Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/303681
www.PowersportsBusiness.com NEWS Powersports Business • May 5, 2014 • 3 heading into retirement. Ehlert Publishing Group was the fore- runner of PSB parent company EPG Media LLC. Hansen is survived by his wife Jackie and daughter Trish and family. Said Larry Little, VP and general manager of Market- place Events, "As he was to so many in this business, Jim was a mentor and a friend. I was fortunate that he hired me at Cycle World, and he was also my boss. His very creative mind was able to spin out viewpoints on things that I would have never considered, and because of that, he was the most creative problem solver I've ever known. I was very privileged to get some of that schooling and apply it in my career. As a riding com- panion he was the best, as there was nothing he wouldn't tackle, be it Baja on dirt bikes, rides to Idaho (three Valkyries and an NSX chase car!), or CW Trek pre-runs (hitting golf balls off the north rim of the Grand Can- yon …). His creative mind was responsible for creating many of those unforgettable memories with his unique wit and view of what we were doing or seeing." "Jim was our boss, but he was mainly our friend and ally in the good times and our anchor whenever the seas were rough during the time he was publisher," said Rider magazine editor-in-chief Mark Tuttle. "He helped keep morale high and the staff functioning as a team whenever the pressure went up, and he had a knack for turning squabbles into laughs. His wit was endless, and his enthusiasm for motorcycles and the industry would have us bench racing for hours when we should have been working, but it always felt like we were doing something produc- tive. 'Hans' was a great guy and it was a great time at Rider; I'll always remember him." AMERICAN HONDA ANNOUNCES NEW ASSIGNMENTS IN THE MOTORCYCLE DIVISION The Motorcycle Division at American Honda announced that a number of staffers at the senior manager, manager and associate levels will assume new roles and responsibilities at American Honda. "Respect for the individual is the foundation of our Honda philosophy," said Bob Gurga, vice president, Motorcycle Division. "These changes sup- port the ongoing development and expansion of our associ- ates' skill sets, contribution to the company and knowledge transfer, and reinforce key areas of our business in anticipa- tion of future growth in both the two-wheel and four-wheel powersport markets. Ultimately, these changes are designed to enhance the consumer experi- ence with all Honda powers- ports products. These new staff assignments prepare American Honda's Motorcycle Division to maximize our sales, service and marketing support to attract new Honda customers and retain our existing customers." New assignments include: Wayne Toyota, senior man- ager, Dealer Network & Business Support (formerly senior man- ager, Motorcycle Marketing); Mike Snyder, senior man- ager, Motorcycle Marketing (formerly senior manager, Auto Business Operations); Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice announced in March that it has agreed to merge with Motorsport Aftermarket Group ("MAG"). LDI Ltd., LLC ("LDI"), the sole shareholder of Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice, will become the majority share- holder of the combined company. Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., the current majority share- holder of MAG, and other existing MAG shareholders will retain a significant minority interest in the combined company. LDI has been a major participant in the powersports indus- try for 25 years through its ownership of Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice. At closing, J.A. Lacy, president and CEO of LDI, will become chief executive officer of the combined company, which will operate under the Motorsport Aftermarket Group name. Brian Etter will continue in his role as president of MAG's branded product, media and online retail operations. Dan Courtney will continue as president of Tucker Rocky/ Biker's Choice. "The strategic merit for this combination stems from the highly complementary product and service offerings of each of these businesses in the powersports industry," said current MAG chair- man Arnie Ackerman. Lacy added, "Long-term success for the company will be built by bringing enhanced selection, service and solutions to powers- ports dealers in order to drive retail sales growth." The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary regu- latory approvals and closing conditions. TUCKER ROCKY, MAG ANNOUNCE MERGER NEWS 9 ... More Than Rewards upgrades CRM FINANCIAL NEWS 12 ... Brian Gallmeier 12 ... Same Store Sales 14 ... BMW reports record quarter OPINION 15 ... From the Editor 15 ... Online at PowersportsBusiness.com PSB: FOCUS ATV 16 ... New ATV sales trump pre-owned 21 ... Quadski increases dealer network 22 ... Dealer encourages dirt riding 28 ... Product Showcase MOTORCYCLE 31 ... Top cycle searches from KBB.com 32 ... Suzuki's GW250 records hot March 34 ... CFMOTO produces KTMR2R Duke SNOWMOBILE 37 ... SAE Challenge honors students 37 ... Yamaha supports USXC I-500 race SOLUTIONS 38 ... Neil Pascale 39 ... Sam Dantzler PWC 42 ... Emergency response PWC launched 42 ... PWC sales grow in