Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/274927
8 • March 17, 2014 • Powersports Business NEWS www.PowersportsBusiness.com www.PowersportsBusiness.com NEWS Powersports Business • March 17, 2014 • 9 Show-only specials for dealers part of plans The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) announced that Marshall Distrib- uting, a wholesale distributor of ATV, motor- cycle, PWC, snowmobile and UTV parts in addition to motorsports apparel, has signed on to become one of the event's newest distribut- ing exhibitors. Marshall Distributing executives visited AIMExpo last October and saw the event's success first hand. Now the company joins as an exhibitor and will interact directly with members of the trade, media and consumer segments of the powersports industry while also hosting members of its dealer network. Marshall Distributing owner and founder Roger Marshall explained his reasons why participation in AIMExpo was something he couldn't pass up. "After attending the inaugural AIMExpo this past fall and seeing the true potential that it provides to dealers, and the excitement created for the consumer, we embrace the opportunity to share the vision with Larry Little and his team," Marshall said. "This is absolutely the appropriate platform to showcase the variety of products we offer in the motorcycle, ATV, PWC, snow and growing UTV markets. We strongly believe this is the type of industry function that Marshall Distributing belongs at to support our dealer network and share our long-time passion with the industry." Featuring more than 450 companies in its network, Marshall Distributing has become an industry leader in the distribution of aftermar- ket parts and accessories for all segments of the powersports marketplace, whether on dirt, pave- ment, water, or snow. Created in 1968 in Cass City, Mich., Marshall Distributing has expanded over its 46 years of existence to include distribu- tion centers in Cass City, Mich., Clifton Park, N.Y., and Sparks, Nev., with a continued explo- ration towards even greater growth. "With such a long legacy in powersports and an impressive roster of brands that is con- tinuously growing, Marshall Distributing is well positioned to take full advantage of the AIMExpo vision," said Larry Little, vice presi- dent & general manager, Motorcycle Group. "Roger Marshall and his team have recognized the value AIMExpo provides by experiencing it in person. We look forward to integrating them into the 2014 event and are excited about the opportunities their involvement will bring to AIMExpo's continued growth." "We will have AIMExpo show-only spe- cials exclusively for dealers in attendance that will certainly make it worth their while to be there," commented Marshall Distributing's president and COO, Joe Mooney. "We are looking forward to the opportunity of unveil- ing our new products and brands to our deal- ers, as well as showcasing them to the media and consumers." PSB Marshall Distributing commits to AIMExpo Yamaha signs with AIMExpo The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, announced Yamaha has signed on as the first OEM participant of the 2014 event, sched- uled for Oct. 16-19 at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center. Yamaha was the first OEM to commit to last year's inaugural AIMExpo and following a successful first year, the brand is looking to expand its presence in the 2014 event. AIMExpo's groundbreaking format offers exhibitors direct interaction with powersports trade, media and consumer attendees. With a significant presence in 2013, Yamaha showcased product in the event's innovative Media Hub in front of the large attending press contingent, while inviting consumers and members of the industry to test ride the latest Yamaha models. "Two-wheels, four-wheels, indoors and out- doors, the AIMExpo format was a much needed shot in the arm for the industry and we consider it to be an absolute success and the future for our industry," said Bob Starr, general manager of communications at Yamaha. "There is great value in the strong foundation the Marketplace Events team has built in the AIMExpo platform, and we are looking forward to leveraging it to greater advantage in 2014." Yamaha's range of class-leading products is known for its diversity for both on- and off-road riding. At AIMExpo, the company presented its Yamaha and Star brands, and integrated itself into the event with unique promotions like the Star Bolt Custom Build Off by recognizing bike builders inside the Media Hub as well as featuring each finalist's creation on the show floor. Further showcasing the Star line was the one-off Kenny Roberts replica Star Bolt motorcycle that was given to one lucky winner in AIMExpo's 3-Way Giveaway promo- tion. Outside, at AIMExpo Outdoors!, dealers and consumers alike were afforded the oppor- tunity to take Yamaha motorcycle, ATV and Viking SxS products for a test ride. "Yamaha successfully utilized AIMExpo as the grand stage for motorcycle and powers- ports business in North America, and leveraged the setting to the fullest extent," commented Larry Little, vice president & general manager, Motorcycle Group. "Their intent to do even more in 2014 is a tremendous complement to the AIMExpo program that targets every facet of the powersports marketplace and provides an ideal time and environment to introduce the newest products to the world." PSB P01x09-PSB4-NEWS.indd 9 3/5/14 11:29 AM