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May 12, 2008 – ATV Digest

KYMCO Unveils New Four-Wheelers

GREENVILLE, S.C. — As part of the company’s most expansive product launch in its history, KYMCO USA debuted two new four-wheel vehicles at its dealer show April 28, including its much anticipated UTV.
The first vehicle introduced was the MXU 375, which is the first fully independent suspension ATV KYMCO USA has introduced to the United States. The ATV also features a four-stroke, 366.9cc DOHC engine. Available colors are green, red, silver and camo, and the MSRP on the vehicle is $5,299. The camo version is $5,599.
The company also unveiled its new UXV 500 4×4, a UTV that features a four-stroke, 498.5cc, 33hp DOHC engine. The vehicle also has a liquid cooling system, a 75.2-inch wheel base and a 420-pound rear cargo box carrying capacity. The UXV is available in red, silver and camo and has an MSRP of $7,999; camo version $8,449.
“We’re very excited about the launch of both vehicles, especially the UVX 500,” said Bruce Ramsey, KYMCO USA’s sales director. “We believe that with the features this vehicles has combined with its low MSRP, it will be a great fit into what is the fastest growing market segment in the powersports industry.”

ATV Helmet Laws to Be Ignored by the Canadian government

The Yukon, Canadian government is rejecting a law that would require all ATV riders to wear a helmet, saying people would most likely ignore the law, according to CBS News.
Health Minister Brad Cathers says the law wouldn’t mean anything since it’s not enforceable.
“Simply making a law would not prevent someone from choosing not to wear a helmet,” Cathers said. “There are a lot of Yukoners — particularly in rural Yukon — who, if told that they must wear a helmet, would not choose to do so.
“I think the most effective strategy is exactly what’s being pursued: providing people with the information on the number of injuries that can occur, and reminding them that it is up to each and every one of us to take that personal responsibility to wear the appropriate safety equipment,” he said.
The issue of ATV injuries and helmets has been raised as almost 100 people in Yukon have been injured in ATV accidents during a recent two-year period.

Gander Mountain’s Fourth Quarter Profit Drops

Gander Mountain, an outdoor products retailer that sells Arctic?Cat ATVs, announced its fourth quarter profit fell 62 percent, according to its press release. The company’s profits have declined the prior three quarters as well.
Gander Mountain had a profit of $5.8 million in the fourth quarter, compared to $15.3 million in the same period the prior year. Net sales fell an estimated 3 percent to $317.6 million. Comparable store sales fell as well. They decreased 11.9 percent in the fourth quarter.
The total results included a loss of $1.2 million for two months of seasonal operating results at Overton’s Inc., an Internet catalogue marketing company that was acquired by Gander Mountain in December.
The company did not state specific sales numbers on ATVs.

Goodyear Profit Climbs 10 Percent

Goodyear, which manufactures motorcycle and ATV tires, said its sales for its first quarter rose 10 percent to $4.94 billion compared to the prior year period.
Goodyear earned $147 million, reversing the loss of $174 million in the same quarter a year earlier.
Robert Keegan, chairman and CEO of Goodyear, says the first-quarter results reflect the success of the company’s strategies “to grow our higher-margin premium product lines, reduce costs and pay down debt.
“Each of our four businesses improved margins and operating income,” Keegan said in the release, “as we capitalized on attractive growth opportunities in targeted market segments.”
The company did not provide specific ATV tire sales numbers.

NOHVCC Seeks National Trails Awards Nominees

Bi-annually American Trails presents the National Trails Awards to leaders working toward creating a national trails system for the public. The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council is accepting nominations for the awards, according to a press release.
Nominations should include accomplishments during the period of June 1, 2006-May 31. The deadline to submit an entry is May 31. The awards will be distributed at the 19th National Trails Symposium in November.
Award categories and criteria include:

  • Trail Advocacy Award: (One award per state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) Nominee(s) must have demonstrated successful efforts to influence public policy relating to trail planning, trail protection, trail development or maintenance.
  • Trail Worker Award: (One award per state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico): This award is intended to recognize the commitment and efforts of a private or public sector individual in working for enhanced trail recreation in their local area or state.
    Other awards include: Best Trails State Award, Trails for Health Award, Lifetime Service Award and the Partnership Award. Go to www.nohvcc.org for more information. psb

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