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A tease at what’s ahead in the new year

Nel PascaleOne of the benefits of spending each fall catching up with the industry’s major OEMs — as we do annually here at Powersports Business — is we’re often in the know before the general public. Here’s one thing we can tell you: More UTV offerings are on the way, including from a growing presence in this field: KYMCO.
KYMCO USA’s Director of Marketing Rick Pawelka provided insights on the four-wheel market for us, including a teaser of what’s ahead in the new year.

Powersports Business: How would you describe the economic health of the ATV and UTV industry?
KYMCO’S PAWELKA: We believe the industry as a whole is probably in better health due to dealers’ inventory levels being more in line with current demand. We’re hoping we are seeing the bottom and the segment’s growth will turnaround. KYMCO, as a relative new player in the UTV segment, has continued to see consistent growth.

PSB: How did your company’s sales compare with past years?
KYMCO’S PAWELKA: Our sales were down from 2008 for ATVs and scooters, although we consistently outperformed the industries in both segments so we actually had an increase in market share in both categories. In the side-by-side category, we’ve continued to see sales increases year over year from 2008 to 2009 and from 2009 through 2010 so far.

PSB: What are the primary future product trends to look for in the ATV/UTV industry?
KYMCO’S PAWELKA: Increased features and benefits within the existing segments.

PSB: What products do you foresee doing well in 2011? Any other new products/features you’d like to mention?
KYMCO’S PAWELKA: We have great confidence in our UXV line of side-by-side vehicles as they really offer the customer a great value. The more our dealers put people in the seat, the more we see them selling! Our MXU line is gaining a foothold with the introduction of the new 500 IRS and we have some new additions to the 500 that we’ll unveil early in 2011. We’ve been especially pleased with the performance of the new Maxxer series in the GNCC race circuit with Kyle Golding taking third place in the points in the 4X4 Lites class and so we see interest in that line ramping up as well. We have some great new products that we’ll unveil early in 2011 so we can’t let the cat out of the bag just yet!

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