Industry ForEcasts
is expanding and advancing at increasing speeds,
making it more affordable for applications in our
industry. Equipment manufacturers are working
to incorporate technologies seen in larger
equipment and the automotive industry. Along
with that, you have the increasing need to
educate customers on the benefits of all these
advances and how to choose the right solution
for their needs. Technology has enabled us to
deliver that content in so many ways: websites,
social sites, videos, mobile devices, etc. There
are so many mediums that deliver content on
demand these days that I believe this is another
trend our industry will start to see, content
creation.
6. What is your overall outlook for the
OPE industry in 2013?
PA: I am optimistic for 2013. Indications are
that the housing market is coming back, although
slowly. That is a good sign for our industry. I also
believe the stronger consumer sentiment will help
all in this industry.
7. What advice do you have for the OPE
dealers?
PA: Work smarter, not harder. If you don't
know what lean is, start learning. If you know
what lean is, you should be actively practicing it.
Find what you are really good at, what makes
customers come to you, and then passionately
24
pursue ways to get even better at it. When you are
passionate about your business, customers sense it
and respond by choosing to do business with you.
Partner with your suppliers. Most of us
understand that helping your business, helps
ours. We have staff that are willing and able to
advise and help you work through your pain
points. If you have a supplier who doesn't seem
to offer that support, find one that does.
BRAD MURPHY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & COO
SUBARU INDUSTRIAL
POWER PRODUCTS
(LAKE ZURICH, ILL.)
1. What should OPE dealers know
about your company/organization heading
into 2013?
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
Brad Murphy (BM): Last year, Subaru
Industrial Power Products introduced a new
190-cc chain-driven overhead-cam vertical-shaft
engine (EA190V) to our line of industrial small
gas engine products. When this engine was first
launched, we saw its initial usage on pressure
washers. Now, we are seeing the EA190V
engine on a variety of lawn and garden power
equipment.
Additionally, we are currently expanding
our vertical-shaft engine line to include a 175cc chain-driven OHC engine (EA175V). This
engine will broaden our products reach into
lawn and garden outdoor garden applications.
For more information on the EA Series, visit
subarupower.com/series.aspx?sid=69.
Featuring a vertical-shaft configuration,
Subaru's new EA175V and EA190V are the first
to offer chain-driven overhead-cam (OHC)
technology to the small, air-cooled, vertical-shaft
engine market. Until recently, OHC technology
was only found within the horizontal-engine
market.
In 2013, the industry can watch for several
lawn and garden OEMs to launch products
powered by the EA190 and EA175.
2. What was the OPE industry's top
story in 2012, and what will it be in 2013?
BM: One of the biggest headline generators
www.outdoorpowerequipment.com
