Costco aligns with Kawasaki dealerships
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. has announced the national expansion of a regional test market program that allows Costco Wholesale Corp. club members to purchase Kawasaki vehicles at a special Costco member price through participating dealerships.
Kawasaki becomes the first powersports marketer to give its dealers the opportunity to partner with Costco in this program.
“This expansion of the Costco Customer Referral Program is a win for Costco members and a win for our participating dealers,” said Bill Jenkins, Kawasaki’s vice president of sales.
No vehicle transactions take place in Costco facilities. The program is similar to one that the popular warehouse chain has been implementing for several years with automobile and boat dealers. Costco and participating dealers assign a specific price for Costco club members, and they are referred to one of these retailers, based on geographic location. After purchase, the member receives a $250 gift card for use in a Costco warehouse.
Consumers will be able to select from Kawasaki’s complete line of motorcycles, ATVs, Jet Skis, Mule utility vehicles and Teryx recreation utility vehicles.
The test program was implemented in Southern California several months ago. Product displays in the warehouses were accompanied by literature explaining the program.