Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/208245
CONTINUED FROM COVER INSIDE HOTNEWS of success to ARI. With more than a decade of experience working with dealers, distributors and OEMs in our vertical markets, David is an excellent fit for the ARI team." Most recently, ValenPolaris will provide MRZR Lightweight Tactical tine served as vice presiATVs to U.S. Special Operations Command. dent of sales for gFAXX, of Polaris Defense. "As a recogan online business intelligence nized industry leading original source focused on the construcmanufacturer of off-road vehition and agriculture industries. cles, Polaris is uniquely posiPrior to joining gFAXX, he was tioned to rapidly develop and the national sales manager for provide the military with purPowerSports Network and RV pose built mobility platforms." Web Services. Valentine earned This award comes on the a Bachelor of Science degree in heels of the five-year contract business administration from awarded to Polaris, in August, to the University of Wisconsinprovide MV850 ATVs to USSOStevens Point. COM. The MV850 is a highly"I am excited to join a leadmobile single operator ATV ing organization such as ARI," platform, designed for the U.S. Valentine said. "ARI's proven military and allied forces. website, e-commerce, data and These recent contract lead management solutions are awards reflect Polaris' commitunparalleled in the industries ment to serve the U.S. military they serve. I have long-admired and favorably positions the and respected ARI's commitcompany to supply the U.S. ment to helping dealers, distriband allied militaries with utors and manufacturers grow ultra-light tactical vehicles and their businesses, and I look mobility solutions. forward to contributing to ARI's "These platforms are a ongoing success as director of modular design to meet the OEM sales." demanding needs of U.S. and international special operations, DRAG SPECIALTIES expeditionary and light infantry ADDS MICHIGAN REP forces," Haddad added. "Both of Drag Specialthese vehicles are deployed and ties announced in use around the globe, in all of the addition of the U.S. military branches and Glenn Philipp special operations forces along as its new with several allied militaries and Michigan sales special operations forces." representative. Philipp GLENN PHILLIPP VALENTINE JOINS has extensive ARI AS DIRECTOR marketing experience, havOF OEM SALES ing launched new dealership ARI Network Services has programs and organized local announced that former Powerrallies in the Milwaukee area. Sports Network national sales He started riding at age 8 and manager David Valentine will has built custom Harleyjoin ARI as director of OEM sales. Davidsons. He now has more Valentine will be responthan 30 years of two-wheeled sible for all of ARI's sales activiadventures. ties for manufacturers in the automotive tire and wheel, EVS SPORTS MAKES HIRE powersports, outdoor power Lauron Kirk has been named equipment, marine, RV and manager of corporate commuwhite goods industries. nications by protective gear "We are very pleased to add manufacturer EVS Sports David to ARI's management and its sister company, LIFT team as director of OEM Sales," Safety. Kirk will be responsaid Roy W. sible for brand development, Olivier, presiwebsite traffic growth, website dent and CEO user interface and advertising of ARI. "I first revenue. met David when Kirk will be based out of the he was national company's headquarters in Ransales manager cho Dominguez, Calif. for PowerSports DAVID "As a longtime motorcycle VALENTINE Network, one enthusiast, I have been wearing of ARI's competitors in the EVS riding products for nearly powersports marketplace. I was 20 years," Kirk said. "I love immediately impressed by his working with products that I professionalism and in-depth believe in and I can personally knowledge of the unique needs attest to the quality, design and of dealers in the industry. David function of EVS products. I have brings extensive industry exper- been welcomed by a great group tise and a stellar track record of people at EVS, and I can't wait P01x05-PSB14-News.indd 3 Powersports Business • November 4, 2013 • 3 NEWS www.PowersportsBusiness.com NEWS 10 ... AIMExpo photos FINANCIAL NEWS 12 ...McGraw integrates with ZiiOS 12 ...Polaris breaks sales record 12 ... Same Store Sales U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin (R-Ark.) joined AIMExpo's Larry Little in Orlando. AIMEXPO GETS CONGRESSMAN GRIFFIN TO PROMOTE SAFETY U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin (R-Ark.), co-chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus (CMC), highlighted safe and responsible motorcycle and off-highway vehicle safety at AIMExpo in Orlando. "I've been into motorcycles and off-roading my entire life, so it was great to visit with other enthusiasts, walk the show floor and see the innovative ways expo participants are encouraging safety," Griffin said. "I'm glad I had the opportunity to talk with key industry leaders, and I'll be taking their insights back to Washington as I continue to promote motorcycle and off-highway vehicle safety and awareness." MIC director of federal