring data. Now other industries can benefit from these efforts.”
Developed in 2002 by the MIC, PSP is the open, non-proprietary specification that details how dealers transact business with suppliers entirely from within their dealership management system. PSP, being an open, non-proprietary standard, is practical to adopt for companies with access to IT professionals. The PSP specifications define one standard method that allows dealerships to use their current business software to communicate business data, such as parts orders, product registrations and warranty claims, to any PSP compliant system without custom coding. The goal is to lower costs to the industry and improve customer service.
Parts’ Super Showcases Begin in the Northeast
The first of Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialities’ 11 2007 Super Showcases recently kicked off in the Northeast.
Each showcase is packed with more than 40 vendors from various parts of the industry.
The first three stops were held in Marlborough, Mass., Edison, N.J., and East Norriton, Pa. Dealers interested in attending upcoming events should contact their Parts Unlimited or Drag Specialities rep for more information.
NGK Spark Plugs Promotes Two to Zone Managers
NGK Spark Plugs (USA) Inc. has promoted Peter Daley to zone manager for the Eastern zone and Chris Hillestad to zone manager for the Midwest zone.
Daley, a 33-year veteran of the industry, was previously assistant zone manager in the Eastern region. He has been with NGK for 14 years.
Hillestad, a 20-year veteran of the industry, was previously recreational market manager. He has been with NGK for 16 years. Hillestad will now lead the newly created Midwest Zone for NGK.
In their new roles, Daley and Hillestad will oversee the sales efforts for NGK’s Aftermarket Spark Plug, Oxygen Sensor and Ignition Wires. They will report to Mike Schwab, general manager, NGK Spark Plugs aftermarket division.
DC-AFAM Selects Spiegler As Its U.S. Distributor
Spiegler Performance Parts will be the U.S. distributor for DC-AFAM USA chain products.
Although new to the U.S. market, DC chains are No. 2 in the European aftermarket and sold in other markets around the world, the company said in a press release.
DC chains are available in a vast range of sizes and types that cover the entire range of street, off-road and ATV applications.
“This new line of high-quality chain products will give us the ability to deliver made-to-order drive systems for our customers,”?said Matthias Schaub, president of Spiegler Performance Products, a Dayton, Ohio, company that distributes a wide range of products for brake systems, exhaust, electrical and controls. “We can now satisfy custom length chain orders combined with any sprocket combination to offer our customers total flexibility in their drive system needs.”
DC chain boasts a long list of racing successes as well, including the 2004, 2005 and 2006 World Supersport Champion with Honda Ten Kate/Carl Muggeridge.
For more information, contact Spiegler Performance Parts at 937/291-1735 or e-mail sales@spieglerusa.com.
Paulson Computer Acquires Software Company
Washington-based Paulson Computer Systems, a software industry company for more than 20 years, acquired the assets of the Columbus, Ohio-based software company, Ferguson Logistics.
The acquisition includes Ferguson Logistics’ customer base and flagship software system known as InvenTrakk, which is the business management system of hundreds of dealerships and users across the United States in the power equipment, powersports and marine industries.
“Paulson Computer Systems felt that we could greatly benefit from the technical strides and development that Ferguson Logistics has been able to bring to the business management arena,” said David Bledsoe, marketing director for Paulson.
Paulson’s is an employee-owned corporation.
Cobra Introduces Products for Suzuki Cruiser
Cobra Engineeering, the Yorba Linda, Calif., manufacturer, has introduced several new products for Suzuki’s M109R.
“When Suzuki introduced the M109R last year, even they seemed a little surprised by the bike’s strong sales and market appeal,” said Tim McCool, Cobra’s president. “We saw it immediately in the sales of our exhaust systems.”
Cobra’s new M109R products include saddlebag supports and new bungee knobs, a Sissy bar in two heights, a new formed luggage rack and unique engine case guards and an update to freeway bars made for sporty cruisers. The latter is a smaller, sporty bar that covers the footrest area on both sides.
For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.cobrausa.com.
HiPer Begins Taking Orders for its All-Carbon Fiber Wheels
HiPer Technology Inc., a Kansas company specializing in carbon fiber products utilizing a proprietary injection molding process, says its first all-carbon fiber wheels are ready to order.
With a MSRP?of $149, the CF1 wheel, according to the company, brings of performance and durability to the sport rider. The CF1 has done away with the traditional aluminum center, designing the center into the carbon fiber inside half of the wheel. This produces a light, durable, two-piece design that still provides modularity features.
Visit www.hiperracingwheels.com for more information.
Motorcycle Stuff Welcomes New Employees
Motorcycle Stuff announced several new faces to its sales team.
New additions include Greg Merritt, Cameron Marshall, Patrick Rickards, Nate Pruitt and Ron Styer.
Merritt is an outside sales rep for the Arizona and Las Vegas areas. He has worked in the industry for four years now, but he has been riding since he was 4.
Marshall is covering Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. He has been riding dirt and street for 25 years.
Rickards is responsible for covering eastern North Carolina. Patrick has more than 20 years of riding experience and 11 years experience in dealership management, along with three years inside sales at a wholesale distributor.
Pruitt is also an outside rep covering the California Bay Area. He has 25 years of motocross and road riding experience.
Styer has rejoined the Stuff team as an inside sales rep servicing new and existing dealers.
Company Hopes to Warm Up Motorcycle Seat Sales
Peter Hemmerich, owner of Hopeland Custom Manufacturing in Ephrata, Penn., wants to put motorcyclists in the hot seat, with a new line of heated cushions.
The company does business as Butt Buffer, which is known for its motorcycle-seat cushion made of soft, synthetic rubber. The seats have recently been given a new element — a heating device.
Hemmerich recently launched the line of heated cushions that is wired to the bike’s electrical system. psb

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