Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/108758
in 2012 was the inclusion of all 100-cc to 999-cc air-cooled gasoline engines into the evaporative emissions standards. Also, we saw a requirement for lower exhaust emissions. Thanks to our modern engine design, Subaru engines easily complied with all the new regulations. In 2013, you will be seeing a lot of one word: value. Within the two major classes of small engines (lower-cost consumer and heavierduty professional engines), you are going to see manufacturers putting time and money towards improving overall value of professional engine class. By implementing efficient manufacturing and design processes, manufacturers will still be able to provide top-quality products with less overall overhead costs. This increased value helps independent OPE dealers remain competitive with big-box stores. 3. How will the outcome of the recent federal elections impact OPE dealers and the rest of the industry? BM: With the re-election of the current administration, the outdoor power equipment industry and other industries within the United States should expect the continuation of the stricter regulations and the implementation of regulations like E15, regardless of the impact and evidence presented by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. Overall, the OPE industry can expect that the regulatory initiatives of the last four years to continue, including the enactment of E15 policies and the damages it will do to the OPE industry. 4. What are your biggest concerns about the OPE industry, and how should they be addressed? BM: One of the general concerns of the industry is at the retail level.There is a continued trend of big-box stores taking up more and more business from independent OPE dealers. Returning to the concept of value, independent dealers can only survive if they sell quality products that are well supported. If problems do arise, they need to have the power to resolve them with resources such as a good warranty honored by the manufacturer and reliable parts support. Dealers need to carefully pick suppliers with high-quality products and the best possible service because the well-supported dealers provide the most value to customers. 5. What will be the top trends in the OPE industry in 2013? BM: A continued trend for the OPE industry is bringing technology otherwise only seen in the automotive and motorsports industries to small air-cooled engines such as longer service intervals and increased efficiency. We keep this trend at the forefront by converting our small engines from side-valve or pushrod overhead valves to OHC technology. We are proud to be the first company to bring out a full line of OHC engines to the premium air-cooled engines market. This trend will continue with the introduction of higher-technology fuel systems into the small-engine market. The benefits of higher-technology fuel systems include meeting new emission standards and increasing the usability and durability of equipment. 6. What is your overall outlook for the OPE industry in 2013? BM: The state of the general economy over the last few years has forced companies of all sizes to improve their overall efficiency. These optimized companies have systems in place that will allow them to boost production rates when the general economy does improve, without sacrificing quality and service. 7. What advice do you have for OPE dealers? BM: My advice for OPE dealers is to pick brands and suppliers that stress quality, parts support and warranty support. Remember, your dealership cannot compete on price alone.You have to offer a complete package of quality products and outstanding service to set you apart from the rest. OPE OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT FEBRUARY 2013 25