Jun. 14, 2010 – Hot News
Husqvarna Adds Staff to Accommodate Growing Sales
To keep up with increasing sales numbers, Husqvarna Motorcycles North America has added a new dealer relations representative for its western region. Jeff Konicke will manage the growing Huqvarna dealer network in all aspects of dealer support, including sales, after sales and service, announced the company in a press release.
Konicke has already proven a good fit to the company as Mark Brady, president of Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, stated, “His passion for off-road motorcycling coupled with his industry experience with KTM and SPY Optic are important assets that will help improve our communications with our dealers.
“Our future is connected directly to the development of our current dealer network,” Brady continued. “Jeff has a vital role to fill to help us achieve this objective.”
Polaris On-Road Division Expands Breeze Family of Products
Continuing a tradition built on more than 55 years of off-road and on-road products that have earned the reputation of being innovative and well-built, Polaris Industries today unveiled its new Breeze Neighborhood Vehicle model line-up.
“Since our launch in fall 2009, the Breeze and its MyChoice rear seat conversion capability have been very well received, so we’re thrilled to offer two new models to our customers,” said Greg Thompson, marketing manager for the Breeze family of vehicles. New to the line-up is Polaris’ first street-legal electric-powered neighborhood vehicle, the Polaris Breeze SL; and a new two-passenger version of the Breeze.
Built by a company whose name is synonymous with redefining recreational vehicles, each new model features an advanced, adjustable suspension and plush, contoured seating that delivers an extremely comfortable and smooth ride which has become the hallmark of the Polaris Breeze. Boasting an automotive look, premium cut-and-sew seat design, and metallic paint colors, each Polaris Breeze promises to stand out from other neighborhood vehicles.
“The Breeze SL and two-passenger Breeze are yet two more examples of how Polaris is offering new and exciting ways for consumers to enjoy a master-planned community lifestyle,” said Marc Tullemans, director of Polaris’ Neighborhood Vehicle business. “We’ve added the innovation consumers have come to expect from Polaris into all-electric vehicles, making every Breeze a smart and fun choice for the whole family.”
The new Polaris Breeze models will be available for test rides and purchase beginning June 1st, at select Polaris Neighborhood Vehicle dealerships.
American Motorcyclist Association Hires Director of Operations
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has hired Jack Penton to the position of AMA director of operations.
Penton, an AMA life member who was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999 in honor of his off-road racing success, will start June 1.
As director of operations, Penton will report directly to AMA CEO Rob Dingman, and will assist him in managing the day-to-day functions of the association. Penton also will have direct responsibility for the Hall of Fame.
“Jack Penton’s breadth of experience in the motorcycle industry gives him a fresh perspective that I’m excited to bring to the AMA,” Dingman said. “His hands-on approach will help guide our staff as we continually seek better ways to serve our members and more effectively promote and protect the motorcycling lifestyle.”
Penton has more than 40 years of experience in the motorcycle industry. Early in his career he worked for Penton Imports, developing Penton motorcycles, a brand founded by his father, AMA Hall of Famer John Penton. Later, he worked for Kawasaki Motors, Malcolm Smith Racing and KTM America. Most recently, Penton served with Tucker Rocky Distributing.
FTC Again Delays Enforcement of Red Flags Rule
At the request of several members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is further delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule through Dec. 31, 2010, according to a release from the FTC. During that time, Congress will consider legislation that would affect the scope of entities covered by the rule.
The announcement does not affect other federal agencies’ enforcement of the original Nov. 1, 2008, deadline for institutions subject to their oversight to be in compliance.
“Congress needs to fix the unintended consequences of the legislation establishing the Red Flags Rule — and to fix this problem quickly. We appreciate the efforts of Congressmen Barney Frank and John Adler for getting a clarifying measure passed in the House, and hope action in the Senate will be swift,” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said in the release. “As an agency we’re charged with enforcing the law, and endless extensions delay enforcement.”
The rule was developed under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in which Congress directed the FTC and other agencies to develop regulations requiring creditors and financial institutions to address the risk of identity theft. The resulting Red Flags Rule requires all such entities that have covered accounts to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs to help identify, detect and respond to patterns, practices or specific activities — known as “red flags” — that could indicate identity theft.
The rule became effective on Jan. 1, 2008, with full compliance for all covered entities originally required by Nov. 1, 2008. The Commission has issued several delays of the rule. Most recently, the Commission announced in October 2009 that at the request of certain members of Congress, it was delaying enforcement of the Rule until June 1, 2010, to allow Congress time to finalize legislation that would limit the scope of business covered by the rule. psb
