March 8, 2010: Aftermarket Digest

Major OEM launches line of performance oils
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. debuted a new line of powersport oils. The new Kawasaki Performance Oils line includes full-synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral-based formulations in multiple grades of motorcycle oils, plus new ATV/UTV and PWC formulations, announced the company.
The improvements include mineral-based formulations that Kawasaki says delivers a 20 percent reduction in phosphorous and sulfur content, 45 percent lower volatility, 5 percent higher film thickness, between 15-30 percent better anti-wear characteristics and up to a 15 percent improvement in anti-oxidancy, depending on type.
“These new oils cover gaps in the previous lineup and will help Kawasaki dealers to capitalize on the strong demand for modern synthetic oil formulations, while more effectively serving the needs of their powersports customers,” Jim Williams, KMC’s director of corporate sales, said in the release.
In conjunction with the launch of these new oils, Kawasaki is also releasing new packaging, “Performance Made Perfect” marketing and dealer displays all designed to emphasize the modern, high-performance attributes of Kawasaki Performance Oils.

Flash2Pass will be available on Shopatron
F2P Technologies, makers of the Flash2Pass automated wireless garage technology, has entered into an agreement with Shopatron to provide online distribution of its product using its dealer network as fulfillment partners.
Starting this spring, shoppers will be able to purchase the Flash2Pass set or individual transmitters and receivers on the F2P Web site, f2ptechnologies.com. Consumers in the U.S. will click on “Buy Now” buttons on the Web site to place their chosen products in a shopping cart. Checkout will then be processed through the Shopatron e-commerce order management system. This implementation gives F2P the flexibility to control all aspects of its Web site, while outsourcing dependable order management, payment security, fraud management, customer support and delivery option management to Shopatron.
F2P Technologies is committed to expanding its dealer network to provide better support for customers. The Shopatron online model allows them to support this strategy by sending closed online sales to their local dealers and installation network.
“As our products increase in popularity we want to encourage more dealer participation and want to give our current dealers the power of e-commerce,” said Chris de Janasz, CEO/founder of F2P. “The Shopatron dealer-integrated system works well for us as it provides an extensive dealer network for us to leverage and gives our current dealers the chance to take advantage of e-commerce, something they might not have done otherwise.”

Parts unlimited, drag announce new sales reps
Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties have named two new sales srep.
Parts Unlimited recently announced the addition of Herb Gilley as a new sales rep for the Northeast region. Gilley has been racing and riding motocross since 1994 and has worked previously in the industry.
Drag Specialties has added Jeffrey Colón as a new regional sales representative for Jacksonville, Fla., and the surrounding area. Colón is a Motorcycle Mechanics Institute graduate and has worked at Harley-Davidson dealerships in both Florida and California. He has more than 20 years riding experience.

New national sales manager joins aftermarket company
Rotor manufacturer RayGun Technology has named Sergio Garcia as its national sales
manager.
Garcia will be responsible for North American sales of RayGun Lifetime brake rotors and pads, according to a company press release.
Garcia, who was formerly employed by the Galfer Braking Systems, U.S.A. division, will manage a team that currently consists of five independent sales representatives and one independent sales group covering 50 states.
“We are very lucky to be able to bring Sergio on board,” Nathan Meckel, president and CTO of RayGun Technology, said in the release. “He brings a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge to the team with his eight years of experience in building and managing a wholesale sales group.”

MIC members hear about revive your ride! program
On Feb. 12, the Motorcycle Industry Council conducted its members-only annual meeting in Indianapolis in conjunction with the Dealer Expo.
“The MIC best serves its membership by serving the marketplace,” said MIC President Tim Buche. “And right now that means promoting initiatives that focus on current and prospective motorcyclists, implementing programs like Revive Your Ride! to drive traffic to dealers, and leading aggressive grassroots campaigns for overturning the CPSIA ban on youth motorcycles and ATVs.”
Ramping up the industry’s Revive Your Ride! campaign was a key theme of the annual meeting. Launched by the MIC board of directors in November, Revive Your Ride! is the first industry-wide promotional campaign designed to help raise consumer awareness about special dealership sales, incentives and activities across the nation to help increase dealership traffic.
Powersports dealerships can download logos, advertising templates and other promotional items — all for free — at www.mic.org/reviveyourride.
In his industry overview, MIC Chairman Larry Little said, “In order for the Revive Your Ride! messages to reach consumers and create
a tsunami of floor traffic and boost sales, it’s going to take the support of the entire industry. Its ultimate success will determine our
collective success.”