affairs, Duane Taylor, said, "We are thrilled that Representative Griffin took the time to come to Orlando and participate in AIMExpo. He is a true champion for our industry and his passion for our sport is obvious. His leadership on key safety, access and other powersports-related issues is very much appreciated and he continues to be a powerful and effective advocate for the powersports community." Griffin represents the Second Congressional District of Arkansas. He is also a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and a former small business owner. He lives in Little Rock with his wife and their two children. Earlier this year, he hosted a motocross event he called "Ridin' With Your Rep," which allowed constituents to share their views on issues affecting the sport. The Congressional Motorcycle Caucus is comprised of members of Congress from both sides of the aisle who are committed to advancing motorcycling and improving the safety of motorcyclists. It also helps promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and Ride to Work Day. PSB to contribute to the success of the brand as it continues to evolve." "We are proud to have brought Lauron on board," said Kevin Hinyub, co-owner of EVS Sports and LIFT Safety. "Lauron's passion for motorcycles, background in advertising, design and layout will be a true asset to EVS Sports. We look forward to a successful and long lasting relationship with him." DALL'IGNA APPOINTED DUCATI CORSE GM Ducati in October announced the appointment of Luigi Dall'Igna as the new general manager of Ducati Corse. Having played key roles for many years in both MotoGP and World Superbike championships, 47-year-old Dall'Igna has acquired significant experience in the world of motorsports. His expertise will enable the Bologna-based manufacturer to increase its focus on the technical aspects of its racing activity, continuing to lay the foundations for a new phase of development and improving its competitive results, the company said. Dall'Igna will report directly to Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali. Bernhard Gobmeier, who has been the general manager of Ducati Corse for the past 10 months, will return to Germany to pursue a strategic position within the Motorsport division of the Volkswagen Group. In his new position, the 54-yearold engineer from Bavaria will continue his upward professional curve within the VW Group. Paolo Ciabatti, who has been the MotoGP project manager since January, is confirmed in his role and will report directly to the new Ducati Corse general manager, as will 39-year-old engineer Ernesto Marinelli, Ducati Superbike project manager for the past two seasons. The new appointments are effective Nov. 11, immediately after the end of the 2013 racing season. "Thanks to this appointment, we can look forward to the next racing season with renewed motivation," Domenicali said. "We are confident that the new Ducati Corse organization, and a strategy even more focused on technical development, will help us achieve our targets, ensuring that Ducati once again becomes a key player both in MotoGP and Superbike. I would like to personally thank Bernhard for his work during these past 10 months and wish Gigi a warm welcome." PSB OPINION 14 ... From the Editor 14 ... Online at PowersportsBusiness.com PSB: FOCUS Helmet/Apparel 16 ...Vega offers small buy-in 17 ...Schuberth caters to women 20 ...ADP Lightspeed helmet study 22 ...KTM launches custom race suits 23 ...Top-searched helmets and jackets ATV 25 ...Dealer adds Kawasaki to lineup MOTORCYCLE 26 ...Magnaflow, Arlen Ness team up 27 ...Dealers turn to digital DMV system 28 ...MAG shifts leadership positions 28 ...2014 Husqvarna models revealed AFTERMARKET 29 ...Hot Products SOLUTIONS 30 ...Hal Ethington 31 ...Steve Jones SNOWMOBILE 34 ...First Yamaha SR Vipers produced Johnson Controls expands AGM battery plant in Germany Johnson Controls Power Solutions, manufacturer of VARTA batteries, has expanded its Zwickau, Germany, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery plant with a €100 million investment, making it the world's largest production facility for AGM batteries. This technology is used mainly for start-stop vehicles. "The demand for start-stop batteries will increase significantly in the next years," said Holger Jetses, vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls Power Solutions EMEA. Projections show that by 2018, roughly 80 percent of all new cars produced in Europe will be equipped with start-stop technology. "AGM batteries from Zwickau play an important role. With the expansion of our plant, we are prepared for the upcoming requirements," Jetses said. The plant's increased production capacity is now 6.6 million batteries a year — four times the plant's output prior to the expansion. The expansion project included the addition of a new production hall, a new logistics building and four new assembly lines, which feature the latest technological standards. The expansion has allowed Johnson Controls to double its employment at the site, from roughly 200 employees prior to the renovation to 400 employees currently. PSB 10/30/13 12:09 PM