March AFTERMARKET 44 ... Nifty 50 winners show off awards INSIDE KTM adds Buxton as sales manager KTM North America, Inc. has named Scott Buxton as area sales manager for the North- east region. Buxton has been in the powersports indus- try for more than 21 years, working in sales departments across various sectors of the motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel mar- ket. He has been an instructor of motorcycle riding technique and is a 23-year member of the New England Sports Committee. "I am extremely excited with this opportu- nity to work with the KTM brand. I have always admired KTM for its off-road success and leg- endary history," Buxton said. "I am looking for- ward to implementing new vision and direction alongside my new colleagues in the KTM sales department who are some of the most brand- focused and motivated people I have had the pleasure of working with." Buxton brings sales expertise at the dealer- ship, distribution and manufacturer level. "As a native of the New England region, Scott is very familiar with the Northeast mar- ket that he will be responsible for," East Coast regional sales manager Brooks Hamilton said. "We are very proud to welcome Scott Buxton to KTM. His vast industry experience and his pas- sion for motorcycles make him the ideal person to join our sales team at KTM." PSB Dan Wright, senior manager, Motorcycle Service (formerly senior manager, Motorcycle Field Sales); Gary Higgins, senior man- ager, Motorcycle Product Plan- ning (formerly senior manager, Motorcycle Service); Chuck Miller, senior man- ager, Motorcycle Field Sales (formerly senior manager, Motor- cycle Product Planning); Bill Savino, manager, Four-Wheel Product Planning (formerly manager, Motorcycle Press); Susan Fairchild, manager, Motorcycle Social Media Market- ing (formerly manager, Acura Service Marketing); Lee Edmunds, manager, Motorcycle Marketing Com- munications, (formerly manager, Motorcycle Advertising). FORMER TUCKER ROCKY PRESIDENT JOHNSON RETIRES FROM MIC Steve Johnson will retire from his position as chair of the Motorcycle Industry Council Aftermarket Committee, following four years of service, and from his membership on the MIC board of directors. Johnson, from Fort Worth, Texas, was the president and chief operating officer of Tucker Rocky Distributing for 12 years before retiring in 2012. Prior to Tucker Rocky, he served in several key roles within PepsiCo dur- ing a career there that spanned 26 years. "I really enjoyed my time in the industry and working with the MIC," Johnson said. "I feel very encouraged by association's inclusion of dealers among its membership, the MIC's upcom- ing Capitol Hill fly-in to address key powersports issues, and the vital, continuing focus on attract- ing future generations to motor- cycling. As for me, I have three motorcycles and a few tractors now demanding my attention." Johnson's passion for the industry is undeniable, and his hard work and wise counsel were greatly appreciated, said Dennis McNeal, MIC chair, and vice president, motorcycle operations at Yamaha Motor Corporation. "He has been a vital supporter of aftermarket development programs, such the Revive Your Ride! campaign, as well as the MIC's Membership Task Force," McNeal said. "He was fundamen- tal in the establishment of the Right Rider Access Fund and has been a big help with defending land access for riders." DOMINION DX1 ADDS TO STAFF Dominion Powersports Solu- tions is adding experienced industry professionals to its growing DX1 dealership manage- ment team. The new members join an established team of powersports professionals who are imple- menting and supporting DX1, the Schuberth North America to distribute Held in U.S. Schuberth North America announced on April 15 its part- nership with German motorcycle apparel and equipment manu- facturer Held. Schuberth NA will serve as the sole distributor of Held products in the U.S., with a selec- tion of products to become avail- able in June. The selection will include Held's GORE-TEX, leather and textile riding gloves, GORE- TEX textile adventure riding suits for both men and women, and waterproof bag systems. "We are very excited to wel- come Held Rider Equipment to the Schuberth North America family," said Randy Northrup, vice president of Schuberth North America. "Held uses the highest qual- ity materials and draws on decades of engineering innovation to pro- duce some of the best motorcycle gear available, which we believe will perfectly complement our offering of Schuberth helmets." Best known worldwide for its glove lines, Held also designs and manufactures premium motorcycle safety gear, utilizing the highest quality materials and armor. Held's innovations include being the first equipment manufacturer to implement naturally abrasion-resis- tant kangaroo and stingray leathers in its products, the first to use a special inside stepped seam to eliminate seam discomfort and the first manufacturer to use a titanium knuckle cover on their gloves. Schuberth North America has taken over distribution of Held Rider Equipment in the U.S. Former Tucker Rocky president Steve Johnson has retired from his duties as an MIC board member. See Hot News, Page 5 HOTNEWS CONTINUED FROM COVER P01x10-PSB6-News.indd 3 4/23/14 9:54 AM