Features

Aug. 9, 2010 – Aftermarket Digest

Western Power Sports expands its national sales force

National distributor Western Power Sports (WPS) says it is making a conscious effort to increase and strengthen its sales force.

“It’s imperative that we continue to increase the strength of our sales team as we continue to grow as a company and expand into to new markets,” stated WPS National Sales Manager Doug Riipinen. “It’s part of our company motto to offer the best customer service and support to our dealers and this can only happen when you have the right people on the front lines.

“In the last year, our product offerings have grown tremendously, with such new brands as Pirelli, Two Brothers Racing, Asterisk, Spidi and Dragon Alliance coming on board — not to mention the consumer demand and success of our Fly Racing line.”

In the past six months, WPS has added numerous outside and inside sales positions, hired a new Great Lakes regional sales manager, and brought on a seasoned veteran as the new Fly Racing national sales manager.

The new hires include:

  • Bob Lowry, Fly Racing’s national sales manager, brings 37 years of industry experience, the past 15 spent as the national sales manager for Scott USA.
  • Jared Chonko, Great Lakes Regional sales manager, has nearly 10 years of experience in the industry, most recently as the parts and accessories sales manager for KTM North America, and 25 years of experience in both riding and racing off road. Jared will oversee WPS’ new Great Lakes region, which includes Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois.

    Marshall, Western make deal with Pink Ribbon Riders

    National distributors Marshall Distributing and Western Power Sports have expanded ongoing joint efforts to support the work done by Pink Ribbon Riders.

    Through the companies’ joint efforts, they have developed a series of limited edition GMAX helmets branded as “Pink Ribbon Riders.”

    The product will help raise funds for the organization’s mission of providing direct financial assistance for men and women diagnosed with breast cancer.

    The first of those helmets, the GM 54, a newly designed modular helmet, will be available this fall to U.S. dealers.

    For each sale of this limited edition helmet, the distributors will be donating $5 to Pink Ribbon Riders. Marshalls and Western also are challenging dealers to consider a $5 donation for each special edition helmet they sell.

    Later this year, possibly in mid-November, the GM76 snow cross helmet will be available. The $5 donation from the distributors and the challenge to the dealers will apply to the GM76 as well.

    Alpinestars, Yamaha join to create collection

    Alpinestars and Yamaha Motor Corp., USA have joined to produce a new apparel collection available at authorized Yamaha dealerships, according to a press release from Yamaha.

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    The Alpinestars Yamaha Collection (AYC) features Alpinestars styles with new designs. The first edition of the collection, including leather and textile jackets, off- and on-road riding boots, gloves, protection pieces and performance undergarments, will debut this fall.

    “Yamaha is very proud to have entered into this long-term strategic partnership with Alpinestars,” Bret Snider, division manager of Yamaha’s customer support group, stated in the release. “The collaborative effort of Alpinestars and Yamaha has resulted in a collection that features exciting new designs that will certainly appeal to customers of all powersports brands. I am confident that these items will provide a significant boost in sales for our Yamaha dealers, single-line and multi-line alike.”

    Spectro Oils signs new director of sales, marketing

    Spectro Oils has named JJ Handfield as its director of international sales and marketing, the company stated in a press release.

    Handfield was formerly the sales manager of the consumer division of Bel Ray Co., which he joined after leaving the U.S. Marine Corps. He has been in the oil business for the past 38 years.

    Brock’s named N.A. Disbributor of BST carbon-fiber wheels

    After success distributing BST wheels in the past year, Brock’s Performance has secured exclusive North American distribution rights to all of BST’s carbon-fiber wheels — for metric and European sport bikes as well as Harley-Davidson XR1200 and V-Rod motorcycles.

    The arrangement also will include other BST products currently in the R&D pipeline.

    Bolstered by the recent addition of BST’s European and Harley wheels, Brock’s Performance now carries 145 different BST wheels for 116 bike models from 13 manufacturers.

    Terry Anneke, BST’s marketing and operations director, said in a press release, “BST is delighted that Brocks Performance has become our exclusive North American distributor. We are very happy with the company’s proven abilities and expertise. They have a wide base of customers, are able to service all sales and technical inquiries, and carry an extensive range of wheels.”

    Aftermarket company OGIO expands distribution

    OGIO International, the designer and marketer of bags and gear, has added Action to Sport (A2S) as its exclusive distributor of packs, motor sports and specialty action sports gear in Italy.

    A2S has a track record of working with other action sports brands similar to OGIO while growing brand awareness and sales in Italy.

    “We are very excited to partner with A2S to execute our growth plans to grow OGIO in Italy, a market that appreciates both innovation and uniquely styled products for which OGIO is well globally known,” OGIO Global Vice President Action/Professional/Sport Mark Kuryak said in a press release.

    OGIO said European consumers increasingly are looking for the brand thanks in part to its regular appearance on MTV’s popular series, “Nitro Circus.”

    Yoshimura provides exhaust option for Polaris RZR 4

    Yoshimura R&D has expanded its line of RS-8 exhausts to include Polaris’ RZR 4, the first four-seater sport side-by-side.

    Yoshimura says the new pipe will wake-up the RZR 4’s 800cc fuel-injected twin-cylinder engine, providing more power, more torque and better throttle response.

    The Yoshimura RS-8 is constructed from stainless steel and aluminum alloy for strength and significant weight savings, and makes great power thanks to its innovative multi-stage baffle design. That same multi-stage design also gives the RS-8 an aggressive sound without being overwhelmingly loud. The stainless steel end-cap includes an integrated USFS-approved spark arrestor that will keep the RZR trail-friendly.

    Pirelli’s motorcycle division starts new social media site

    Pirelli Tire North America’s Motorcycle Division has launched a social media site designed specifically as a gathering place where Pirelli fans can connect to the brand.

    Www.GetPirelli.com is the place to find the latest brand news, forums, blogs, products and promotions.

    The Web site offers members an insider’s look into the brand as well as a chance to win Pirelli product. Members also can get cutting-edge news and views on new products, technical updates and communicate with the Pirelli staff through our blogs. In addition, members will receive updates on Pirelli racing activities like FIM Superbike World Championship, the World Motocross Championship, Canadian Superbike Championship, WERA, ASRA/CCS, GNCC and the American Amateur Motocross Championships. The Web site also features links and information about Pirelli’s distributors and roadracing tire vendors. psb

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