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The 2015 Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO), which was held Oct. 21-23 at Louisville's Kentucky Exposition Center, set several show records. The footprint of the show was 1.35 million square feet (more than 30 acres and the size of 27 football fields), which was the show's larg- est ever. More than 21,000 people attended the show, representing an 11-percent increase in registration over last year. Hardscape North America (HNA), co-located with GIE+EXPO, also had a record atten- dance with a 4-percent increase over 2014. There were 704 indoor exhibits, which represented a 4-percent increase over 2014. With 193 new exhibitors, it was the largest show since the Green Industry Expo (GIE) and the International Lawn, Garden and Power Equipment Expo (EXPO) merged in 2007. The popular New Products Showcase featured 63 companies spotlighting more than 100 products that were introduced within the past year, and more than 25 exhibitors hosted press conferences. With sunshine and temperatures in the 70s and 80s, activity in the Outdoor Demonstration Area buzzed both days, giving attendees a chance for hands-on experience with equipment from 120 exhibitors. Following is an in-depth look at news from many of the exhibitors. For additional exhibitor news, please see our extended coverage at outdoorpowerequipment.com. Altoz continues to expand with all-new XR series, more options for XE series Altoz, manufacturer of high- performance zero-turn-radius (ZTR) mowers, announced the introduction of the all- n e w X R s e r i e s a n d m o r e options for the XE series. Thanks to a successful 2015 introduction of the XE series, the XR series will cater to the multi-acre homeowner and continue Altoz's line expansion that includes 33 models. Both the XE and XR will have the option of Honda GXV and Kohler engines, and the XE will continue to have the option of Vanguard and Kawasaki engines in 2016. "This season, Altoz will have two great model lines engineered specifically for homeowners and commercial operators maintaining larger yards or multiple-acre properties — the XE and now the all-new XR model," said Dennis Brazier, Altoz chief executive officer. "The XE was a strong addition for our dealers last year, and we expect the XR to be even more successful. With having an option of two great engines to choose from, we believe these two models will help dealers reach even more customers." Using the same engineering principles and attention to detail found in Altoz's award-winning XC model, the XR line will deliver the precision cut, reliability, durability and comfort that have become synonymous with the Altoz brand. Two unique models — XR 480 and XR 540 — make up the XR line. Durable twin Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 commercial transmissions are featured in both models, which are available in 48- and 54-inch cutting-deck widths. Large 20-inch rear tires and a high-back seat combine for a comfortable ride. "It's exciting to add Honda GXV and Kohler engines to our lineup; they have a very high satisfaction rate," added Brazier. "Offering con - sumers options is also important to Altoz. With Kohler, Kawasaki, Briggs & Stratton and Honda, consumers will have a choice of quality engines." In 2016, Altoz will also offer its XE series with several optional features. They include the Altoz Independent Front Suspension (IFS), the industry's first parallel twin A-arm independent front suspension (IFS). With adjustable coil springs over gas shocks, which are fine- tuned for precise compression and rebound, the IFS system smoothes out rough terrain and allows operators to mow faster with superb comfort and control. The IFS system is designed to further enhance the performance, function and race-inspired style for which Altoz is famous. In addition, the 2016 XE series will be available with a choice of Honda, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton or Kawasaki engines. "The XE was so well received by our dealers last year that we wanted to offer a few more options to make it an even better mower," said Brazier. ARI highlights latest dealership offerings At GIE+EXPO 2015, ARI N e t w o r k S e r v i c e s d e m - onstrated two of its latest OPE dealership offerings: A R I Pr e m i u m D i r e c t o r y Management and ARI Inventory powered by LotVantage. 1) ARI Premium Directory Management: A whopping 61 percent of local searches result in a purchase, according to Search Engine Watch. However, 50 percent of online business listings contain errors, and 70 percent of business owners say they don't have time to manage listings on sites used by consumers. ARI's Premium Directory Management (PDM) allows dealers to control their online business listings and tap into 7.5 billion local searches, so prospective buyers have no problems finding a dealer's website or brick-and-mortar store using a search engine or directory. PDM provides the following: Real-time updates: Dealers can update information instantly from an ARI-powered website across 60-plus directories, search engines and navigational apps, ensuring their business listings are accurate and up-to-date. Google My Business optimization: Dealers can gain control of their listings on Google, where more than 50 percent of online local searches occur. The service helps dealers claim and optimize their listings on Google to attract the #1 search engine and respond to Google reviews. Delete duplicates: Dealers can identify, redirect, and deactivate 10 DECEMBER 2015 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com GIE+EXPO 2015 Show Recap ■ BY STEVE NOE COVER STORY